Sport
Afghanistan set for tough CAFA Nations Cup group clashes
All of Afghanistan’s group stage matches will be played at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe.
The Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) has released the schedule for the 2025 Nations Cup, which will run from 29 August to 8 September in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan has been drawn in Group B, based in Dushanbe, alongside host nation Tajikistan, regional powerhouse Iran, and guest team India.
Afghanistan will open its campaign against Iran on 29 August, a challenging fixture against the highest-ranked side in the tournament. Their second match will be on 1 September against India, followed by a clash with hosts Tajikistan on 4 September.
All of Afghanistan’s group stage matches will be played at the Republican Central Stadium in Dushanbe.
Group A, hosted in Tashkent, includes Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Oman. The top team from each group will qualify directly for the final on 8 September in Tashkent, while the runners-up will meet in the third-place playoff the same day in Dushanbe.
For Afghanistan, the tournament represents both a competitive challenge and an opportunity to measure progress on the international stage.
Facing Iran, a regular World Cup contender, will test the team’s resilience, while the clash with India is expected to be one of the most closely watched encounters of the group.
Meeting Tajikistan in front of their home fans adds further pressure, with the hosts aiming to capitalize on local support.
The CAFA Nations Cup, now in its second edition, brings together six member nations along with invited teams Oman and India.
Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team was eliminated from the Kokpar World Championship after losing 4–2 to Uzbekistan in the semifinals on Friday.
The defeat prevented the Afghan team from reaching the final, ending their hopes for the tournament title.
Earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan had secured victories over Hungary, Mongolia, and Russia, showcasing strong performances in the opening rounds.
The international Kokpar competition was hosted in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan, bringing together top teams from around the world.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Israel Football Association (IFA) for multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA member, following allegations of discrimination raised by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
The decision comes after the PFA submitted a proposal at FIFA’s 74th Congress, prompting the FIFA Council to mandate a formal investigation. The Committee found that the IFA violated Articles 13 and 15 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, covering offensive behaviour, breaches of fair play, and racist abuse.
As part of the sanctions, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000, issued a formal warning, and ordered to implement a comprehensive prevention plan. The plan includes displaying a highly visible banner reading “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” at its next three home matches in A-level FIFA competitions. FIFA must approve the banner’s layout and placement before each game.
Additionally, one-third of the fine must be invested in anti-discrimination initiatives within 60 days, including reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official channels for a full season. The remainder of the fine must be paid within 30 days.
FIFA emphasized that football carries a responsibility to promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect, particularly during periods of conflict and division.
The IFA has been formally notified, and the decision has been published on FIFA’s legal portal. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Afghanistan national buzkashi team secured a 14–0 victory over Hungary in its opening match of the 2026 International Kokpar Tournament in Kazakhstan.
The city of Turkestan in Kazakhstan is hosting the international Kokpar competition.
The tournament began on March 15 and will continue until March 21, 2026.
Teams from Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkey are participating in the competition.
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