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Champions League 2025: Liverpool and Man City draw Real Madrid, PSG face Barcelona and Bayern

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LONDON (BN24) — Liverpool and Manchester City have both been drawn against Real Madrid in the 2025 Champions League league phase, while holders Paris Saint-Germain will face a brutal run of fixtures that includes Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu and travel to Anfield to meet Liverpool in two of the most anticipated matches of the tournament’s early stage.

For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the draw was unforgiving. Alongside Real Madrid, the Premier League champions will meet Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven, and Qarabag of Azerbaijan at Anfield, while facing Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille, and Galatasaray away. Liverpool topped last season’s league phase but were knocked out by PSG in the round of 16.

City, winners of the Champions League in 2023, also face a tough path. Guardiola’s side will host Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Galatasaray at the Etihad, while traveling to Villarreal, Monaco and Norwegian debutants Bodo/Glimt.

PSG, led by Luis Enrique, will meet Bayern Munich at home and Barcelona away in marquee clashes. They also host Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United while traveling to Atalanta, Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon and Athletic Bilbao. PSG lifted the trophy last season after a rocky league campaign in which they finished 15th.

This season marks the second under UEFA’s revamped format, which replaced the traditional group stage with a single 36-team league. Each club plays eight different opponents, with the top eight advancing directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter playoff rounds, while the bottom 12 are eliminated.

Other standout fixtures include Barcelona traveling to Chelsea and Newcastle, while Arsenal host Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid before visiting Inter Milan and Bilbao.

Tournament newcomers Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, who stunned Celtic in the playoff round, will host Real Madrid and travel to London to face Arsenal. Cyprus’ Pafos, another debutant, will meet Chelsea away and Bayern Munich at home.

The opening round of games will take place from September 16 to 18, with the final matchday on January 28. UEFA announced that the 2025 Champions League final will be played in Budapest on May 30, with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. local time, earlier than the traditional 9:00 p.m. start.

Polish F-16 fighter jet crashes during Radom air show rehearsal, killing pilot

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RADOM, Poland (BN24) — A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in a fiery accident during rehearsals for the upcoming Air Show 2025 in Radom, killing the pilot and forcing the cancellation of the weekend event, officials said Thursday.

The crash occurred around 7:30 p.m. CET when the aircraft, belonging to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, struck the runway during an aerobatic maneuver. Footage aired by Polish media showed the jet performing a barrel roll before hitting the ground and erupting in flames as it slid across the airstrip.

Government spokesman Adam Szłapka confirmed the pilot’s death in a post on X. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who visited the crash site after briefing Prime Minister Donald Tusk and military leaders, paid tribute to the fallen officer.

“A Polish Army pilot died in the crash of an F-16 aircraft — an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory,” Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X.

The General Command of the Armed Forces said no civilians were injured, despite many aviation enthusiasts gathering outside Radom Air Base to watch training flights ahead of the scheduled August 30–31 airshow.

Rescue operations were immediately launched by airport fire brigades, supported by units of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration. The runway sustained significant damage, and organizers later confirmed the Radom International Air Show had been cancelled.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

European leaders condemn Russian missile strikes that kill 15 and damage EU mission in Kyiv

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KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — European leaders voiced outrage Thursday after a wave of Russian missile strikes killed at least 15 people, including four children, and severely damaged the European Union’s diplomatic mission in Kyiv. The overnight assault was the deadliest Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital since July and drew swift condemnation from EU and UK officials who accused Moscow of deliberately undermining peace efforts.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the missile barrage as “another grim reminder” of Russia’s willingness to escalate its war on Ukraine without regard for civilians or diplomatic norms. The attack destroyed a five-story residential building in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district and damaged both the EU delegation’s office and the British Council, which is located in the same complex.

“Two missiles hit within 50 meters of the EU delegation in just 20 seconds,” von der Leyen said in a statement. “Russia will stop at nothing to terrorize Ukraine—killing men, women, and children, and now targeting EU institutions.”

Ukrainian officials confirmed the death toll and said dozens more were injured when one of the missiles ripped through the residential block around 3 a.m. Rescue crews continued searching through the smoldering rubble Thursday morning, fearing that some of the building’s ten residents remained trapped beneath the debris.

Among the victims were children aged 2, 14, and 17. Several other minors were also injured. The airstrike came just a day after Russian drones crippled Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving over 100,000 homes without power. A further 60,000 people in the central Vinnytsia region lost electricity following the latest wave of attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes were a direct response to renewed international efforts toward diplomacy. “The Kremlin chose ballistics instead of the negotiating table,” he said. “This is Russia’s answer to calls for a ceasefire and real diplomacy.”

