All participants of the Champions League playoffs have been announced.

All 18 matches of the final, eighth round of the main stage took place on Wednesday. Based on their results, the teams that took places from first to eighth received a direct ticket to the 1/8 finals. The teams that finished in lines from 9th to 24th will play in the playoff round.

The results of the draw, which will take place on January 31 in Nyon, Switzerland, will determine the pairs of playoff matches for reaching the 1/8 finals. The teams that are higher in the standings will play the return matches at home. The matches will be held on February 11-12 and 18-19.

The possible pairs of the playoff round for reaching the 1/8 finals look like this:

• «Monaco»/»Brest» - «PSG»/»Benfica»;
• Sporting/Brugge vs Atalanta/Borussia;
• Celtic/Manchester City vs Real/Bayern;
• Feyenoord/Juventus vs Milan/PSV.

Rostov football club has signed a contract with Denis Titov, an 18-year-old striker of the Turkmenistan youth national team, the club's press service reports.

"The 18-year-old striker has signed a contract with our club. Denis is a graduate of the Ashgabat Children's and Youth Sports School of the Olympic Reserve. He played for the youth and youth national teams of Turkmenistan. Currently, the player is on a training camp in the UAE with the Rostov main team. We welcome Denis and wish him good luck as a member of our club!", the message says.

Brazilian footballer Neymar has left the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. This was announced in a statement on the “Al-Hilal” club website.

"Al-Hilal” and Neymar have agreed to terminate the contract by mutual consent. We would like to thank Neymar for his contribution throughout his career at “Al-Hilal” and wish him all the best in his future endeavors", the statement reads.

32-year-old Neymar, one of the most talented players in world football, joined “Al-Hilal” in August 2023 after stints with Spanish giants “Barcelona” and French powerhouse “Paris Saint-Germain”.

Neymar, who signed a contract with “Al-Hilal” for an astronomical sum, was sidelined for a year due to an injury sustained while playing for the national team in October 2023. In his brief tenure at “Al-Hilal”, the Brazilian footballer made a total of 7 appearances, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists.

It is expected that Neymar will sign a contract with “Santos”, the club where his football career began.

President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree awarding a group of military personnel and employees of military and law enforcement agencies with medals, military and special ranks, as well as class ranks, TDH reports.

The document was signed in honor of Defenders of the Fatherland Day and takes into account the great personal contribution of the awardees to strengthening the independence and sovereignty of the country, increasing defense capability, and protecting the territorial integrity and constitutional order of Turkmenistan. Awards were also given for maintaining security, public and legal order, for exemplary performance of military duties and high performance in combat training.

On January 27, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a working meeting with the participation of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T.Atahalliyev and khakimov velayats, which addressed issues related to the situation in the agricultural sector and the regions of the country.

The first speaker was given to the hakim of the Ahal Velayat, S.Soltanmyradov, who reported on the pace of seasonal agricultural work.

As reported, these days, according to agrotechnical standards, wheat is being properly cared for in the fields of the velayat.

To prepare the areas for cotton sowing, harrowing and combing of the lands are carried out.

At the same time, preparations are continuing for agricultural producers of high-quality cotton seeds adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the region, as well as machinery and aggregates that will be used in the spring campaigns.

At the same time, measures are being taken to select the necessary seed material and land planning for the upcoming planting of potatoes and vegetable crops.

Along with these works, measures are being taken to improve the land reclamation condition, clean irrigation and drainage systems.

Hakim also reported on the progress of construction of social and industrial facilities scheduled to open this year according to the National Rural Program.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the need for an integrated approach to the high-level seasonal agrotechnical measures currently underway, in particular, wheat care and field preparation for sowing, giving the hakim a number of specific instructions.

The President of Turkmenistan also instructed to keep under control the timely and proper execution of works planned for the current year within the framework of the country's socio-economic development programs.

Then the hakim of the Balkan Velayat H.Ashyrmyradov reported on the progress of agricultural campaigns in the region.

