Pattaya Hosts Charity Futsal Tournament and Youth Camp Drawing Over 10,000 Participants

KABUL: Afghanistan have handed top-order batter Darwish Rasooli the captaincy for their 2026 Asian Games campaign, naming a largely inexperienced 15-member squad for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The squad reflects Afghanistan’s desire to give emerging players a bigger stage, with six players yet to make their international debuts. Five other members have played fewer than 10 international matches. The Asian Games will take place from September 24 to October 3, with Afghanistan choosing to rest several of their biggest names. Regular captain Rashid Khan has been left out, along with explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Their absence creates an opportunity for younger players to step into important roles. Afghanistan have, however, retained some experience. Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat are included and are expected to provide leadership and stability around the younger members of the squad. Much of the selection was influenced by performances in the recently completed 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League. Several players impressed enough in the domestic tournament to earn their opportunity on the Asian stage. Top-order batter Mohammad Akram was among the leading performers, scoring 339 runs in eight innings, including one century and two half-centuries. All-rounder Ismat Alam also caught the selectors’ attention. He scored 294 runs and took nine wickets, earning the Shpageeza Cricket League’s best-player award. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Imran Mir are among the other promising youngsters selected. Rasooli will now face the challenge of guiding a relatively inexperienced group through a major multi-sport event. His leadership could prove crucial as Afghanistan look to turn their emerging talent into international performers. The Asian Games assignment comes soon after Afghanistan’s scheduled three-match T20I series against India in Delhi. The series is expected to be played in the week leading into the continental competition, giving several players valuable preparation before they travel to Japan. Afghanistan Asian Games squad: Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has defended his team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, saying the players represented their country “in the best possible way” despite a series of controversial incidents that overshadowed their run to the final. The Chelsea star shared an emotional message on social media after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final, insisting the team had given everything for the national jersey throughout the tournament. Fernandez’s own campaign ended on a disappointing note after he was sent off late in normal time for a second yellow card following a challenge on Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi. Reduced to 10 men, Argentina struggled to contain Spain before Ferran Torres scored the decisive winner in the 106th minute to hand La Roja the world title. The final was also marred by post-match controversy. Reports alleged that midfielder Leandro Paredes attempted to confront members of the Spanish squad during their celebrations, prompting FIFA to open an investigation into possible disciplinary breaches. Argentina’s players also drew criticism after turning their backs while Spain collected their medals and lifted the World Cup trophy. Earlier in the tournament, the team sparked political controversy by displaying a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” following their semi-final victory over England. The slogan refers to Argentina’s long-standing claim over the Falkland Islands, a dispute that remains highly sensitive between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Despite the criticism, Fernandez chose to focus on the team’s commitment and unity rather than the controversies. “As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result,” he wrote. “For years, this group has represented Argentina in the best possible way. Competing is not only about winning, but about giving everything for the shirt and never giving up.” The 25-year-old also thanked Argentina’s supporters for standing by the team throughout the tournament, describing wearing the national jersey as the greatest honour of his career. Fernandez, who lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in 2022, admitted that missing out on a second consecutive title was painful but vowed to continue giving his all whenever he represents his country. Although Argentina fell short in the final, Fernandez’s message sought to shift the focus from controversy to the dedication and determination shown by the squad throughout their journey to another World Cup final.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have ended with Spain lifting the trophy, but a reported police dossier has brought fresh attention to the security threats that allegedly shadowed some of football’s biggest stars during the tournament. According to a report based on an alleged leaked police document, Lionel Messi was repeatedly targeted with threats during Argentina’s campaign, while Cristiano Ronaldo and several other high-profile figures also faced security concerns. The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, was already one of the largest sporting events ever staged. Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final to claim the title. However, behind the packed stadiums and celebrations, security agencies were reportedly dealing with a series of alarming incidents. One alleged threat emerged before Argentina’s match against Jordan. According to the report, a caller contacted authorities at Dallas airport and threatened an attack at the stadium, allegedly claiming that grenades and rifles would be used. Another disturbing incident was reportedly recorded before Argentina’s game against Egypt, when a threat targeting Messi was posted on social media. Security concerns escalated during the match after authorities received information suggesting that explosives could have been placed inside stadium waste bins. Bomb-disposal specialists and trained detection dogs were reportedly deployed to search the area. No explosives were found, according to the report. The security concerns were not limited to Messi. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly the subject of attempts to obtain information about his accommodation. In another alleged incident, a suspicious individual reportedly managed to reach his hotel while posing as a fan. The pressure extended to match officials and other players. French referee François Letexier reportedly received thousands of threatening messages following decisions made during the Argentina-Egypt match. Players including Alexander Sørloth and Jae-hun Campaz were also allegedly subjected to death threats after missing important opportunities during matches. The reported security breaches prompted authorities to strengthen protection around key World Cup locations. At one media centre in England, security measures reportedly included multiple protective layers, concrete barriers, anti-sniper screens and a no-fly zone. The revelations offer a stark reminder that the spectacle of a World Cup comes with enormous security challenges. While millions of fans experienced football, entertainment and celebration, security teams were simultaneously working behind the scenes to protect players, officials and spectators from potential threats. The security allegations above are presented as reported claims from the supplied report and alleged leaked dossier; they should not be treated as independently established facts unless confirmed by authorities.

MIAMI: Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after becoming involved in a heated late-game confrontation with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. The MLS Disciplinary Committee announced the punishment on Friday, saying Messi had violated the league’s policy concerning players putting their hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent. The amount of the fine was not disclosed. Inter Miami teammate Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for the same violation, adding another disciplinary twist to an already tense encounter. The incident occurred deep into stoppage time on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Subaru Park. With the ball being played elsewhere, Messi approached Sullivan near the centre circle following an exchange between the players. Messi then made contact with Sullivan around the head and neck area. Sullivan responded by confronting the Argentine star, leading to a tense face-to-face exchange before officials intervened. Referee Filip Dujic had initially not seen the incident because his back was turned. He arrived shortly afterwards to separate the players but did not issue either Messi or Quinn Sullivan a card for the confrontation. The match later descended into further chaos in stoppage time. Quinn Sullivan became involved in another altercation with Inter Miami’s Ian Fray, while Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan and Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were also involved in the ensuing scuffle. Cavan Sullivan and Bright were both sent off, turning an already dramatic finish into a disciplinary flashpoint. Cavan Sullivan’s red-card suspension was later overturned on appeal, making him available for Philadelphia’s next match. Despite the controversy, Messi had a major influence on the match itself. He provided an assist before scoring Inter Miami’s second goal in the 26th minute, curling a left-footed effort into the corner. The goal was particularly emotional for the 39-year-old Argentine, as it was his first since returning to action following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Philadelphia eventually fought back to earn a 2-2 draw, with Neil Pierre scoring in the second half to level the contest. For Messi, the match therefore ended on two very different notes: a memorable goal and assist on the field, followed by an unexpected disciplinary sanction. The MLS fine does not carry a suspension, but it serves as a reminder that even one of football’s biggest stars remains subject to the league’s conduct rules. With the regular season intensifying, both Messi and Inter Miami will now hope the incident remains a footnote rather than becoming a distraction from their push for success.