The missile assault followed a U.S.-led push for high-level negotiations to end the war, including efforts by former President Donald Trump to bring Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to the table. Trump had previously met Putin in Alaska and later hosted Zelensky in Washington. Despite Zelensky’s support for the initiative, the Kremlin downplayed any possibility of a summit between the two leaders.

European Council President António Costa called the attack “horrifying,” while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accused Moscow of “sabotaging hopes of peace.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the missile strikes were “a deliberate choice to escalate and mock peace efforts.”

The European Union summoned the Russian chargé d’affaires in Brussels in protest, with a spokesperson reiterating that no diplomatic mission should be targeted. The UK also summoned Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin to its Foreign Office in response.

Von der Leyen announced that the EU is finalizing its 19th sanctions package against Russia and will continue increasing pressure on the Kremlin. She also revealed plans to visit seven EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus in the coming days, starting with Latvia and Finland, followed by Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Romania.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials are set to meet a Ukrainian delegation in New York on Friday to discuss further security guarantees, including military, economic, and political support. Zelensky also held talks in Kyiv with the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff, Adm. Sir Tony Radakin, to coordinate future defense strategies.

While the Kremlin insists it remains open to negotiations, Moscow has rejected the presence of European troops in Ukraine, calling such discussions without Russia’s involvement “a road to nowhere.” As civilian casualties mount and diplomatic efforts falter, the prospects for peace remain grim in a war entering its fourth year.

Credit: BBC

Russian children as young as 8 train with AK-47s and Grenades in military camp near Ukraine border

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ROSTOV REGION, Russia (BN24) — Russian children as young as eight years old have been seen handling AK-47 rifles and practicing grenade throwing during a military-style summer camp aimed at grooming the next generation of soldiers loyal to President Vladimir Putin. The camp, held near the Ukrainian border in Russia’s Rostov region, involved rigorous training exercises overseen by combat veterans from Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Around 83 boys and girls, aged between 8 and 17, took part in the week-long activities designed to foster discipline, physical endurance, and military skills. Participants described the experience as both challenging and exciting. Eight-year-old Ivan Glushchenko expressed enthusiasm after learning to throw hand grenades and fire dummy rounds under close supervision. The training included a demanding “route march” along the River Don, where the children crawled across sand and shallow water while clad in camouflage and carrying what appeared to be real assault rifles.

“I nearly died!” said one teenage girl, reflecting the intensity of the march, while her companion revealed they had completed the drill three times during the camp. Another camper, David, spoke about testing his mental and physical limits through the exercises. “It allowed me to find out how strong my willpower is,” he said.

Among the instructors is Alexander Shopin, a wounded veteran of the Ukraine war who is awaiting surgery. Despite his injuries, Shopin brought his middle daughter to participate, emphasizing the camp’s role in forging resilience and camaraderie among youth. “It’s not the first time I’ve taken part in this route march. I like it – to pass my experience to the children. You can see how a family is forged out of them,” he explained. He noted his daughter enjoyed the teamwork aspect, even though the challenges were tough. “To run as part of a team and not let her friends down – this is what she likes,” Shopin added.

This militarized youth camp reflects the Kremlin’s broader strategy to instill patriotism and prepare children for future military service amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine. Vladimir Yanenko, another instructor, stressed the importance of patriotic education as a way to keep youth engaged in productive activities rather than idle street life. “Patriotic training is very important. They don’t want to hang out in back alleyways. It’s much more fun for them here,” he said.

For older participants, the camp is a stepping stone toward a military career. Seventeen-year-old Anton expressed his determination to serve his country and remain loyal to his cause. “Why I am here? It’s because I want to tie my future with military service. To serve my country and be loyal to my cause until the very end,” he said.

As the conflict in Ukraine persists, camps like this highlight how the Russian government is shaping a new generation through military indoctrination and rigorous training from a young age.

Ruben Amorim apologizes after Manchester United’s shocking League Cup exit to Grimsby Town

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MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Under-fire Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly apologized to supporters following a stunning and humiliating League Cup elimination at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town. The fourth-tier club pulled off one of the most improbable upsets in recent memory on Wednesday night, edging United 12-11 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Amorim, who took charge last season amid high expectations, admitted the defeat was a low point for the club and suggested that the performance revealed far more troubling issues beneath the surface. “Everything is so important in this club. We should do so much better,” Amorim said in the post-match press conference. “I just have to say sorry to our fans.”

