Sport
Summer 2025 transfer window closes for 5 days due to FIFA Club World Cup
The first phase of the Summer 2025 Premier League transfer window closed at 7pm on Tuesday, June 10, marking a temporary pause in player movement ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The window will reopen on Monday, June 16, before closing again on September 1 at 7pm.
This year’s unusual two-part window is due to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday, June 15.
To allow participating clubs to register players in time for the tournament, FIFA permitted an early opening of the transfer window on June 1. However, FIFA rules cap the total duration of transfer windows in a calendar year to 16 weeks, necessitating a break in this summer’s schedule.
The early window—from 1 to 10 June—was designated for the 20 national associations with clubs competing in the Club World Cup, including England. Manchester City and Chelsea are England’s representatives in the tournament, but all Premier League clubs were eligible to sign players during this initial period.
Key Transfers So Far
Several high-profile moves were completed in the early phase of the window:
Manchester United secured the services of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool signed right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea added striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and defender Mamadou Sarr.
Manchester City bolstered their squad by signing left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, part of Pep Guardiola’s ongoing squad evolution.
Additionally, Real Madrid signed Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and centre-back Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth, allowing both players to feature in the Club World Cup.
What Happens Next?
The window reopens on Monday, 16 June, allowing clubs—particularly those still competing in the Club World Cup—to register players for the knockout rounds. The final deadline for transfers is Monday, 1 September at 7pm, slightly earlier than the usual 11pm closure.
Deal Sheets and Late Moves
To accommodate deals completed late in the day, clubs may use a “deal sheet” to confirm a transfer agreement before the deadline. For this first window phase, deal sheets had to be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, granting clubs until 9pm to finalize the paperwork.
As the second window looms, more transfer activity is expected, with clubs looking to strengthen ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season and beyond.
Fan Zone
Meanwhile, Afghan football fans will have access to live coverage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup through Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN), which has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the tournament in Afghanistan.
The network’s commitment to bringing major global sporting events to local audiences reinforces its growing role as the country’s leading sports broadcaster.
This marks a significant step in ATN’s efforts to connect Afghan viewers with international football, providing access to world-class clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
The move is part of ATN’s broader strategy to make international sports more accessible to Afghan audiences and to inspire the next generation of Afghan sports fans and athletes.
Sport
Afghanistan national buzkashi falls short in Kokpar World Championship semifinals
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.
Sport
FIFA sanctions Israeli Football Association over discrimination violations
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.
Sport
Afghanistan national buzkashi team defeats Hungary 14–0
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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