As reported, wheat care continues in the fields in accordance with agrotechnical standards.

Areas for cotton sowing are also being prepared, high-quality seeds are being harvested for agricultural producers, and machinery and aggregates are being brought into proper operational condition for the spring season.

The necessary measures are being taken in the velayat to prepare land and seed material for the planting season of potatoes and other vegetable crops.

Also, in order to ensure the rational and efficient use of water resources, appropriate work is being carried out to ensure the normal flow of water in rivers and irrigation channels in the region.

In addition, Hakim reported on the progress of the construction of social and industrial facilities scheduled for commissioning in the province this year.

After hearing the report, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted the need to pay special attention to improving the effectiveness of seasonal agricultural activities and gave the hakim appropriate instructions.

The President of Turkmenistan also instructed the head of the regional administration to monitor the quality of construction work at various facilities scheduled to open this year.

Then hakim of Dashoguz velayat D.Babayev reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural work in the region.

As reported, in order to prepare for the upcoming cotton sowing, harrowing, surveying and rinsing are currently being carried out.

At the same time, necessary measures are being taken to provide agricultural producers with high-quality cotton seeds, as well as to bring machinery and aggregates into proper operational condition for use in spring campaigns.

In addition, appropriate steps are being taken in the velayat to prepare fields and selected seed material for planting potatoes and vegetable crops in the upcoming season.

In order to improve the land reclamation status of the region's agricultural lands and ensure normal water flow, work is currently underway to clean irrigation channels and collector systems.

Hakim also reported on the progress of construction of various facilities, which are planned to be put into operation in the territory of the velayat this year in accordance with the programs of socio-economic development of the country.

Summarizing the report, the President of Turkmenistan noted that compliance with agrotechnical requirements is an important condition for improving the efficiency of agricultural work and in this regard addressed specific instructions to the hakim.

In addition, the head of state stressed the importance of the successful implementation of the tasks outlined in the programs of socio-economic development of the country, and instructed the hakim to keep under control the work carried out in the region in this direction.

Next, the hakim of the Lebap Velayat, M.Annanepesov, made a report on the pace of seasonal agricultural campaigns.

As reported, work on wheat-sown fields continues in accordance with agrotechnical standards, which will allow for a high yield.

In turn, harrowing, surveying and irrigation are carried out in the areas allocated for cotton.

Everything necessary is also being done to supply producers with high-quality seeds and prepare agricultural machinery for cotton sowing in the spring.

At the same time, the land is being planned for early varieties of potatoes and vegetable crops, and selected seed material is being harvested.

In preparation for spring sowing, the territories around agricultural lands, irrigation and drainage systems are being cleaned.

Information was also provided on the dynamics of the construction of social and industrial infrastructure facilities scheduled to open this year in accordance with the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country in 2022-2028 and the National Rural Program.

Summarizing the report and emphasizing the priority of wheat care and preparation of areas for the spring sowing campaign, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed specific instructions to the head of the regional administration.

Separate instructions related to compliance with the quality and deadlines of work defined by the National Rural Program for the current year.

Then the hakim of Mary velayat B.Orazov reported on the progress of seasonal campaigns in the agricultural sector.

As reported, in order to fulfill the tasks of obtaining a high yield, routine maintenance is carried out in wheat fields.

Along with this, harrowing and combing are continuing in the designated areas to prepare for cotton sowing.

High-quality seeds are being prepared for the upcoming campaign, equipment and aggregates are being put in proper operational condition.

At the same time, land plots are being planned for potatoes and other vegetable crops, and seed material is being harvested.

In order to improve the supply of water to the fields and ensure its stable supply, rivers and irrigation channels are being cleaned in the territory of the velayat.

The head of the regional administration also reported on the state of affairs in new buildings planned for opening this year in accordance with the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country in 2022-2028 and the National Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the transformation of the social and living conditions of the population of villages, towns, etraps and etrap centers for the period up to 2028.

