Governing body of football in Asia and Australia
Messi has returned to the field for Inter Miami amid weather delays, scoring and assisting in a Leagues Cup clash. The club remains unbeaten in eight matches, with Messi’s form continuing after the World Cup final. Other MLS actions see Suarez and Mendez scoring in Columbus’ draw as the league contends with scheduling and player welfare.
FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell a minority stake in World Cup assets after broad, global backlash. UEFA and other confederations had threatened boycotts and demand reforms. The leadership faces renewed scrutiny as talks to rebuild trust begin.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has seen European and several other confederations pull back support after the aborted Forward Enterprise plan to privatise parts of the World Cup, amid varied backing from South American and African bodies.
FIFA has withdrawn a plan to privatise parts of the World Cup after widespread condemnation from UEFA and others. Infantino’s leadership is under intense scrutiny as allies distance themselves and potential successors emerge.
FIFA has scrapped its controversial plan to create a for-profit subsidiary to manage World Cup rights and related revenue, after backing from many member federations. The move follows a backlash over private investment and subsequent pledges to review leadership amid questions about the federation’s direction.
FIFA President Infantino faces mounting criticism as stakeholders push back against a proposed World Cup profit plan. Leaders from UEFA and CONCACAF condemn the plan, while Canada and other hosts reassert concerns. The controversy has intensified ahead of the March presidential election in Rabat.
A travel feature on Yerevan, Armenia, exploring Republic Square, the Dancing Fountains show, and the city’s heritage from Tamanian’s design to recent tourism growth linked to direct flights from London.
FIFA has apologised for the mishandling of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan and confirms the project is off the table. UEFA, CONCACAF and others are pressing for governance reforms as Infantino faces sustained criticism ahead of the 2027 election.
European football bodies keep pressure on Gianni Infantino after the aborted FFE plan. UEFA has lost confidence and a broad boycott threat remains in motion; multiple confederations express opposition or support as the 2027 election nears.
The Norwegian Football Federation has called for Gianni Infantino to resign amid fallout from his bid to privatize the World Cup via the FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA maintains its boycott threat and several European federations have withdrawn support as Infantino seeks re-election next March.
President Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino after UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC accused him of "breaking trust through deception" over a shelved plan to sell stakes in a new commercial arm. Infantino has retained support from CAF and CONMEBOL while several national federations have withdrawn endorsement ahead of the 2027 election.
The European, North American and Asian confederations have publicly questioned Gianni Infantino’s leadership after the aborted Football Forward Enterprise plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. They call for an independent review and promise to seek unity in leadership that serves football.
Signatories including Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan express support for FIFA President Infantino, while European bodies threaten boycotts. The plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors has been withdrawn, but governance concerns linger as opposition grows and challengers prepare for the next vote.
Infantino is facing a leadership crisis as CONCACAF, UEFA and AFC push for his resignation amid a failed World Cup privatization plan. He is meeting Dominican officials while allies seek to rally support and counter moves to unseat him ahead of the March 2021 presidential election. FIFA has not commented on ongoing requests for change.
Six Nordic associations have united to back UEFA and call for Infantino’s resignation, while pressing for an independent review of FIFA’s governance after plans to privatize World Cup profits faced global pushback.
Fifa has shelved the Forward Enterprise plan amid fierce opposition from UEFA and other bodies. Ceferin calls for Infantino to quit; EU associations warn against selling football to private investors. The plan is dead, but governance tensions persist as Infantino seeks support ahead of a potential fourth term.
Ceferin has said he is not pursuing Infantino’s FIFA presidency but warns Infantino faces mounting pressure and could step down or face a leadership challenge as several confederations threaten a no‑confidence vote. The comments come amid reports of growing discontent over plans for private investment in FIFA tournaments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under renewed pressure as European and other confederations reassess backing for his plan to privatise FIFA events. After the aborted Forward initiative, member associations are weighing leadership and governance reforms ahead of the 2027 Congress.