United’s evening at Blundell Park began in disarray, as the visitors fell behind 2-0 before halftime in what Amorim described as a listless and unfocused start. Despite a spirited late comeback — capped by Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute equalizer — the Red Devils ultimately faltered in the marathon penalty shootout, with Bryan Mbeumo’s miss sealing their fate.

Reflecting on the collapse, Amorim did not hold back in his assessment of his squad’s mentality. “The players spoke really loud today about what they want,” he said, alluding to a lack of hunger and desire among the team. “The way we started, we were not even here.”

As the pressure mounts on the Portuguese manager, he indicated that the international break would serve as a time for deep reflection, both for himself and the club. “It doesn’t matter that we lost on penalties. Football was fair today. The best team won,” Amorim admitted. “That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team.”

The loss leaves Manchester United’s hopes of domestic silverware hanging by a thread, with the FA Cup now the only realistic avenue for a trophy this season. Amorim, visibly frustrated, lamented the repetition of fundamental errors and his own inability to provide answers. “I would like to say very smart things and important things. I have nothing to say,” he said. “That’s the biggest problem too. Seeing the same mistakes and having nothing to say. I’m really sorry for our fans.”

He also acknowledged that expectations around the club had outpaced its current capabilities, emphasizing the limits of what could be achieved in a single transfer window. “It’s too much sometimes. You cannot change everything in one summer,” Amorim said. “But you need to win games. You need to avoid this kind of performance. I think this is a little bit the limit.”

With questions swirling about his future and the direction of the club, Amorim’s candid remarks have only intensified the spotlight on Old Trafford, where patience is wearing thin and results remain elusive.

Credit: Sky Sport

Israeli Airstrikes Kill 6 Syrian Soldiers, Damascus Condemns Violation of Sovereignty

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DAMASCUS, Syria (BN24) — Israeli drone strikes near the Syrian capital of Damascus killed six Syrian soldiers this week, according to Syria’s government, in a series of escalating military actions that Damascus condemned as violations of international law and its national sovereignty.

Syria’s foreign ministry denounced the strikes, which took place Tuesday, calling them “a blatant breach” of Syrian territory and international conventions. The attack occurred as Syrian forces were investigating surveillance and eavesdropping devices found during a routine field tour near al-Kiswah, state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.

The strikes were followed by a rare airborne operation on Wednesday at a former Syrian military facility in the same area, according to both international media outlets and Syrian state sources. Details of the landing remain unclear, with conflicting reports on the duration and nature of the Israeli presence at the site.

SANA stated that multiple Israeli aircraft conducted strikes, after which “an airdrop took place, the details of which are yet to be determined.” A military source told Al Jazeera that dozens of Israeli troops were involved in the operation and remained on the ground for over two hours, equipped with advanced search gear. Reuters cited two Syrian army officials who confirmed the landing occurred but provided no additional information on its outcome.

Israel’s military declined to comment on the reports. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted Thursday on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that Israeli forces are “operating in all combat zones day and night for the security of Israel.”

According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the latest incidents are part of a broader Israeli campaign inside Syria that has intensified in 2025. SOHR reports that Israel has conducted 95 military operations this year alone, including 85 airstrikes and 10 ground incursions.

The reported Israeli operation took place just 10 kilometers (six miles) from where Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa was attending the Damascus International Fair on Wednesday, further raising tensions amid regional instability.

The Damascus government has accused Israel of systematically targeting military and strategic positions within Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, when a coalition of Islamist-led rebels formed a transitional government. Israel has maintained that its actions are aimed at preventing weapons and advanced military systems from reaching extremist groups operating near its border.

The latest incidents also come amid renewed deconfliction talks between Israel and Syria, aimed at preventing unintended escalation along their shared border. Despite the diplomatic efforts, recent events have underscored the fragility of the situation.

In July, Israel launched strikes on Syrian military positions in the southern province of Suweida, following reports of sectarian clashes. At the time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation targeted forces and weaponry that the Syrian government allegedly intended to use against the local Druze population. Damascus condemned the strikes, reporting casualties among both Syrian military personnel and civilians.

The Druze community, a religious minority that practices a distinct offshoot of Shia Islam, exists in both Syria and Israel. The July airstrikes marked one of the most serious cross-border escalations involving the Druze since the Syrian conflict began.

