‎France–Germany Crowned Champions of Embassy Football Fest

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

Diplomatic Correspondent: The 6th Embassy Football Fest concluded on a high note at the APBN Field, Uttara, with the ‎France–Germany combined team winning the championship for the first time after defeating ‎Japan in the final. Japan, participating in the tournament for the first time, finished as runners-up with a commendable performance.
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‎The trophies and prizes were presented during a festive closing ceremony attended by members of the diplomatic community and distinguished guests.
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‎The Embassy Football Fest 2025, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh and ‎organized by GamePlay, successfully brought together the diplomatic community in a spirit of friendship, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. The tournament featured teams from 24 embassies based in Bangladesh, along with participation from international organizations, and was held over two consecutive days of competitive and engaging matches.
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‎In the semifinals, the France–Germany team defeated Palestine, while Japan secured their place in the final by overcoming the World Bank team. Palestine won the Third Place Trophy, while ‎Italy was awarded the Fair Play Team of the tournament. Defending champions Saudi Arabia ‎received the GamePlay Spirit of the Tournament Award for their exemplary participation.
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‎The Best Player of the Tournament award was won by Richard, a midfielder from the France– ‎Germany team, who also received a complimentary return air ticket on the Dhaka–Saudi Arabia–Dhaka route, courtesy of the title sponsor Saudia Airlines. The Best Goalkeeper Award also went to a player from the champion team. Alex from the USA emerged as the Top Goalscorer with six goals, while the Best Female Player Award was presented to Team Nordic. Award recipients also received a complimentary one-night stay at Chuti Resort, a co-sponsor of the event.
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‎The awards were presented by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East and West), Ministry of ‎Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh; Marcelo C. Cesa, Ambassador of Argentina; Ms. Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines; along with other embassy representatives. Ali Hossain Fakir, Additional IG of APBN; Mr. Salman A. Alali, Country Manager of Saudia Airlines; and ‎representatives from sponsoring organizations were also present at the closing and prize-giving ceremony.
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‎All matches were broadcast live on Nagorik TV’s YouTube channel, the official broadcast ‎partner of the event.
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‎The organizers express their sincere gratitude to all participating embassies, international ‎organizations, players, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for their support and cooperation. The ‎Bangladesh Football Federation served as the logistics partner. Brothers Furniture, Aster Pharmacy, Unimart, Fresh, Maggi, and Polar were among the event sponsors. Daily Sun was the print media partner, while Alap served as the digital media partner.