FIFA has acknowledged missteps in a bid seen as reshaping world soccer toward Saudi influence. SAFF supports dialogue to restore unity while divisions persist among confederations over a $20 billion plan and leadership questions ahead of a potential no-confidence push.
UEFA has escalated pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino after revealing a criminal mismanagement complaint in Switzerland related to a failed bid to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The move follows a broader backlash from FIFA member bodies amid concerns over a $4.2 billion investment plan that would have paid out to federations. Infantino has not indicated he will step down, and election remains scheduled for March 2027.
The FFF has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino amid concerns over FIFA’s governance and plans to sell World Cup stakes. UEFA and other confederations join in pressing for reform as Infantino plans to stand again in 2027.
FIFA President has reaffirmed plans to seek a fourth term in 2027 despite mounting criticism from UEFA and other confederations over the failed FFE plan to privatise World Cup profits. Nominations close 18 November ahead of the Rabat congress.
Fans at a Saudi Pro League game between Al-Taawoun and Al-Hilal chanted Jota’s name at Ruben Neves, a close friend of the late Diogo Jota. Neves responded by pointing to his eye and sky; Ronaldo has urged lifetime bans for offending fans. Both clubs and Saudi football authorities say they will take action to prevent such abuse.
UEFA and CONCACAF presidents have urged an independent review of FIFA’s finances and proposed releasing at least $10 million to every member association for the 2027-30 cycle, on top of the FIFA Forward Programme. The plan relies on reserves of about $6 billion and aims to avoid selling interests in FIFA competitions.
Saudi Pro League officials condemn offensive chants directed at Ruben Neves during a match between Al-Hilal and Al-Taawoun. Neves’s teammate Jota died in 2025; Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime bans for offenders. Al-Hilal has filed a complaint, and governing bodies vow to pursue disciplinary measures.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed an external, independent review of FIFA’s governance for major initiatives and proposes a structured consultation with confederations and member associations. The move follows backlash over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise and amid calls for leadership changes as Infantino seeks re-election.
The four European top leagues have published a joint statement demanding fundamental governance reforms at FIFA, citing concerns over unchecked power and the impact of expansion on domestic football. The move follows Infantino’s push for reform and the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan.
The Asian Cup is under review amid security concerns following a deadly attack on Riyadh’s airport. Organisers say preparations are ongoing while some events have been postponed or relocated; a final decision on dates awaits regional developments.
The FIFA president has apologized to the FIFA Council for missteps in a private World Cup sell-off plan that was later scrapped. European critics demand documents and clarity ahead of the March presidential election, with UEFA pressing for answers to 42 questions by November 2.
The AFC has endorsed Gianni Infantino for a fourth FIFA term at an extraordinary congress in Tokyo. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has pledged full support, signaling a potential majority in the 211 FIFA member federations. The endorsement follows a period of tension over Infantino’s World Cup funding plan and leadership style. The election is set for March, with candidates due by November 18.
FIFA has announced the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup will take place Jan. 5–30, 2028, featuring 19 top clubs from six confederations. Seven clubs have qualified, with six from UEFA and representation from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and OFC. The United States is chosen to host, citing its track record in staging major FIFA tournaments and strong women’s football ecosystem.
The FIFA president has maintained broad support as calls for reform of governance grow louder. European, Asian and African confederations are pressing for greater transparency while Infantino warns that football belongs to all member associations. Potential challengers have yet to emerge ahead of the November deadline.
Asian Cup organizers have confirmed kickoff times and venues for the 2027 tournament across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Alkhobar, with a Feb. 5 final at King Fahd Sports City Stadium. The schedule aims to satisfy commercial and broadcast needs as regional tensions persist.
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from 7 January 2027 to 23 December 2027–21 January 2028. Organisers have said "exceptional circumstances" and logistical and travel disruptions have made the original dates untenable. Saudi domestic fixtures have been rescheduled and other regional sporting events have been cancelled or delayed.