As the region remains locked in a cycle of military action and retaliation, the international community has expressed concern over the risk of boader conflict. The Israeli government has not indicated any change in its operational posture, and Damascus continues to demand international accountability for what it describes as acts of aggression.

Credit: BBC

2 U.S. Pastors Arrested in $50 Million Human Trafficking and Fraud Case

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DURHAM, N.C. (BN24) — Two self-proclaimed American religious leaders were arrested Wednesday on federal charges accusing them of running a nationwide forced labour and money laundering conspiracy that generated more than $50 million in illicit donations.

David Taylor, 53, was taken into custody in Durham, North Carolina, and Michelle Brannon, 56, was arrested in Tampa, Florida, authorities said. Both are leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI).

The U.S. Department of Justice said the scheme began no later than 2018 and continued through at least July 2025. Taylor, who refers to himself as “Apostle and Jesus’s best friend,” led the organization, and Brannon served as its executive director.

The indictment alleges the church operated call centers in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri to solicit daily donations. Since 2014, KOGGC received approximately $50 million from donors, according to the DOJ.

Authorities say Taylor used the money to fund an extravagant lifestyle that included multiple luxury vehicles, such as a Rolls Royce, a Mercedes-Benz, five ATVs, two jet skis, and four bulletproof cars, as well as several homes and expensive seafood purchases.

Taylor and Brannon allegedly forced victims to work long hours without pay at the call centers and as personal servants for Taylor, called “armor bearers,” who met his every demand. Some victims reportedly slept at the call centers or in ministry houses and were not allowed to leave without permission.

The indictment states that victims were pressured to lie about the use of donations, falsely claiming they supported charitable projects such as water wells or trafficking victims. They were also ordered to cut off contact with anyone questioning the church and required to give up outside jobs.

Failure to meet strict fundraising goals reportedly led to punishments including public humiliation, additional work, restrictions on food and shelter, physical assaults, sleep deprivation, and threats of divine judgment.

FBI evidence includes messages from Taylor demanding fundraising milestones, such as: “you’ll have to raise $164K today!! Each hour you fall behind consequences will start… we will mess with the food.”

Victims were also allegedly forced to apply for government benefits, including EBT cards, under false pretenses to help support church staff.

Taylor and Brannon face charges including conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Convictions carry maximum sentences of more than 60 years in prison and fines exceeding $1 million each. The FBI and IRS led the investigation with support from FBI offices nationwide. The case will be prosecuted by the Eastern District of Michigan.

UEFA Honors Chelsea For Historic Achievement As First Club To Win All Four Major European Trophies

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MONACO (BN24) — Chelsea Football Club received special recognition Thursday from UEFA for becoming the first team to win all four of the governing body’s major club competitions, a historic milestone in European football.

The award was presented during the Champions’ League group stage draw ceremony in Monaco by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. The accolade follows Chelsea’s recent victory in the UEFA Conference League in May, where they defeated Real Betis 4-1 in Wrocław to complete an unprecedented collection of European trophies.

Chelsea’s European honors now include two Champions League titles (2012, 2021), two Europa League trophies (2013, 2019), two Cup Winners’ Cups (1971, 1998), a UEFA Super Cup (1998, 2021), and the 2025 Conference League crown. This unique feat makes Chelsea the first club in history to achieve a clean sweep of UEFA’s major competitions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Čeferin highlighted the significance of Chelsea’s accomplishment, noting it as a landmark moment in European club football.

The recognition underscores Chelsea’s consistent success on the continental stage and cements their legacy among Europe’s elite football clubs.

Champions League 2025/26 League Phase Draw And Fixtures Unveiled

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MONACO (BN24) — The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League phase took place Thursday in Monaco, marking the start of the competition’s second season under its expanded format. This edition features a significant overhaul, with 36 clubs competing in a single league table rather than the traditional group stage setup.

Under the new structure, each team will play eight matches—four at home and four away—against opponents drawn from four seeding pots. Each club faces two rivals from each pot, ensuring a diverse range of competitors while adhering to key restrictions: clubs from the same country cannot be drawn against each other, and no team can have more than two opponents from any single national association.

The league phase will determine the path forward in the tournament. The top eight teams in the final standings will advance directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will enter a two-legged knockout playoff to vie for the remaining spots in the knockout rounds. Clubs ranked 25th through 36th will be eliminated from European competition for the season.