After hearing the information and noting the importance of agricultural technology standards as a factor in obtaining high yields of agricultural crops and sustainable agricultural development, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to ensure their observance when caring for wheat and preparing land for sowing.

The Head of State also instructed to keep under control the quality of construction of facilities scheduled for commissioning this year in accordance with the National Rural Program.

Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T.Atahalliyev made a report on the dynamics of seasonal agricultural campaigns in the country.

As reported, work on wheat-sown fields is carried out in accordance with agrotechnical requirements, which is designed to ensure a high grain yield and fully provide them to the population.

In preparation for the spring sowing of cotton, harrowing, combing, surveying and rinsing are continuing in the designated areas.

At the same time, everything necessary is being done to supply farmers with high-quality seeds and to bring agricultural machinery into proper operational condition.

In light of the upcoming season, land is also being planned locally for potatoes and other vegetable crops, and seed is being harvested.

Summarizing the report and emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to the implementation of ongoing agricultural work in accordance with agricultural technology standards, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov ordered to keep them under control.

Then, addressing the participants of the working meeting, the head of state again focused on seasonal agricultural campaigns. In this regard, it was instructed to keep harrowing, surveying, combing and rinsing of cotton fields under constant control, to provide producers with high-quality seeds before sowing and to bring machinery and aggregates into proper operational condition, as well as to continue caring for wheat crops in accordance with the requirements of agricultural technology.

Separate orders concerned the proper harvesting of seed material and the planning of areas for planting potatoes and vegetable crops in spring, timely settlements with cotton and grain producers and service companies.

At the same time, it was instructed to take appropriate measures to maintain stable water flow in rivers and irrigation channels on the ground, and to keep under constant control the progress of construction of social and industrial infrastructure facilities scheduled for opening this year.

Concluding the working meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the participants good health, family well-being and great success in their work.

The national table tennis team of Turkmenistan went to the international tournament, which takes place in Doha (Qatar) from January 27 to January 30.

According to the press service of the Table Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan, medals in several age categories from U11 to U19 will be awarded at this tournament. The strongest athletes from Asia, Arab countries and Europe will take part in the competition, which makes the tournament highly rated and attracts the best players.

The national team of Turkmenistan is represented by Ilyas Allanazarov, Vepa Meredov, Nazim Turdiev, Adakhan Pygamov, Dortguly Allanazarov, Mukam Artykov, Arslan Gurbanov, Nazar Abdiyev and Jennet Amandurdiyeva. The team is led by coach David Yakubov.

This tournament is the beginning of the preparation of Turkmen masters for the Youth Olympic Games in 2026 and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

Dovetjan Yagshimuradov teaches PFL Vice President Kogan Mike and Senior Director of Operations Eduardo Cunha Lima traditional Turkmen garments - "ichmek" and "takhya" skullcap.

Mike Kogan expressed his gratitude for the "amazing gift" on the social network.

The athlete's meeting with the ZAD leadership remained within the framework of the ZAD Road to Dubai tournament.

The women's chess tournament of the first league of the championship of Turkmenistan was held in Ashgabat. From January 19 to January 25, 48 participants competed for tickets to the top league of the national championship, the press service of the Chess Federation reports.

The winner of the tournament was 17-year-old Gulmira Sailkhanova from Turkmenabat, who scored 8 out of 11 possible points. The second place was taken by Byagul Ezizova, who also scored 8 points, but lost in additional indicators. Ogulsurai Bayrambaeva became the bronze medalist with 7.5 points.

Special attention should be paid to 10-year-old Aya Bayramova, who not only made it to the top league, but also previously won bronze at the World Rapid Championship among 10-year-old girls.

The main tournament with the participation of 12 of the country's strongest chess players will be held from February 9th to 20th. The organizers were the ORIENT media portal, the Telwas coworking center and other partners contributing to the development of chess in Turkmenistan.

Turkmen FIFA international football referees are taking part in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Referees Seminar/VAR Course, which is being held in Tashkent from January 20th to 24th. It is worth noting that the referee seminar, which is taking place at the Khusma Hotel in Tashkent, is attended by 23 referees and 2 observers from CAFA member countries. This was reported by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan.

Two Turkmen referees, Resul Mamedov and Arslan Goshshanov, are participating in the seminar. The seminar focused on the changes made by FIFA to the regulations for football competitions, as well as to the VAR system, which will be adopted by CAFA in 2025.

Training and seminars of this kind are very important for referees, as football is constantly evolving, and the rules of the game are periodically updated and modified by the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA). Familiarization with the latest changes in the rules and trends in refereeing helps referees maintain a high level of professionalism and ensure fairness and objectivity during matches.

It should be noted that the participation of Turkmen referees in the CAFA seminar contributes not only to their personal professional growth, but also to the overall development of football in Turkmenistan.

For further context, the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) is a subdivision and association within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It unites the football federations of Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Guinness Book of World Records has recognized a new achievement: Swedes Emil Ulsson and Fredrik Nilsson, known as the Spin Duo, held the longest continuous table tennis tournament in a basement. It lasted 13 hours, 37 minutes, and 6 seconds, reports United Press International.

According to the established rules, the game must not be interrupted, which meant that snacks had to be eaten and numb hands had to be massaged while simultaneously hitting the ball. To prepare for the challenging tournament, the Spin Duo trained regularly for four months.

According to the newly minted record holders, the most difficult thing was to concentrate so that nothing distracted them and the ball was always in sight. Therefore, most of the game took place in complete silence, although Ulsson and Nilsson's relatives and friends were in the basement for 13 hours.

Eighteen clubs secured their participation in the Champions League playoffs one round before the end of the main stage. The teams ranked from first to eighth will advance directly to the 1/8 finals, and 16 more participants will play in the playoff playoff round, where the teams ranked from ninth to 16th will be seeded. The winners of this round will advance to the 1/8 finals, while the losers will continue the European season in the Europa League.

Before the eighth round, English Liverpool and Spanish Barcelona guaranteed themselves a direct ticket to the 1/8 finals, while English Arsenal and Italian Inter will at least be seeded in the playoff round. Milan, Atalanta, Juventus (all from Italy), Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Borussia (all from Germany), Monaco, Lille, Brest (all from France), and Atletico will also qualify for the playoffs, Real Madrid (both from Spain), Aston Villa (England), Feyenoord (Netherlands) and Celtic (Scotland).

Nine clubs lost their chances for the playoffs and the continuation of the European Cup season: Sturm, Salzburg (both Austria), Bologna (Italy), Sparta (Czech Republic), Leipzig (Germany), Girona (Spain), Crvena Zvezda (Serbia), Slovan (Slovakia) and Young Boys (Switzerland).

All 18 matches of the eighth and final round of the general stage of the Champions League will be held on the night of January 29-30 and will begin simultaneously at 01:00 Ashgabat time.

The Football Association of Uzbekistan (FAA) has announced the early termination of the contract with the head coach of the national team, Srechko Katanets. The Slovenian specialist decided to leave his post for health reasons, stating that in his current condition he could not fully perform his professional duties.

Katanets took over the Uzbek national team in August 2021, signing a four-year contract. Under his leadership, the team successfully competed in the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, where it currently ranks second in Group A, scoring 13 points and second only to the Iranian national team.

During the work of the Slovenian specialist, the national team of Uzbekistan played three matches against Turkmenistan, winning in all meetings. Two of them were won in the 2026 World Cup qualification with the same score 3:1, and another one with the score 2:0 in the CAFA Nation's Cup tournament.

The FAA has already started searching for a new head coach for the national team. The future mentor will face an important task – to continue the fight to reach the final of the 2026 World Cup, where the top two teams from each of the three Asian qualification groups directly qualify.