A total of 29 clubs earned direct qualification based on their domestic league performance, while seven additional spots were secured through the play-off round.

The top-seeded teams in Pot 1 include

 European giants Paris Saint-Germain,

 Real Madrid,

 Manchester City,

Bayern Munich,

 Liverpool,

 Inter Milan,

 Chelsea,

Borussia Dortmund,

and Barcelona.

Pot 2 features prominent clubs such as

Arsenal,

Bayer Leverkusen,

 Atlético Madrid,

 Benfica,

 Atalanta,

Villarreal,

 Juventus,

Eintracht Frankfurt,

and Club Brugge.

 Pot 3 comprises

 Tottenham,

PSV Eindhoven,

Ajax,

Napoli,

 Sporting CP,

Olympiacos,

Slavia Prague,

Bodø/Glimt,

and Marseille.

The lowest-seeded Pot 4 contains

Copenhagen,

Monaco,

 Galatasaray,

 Union Saint-Gilloise,

 Qarabag,

 Athletic Club,

Newcastle United,

 Pafos,

 and Kairat Almaty.

Among Pot 1 fixtures, Real Madrid will host Manchester City, Juventus, Marseille, and Monaco, while playing away games against Liverpool, Benfica, Olympiacos, and Kairat Almaty. Manchester City’s home matches include Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli, and Galatasaray, with away games against Real Madrid, Villarreal, Bodø/Glimt, and Monaco.

Bayern Munich’s slate features home games versus Chelsea, Club Brugge, Sporting CP, and Union Saint-Gilloise, and away trips to face Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, and Pafos. Liverpool will welcome Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, PSV Eindhoven, and Qarabağ at home, while traveling to play Inter Milan, Eintracht Frankfurt, Marseille, and Galatasaray.

Paris Saint-Germain will host Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Tottenham, and Newcastle, and play away fixtures against Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting CP, and Athletic Club. Inter Milan’s schedule includes home games versus Liverpool, Arsenal, Slavia Prague, and Kairat Almaty, and away matches against Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, Ajax, and Union Saint-Gilloise.

Chelsea will face Barcelona, Benfica, Ajax, and Pafos at home, while visiting Bayern Munich, Atalanta, Napoli, and Qarabağ. Borussia Dortmund hosts Inter Milan, Villarreal, Bodø/Glimt, and Athletic Club, with away games at Manchester City, Juventus, Tottenham, and Copenhagen. Barcelona rounds out Pot 1 with home matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Eintracht Frankfurt, Olympiacos, and Copenhagen, and away contests versus Chelsea, Club Brugge, Slavia Prague, and Newcastle.

This fresh format is designed to increase competition and excitement, offering fans a broader array of high-stakes fixtures throughout the league phase. The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season promises thrilling matchups as Europe’s elite clubs battle for continental glory.

Credit: Sky Sport

Deadly Cholera Outbreak Sweeps Northwest Nigeria, Killing 8 and Infecting Hundreds

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ZAMFARA, Nigeria (BN24) — A fast-spreading cholera outbreak in Zamfara state’s Bukkuyum district has killed at least eight people and sickened more than 200 others across 11 rural communities, local officials and residents said Thursday, as fragile healthcare access and insecurity deepen the crisis.

The disease, which is transmitted through contaminated water, has surged in the villages of Nasarawa-Burkullu, Gurusu, Adabka and other hard-hit areas. Community leaders said health facilities are overwhelmed, forcing many patients to be treated at home.

“We have over 21 patients presently admitted, although three died due to delays in reaching Nasarawa General Hospital,” said Muhammad Jibci, the village head of Gurusu.

In some communities, the outbreak has spread rapidly with little medical intervention. “We don’t have medicine or drips. Bandits prevent us from going to the city,” said Ya’u Umar, a resident who reported 53 infections in his village.

The outbreak comes as Zamfara continues to grapple with escalating bandit attacks, where armed gangs routinely abduct villagers for ransom and extort farming communities. Violence has made travel and farming increasingly dangerous, limiting access to hospitals and clean water supplies — conditions fueling the cholera crisis.

Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, a federal lawmaker, urged the Zamfara government and international aid organizations to act swiftly. “Any delay will cost more lives, especially among women and children,” he said, calling for the rapid deployment of emergency response teams and cholera treatment centers.

State health authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the outbreak.

Cholera remains a recurring public health threat in Nigeria, particularly in rural regions and urban slums where shortages of clean water and sanitation infrastructure remain widespread.

Reuters

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