Global governing body of association football, beach soccer and futsal
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, ending a 23-year Portugal career with a record 234 caps and 146 goals. He has released a social-media video handing back the No.7 shirt after a recent dispute with coach Jorge Jesus; the Portuguese Football Federation has pledged a formal tribute.
FIFA Council members are pushing for an independent review of the FFE sell-off and the Balogun controversy as calls for full document disclosure intensify ahead of the 15 October council meeting in Zurich.
Ireland has requested that UEFA separate it from Israel in future Nations League draws. UEFA has said requests are evaluated case by case and this is unlikely to be approved given no direct conflict. The Republic of Ireland and Israel are scheduled to meet in September fixtures, with one match to be played behind closed doors in Serbia.
Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from Switzerland’s Nations League squad after confirming a past vaccination certificate was obtained amid doubts about Covid vaccines. Investigations are ongoing into possible criminal proceedings. Switzerland will play North Macedonia, Scotland and Slovenia during the window.
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.
Argentina’s national team is negotiating Scaloni’s extension while preparing for friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Lionel Messi will bid farewell in the final Benin match as Scaloni steers a transition after a record run of success.
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 FA Cup qualifying match between Mulbarton Wanderers and Woodford Town is being replayed after a refereeing error, with the winner advancing to face Gloucester City. The decision follows a protest from Woodford and a sub-committee ruling that a technical error affected the original result. The rematch is set for the end of September, with prize money at stake.
Argentina faces an uncertain future after Lionel Messi confirms international retirement. The 2026 World Cup icon has dominated the national team for 21 years, prompting questions about leadership, strategy, and the post-Messi era as the federation maps out its next steps.
Rui Pinto’s protection status is being reassessed amid continued scrutiny of Manchester City’s finances and Football Leaks documents. City maintain their innocence while authorities weigh further inquiries across Europe; Pinto has been a protected witness since 2020, with new risk assessments pending.
Rui Pinto has revealed he must relocate due to death threats after his witness protection ends on Oct 10. The Football Leaks founder has exposed alleged Manchester City financial rule breaches, while City appeals the guilty verdict. The case continues as legal actions unfold.
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector after official reports alleged an incident in or around the tunnel at half-time of Ireland’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel in Backa Topola. Ireland’s head of athletic performance has alleged an Israeli player spat at him. The match followed two tense fixtures and public protests over the war in Gaza.
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector following reports of a tunnel-area incident and alleged misconduct during Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia. Ireland has protested intimidation and a spate of provocative gestures, while Israel defends its players.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed seven nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics: Qatar, India (Ahmedabad), South Africa, Germany (Munich), Hungary, Turkiye (Istanbul) and South Korea. The IOC has set an Oct. 31 deadline for other entries, will assess feasibility by March 2027 and expects a final host vote in 2029.
Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport after CAF ruled Morocco the champions following Senegal’s walk-off in Rabat. A CAS hearing in Lausanne is underway to determine the rightful winner of the title, with the next AFCON tournament looming.
Rangers have returned to league action following an extended international break that squads have described as too long. Managers cite travel, player dispersion, and training gaps, with Shankland and new Hibs boss Reedijk among the talking points. The break disrupted a six-game winning run and led to renewed scrutiny of squad management.
Motsepe has defended Africa’s stance on AFCON, saying Africa’s interests are protected as CAF weighs returning to a two-year cycle. The plan has broad African support but faces leadership tensions while Infantino’s influence looms. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to host the next edition.
President Donald Trump has repeated that he should have won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize after the committee awarded it to former ICC judge Navi Pillay. He has called the decision a “disgraceful and embarrassing” stain on Norway, claimed credit for settling multiple conflicts, and criticised Pillay as hostile to Israel.
Coventry City have climbed out of the relegation zone after a bold, risk‑taking win over Newcastle United. Jack Rudoni’s early penalty and late strikes by Ellis Simms and Stephen Mfuni propelled the Sky Blues, with Sidiki Cherif also scoring, as Frank Lampard’s side show a template of attacking bravery that could define their season.
Netflix will stream all 104 games of the 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one free-to-watch game per matchday in Spain. Spain’s games and the final will also be broadcast on free-to-air TV in Spain. The deal marks Netflix’s continued push into live sports.
Protests and riots linked to France's school funding and classroom conditions have intensified across the country. Demonstrations involve students, teachers, and unions amid debates over budget allocations, with clashes between police and protesters resulting in injuries and arrests. The demonstrations have grown into a broader political moment. The Indian context features a separate rally in New Delhi calling for the resignation of election officials amid alleged voter-list manipulation.
The Six Kings Slam tennis tournament is postponed due to logistical challenges as regional tensions prompt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup. Officials are monitoring the security situation and could reschedule further events if needed.
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.
FIFA has fined Spain $20,000 and ordered the temporary closure of at least 15% of seats at a Spain home friendly after supporters chanted anti-Muslim slogans during a World Cup warm-up in Barcelona. The case spans multiple sources, with Spain’s federation and officials condemning the chants and vowing to cooperate with investigations.
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.
The Youth Olympic Games have opened in Dakar, with about 2,700 athletes aged 14-17 competing across 25 sports in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. The event marks Africa’s first Olympic-scale gathering and features a first refugee team; locals confront rising living costs as the games unfold.
Atletico Madrid has accused Barcelona of approaching Julián Álvarez without written notice, prompting a fine for Barcelona and a transfer dispute that has sparked public repartee. Álvarez has apologised for remarks about Barcelona and is trying to repair ties with Atletico after a recent goal spree.
CAF has reversed its December plan to run AFCON on a four-year cycle, reinstating a biennial schedule after an executive decision. Motsepe says the move advances African football and players, while concerns linger about the Africa Nations League timeline and funding. Next editions are set for 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2033 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with no AFCON in 2030.
FIFA has invited council members to view key documents in Zurich as questions about governance and Infantino’s presidency intensify. European officials press for reforms, while a Uefa-led push for transparency remains unresolved ahead of the 2027 election.
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.
The Scots have named their squad under manager Pocognoli, with McTominay returning to the fold after a heart procedure. Pocognoli stresses continuity after a mixed Nations League start and aims to translate early camp improvements into results to push Euro 2028 qualification.
Japan Football Association president Kozo Tashima has declared his candidacy for FIFA president, challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino. Tashima emphasizes integrity and higher ethical standards as he seeks to unite world football amid ongoing controversy over Infantino’s leadership and the Fifa Forward Enterprise. The deadline for candidates is 18 November.
Tashima has announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, becoming the first Japanese to bid for the role. He says governance is FIFA’s biggest problem and vows to push for integrity while seeking nominations from five associations ahead of the March election.
France has named Pablo Pagis in their 23-man squad for Nations League fixtures as Kylian Mbappé returns from injury. Pagis replaces the injured Akliouche, with Zidane balancing a squad hit by several injuries. France leads Group A1 with 10 points after four games.
The Egyptian Football Association has dismissed coach Hossam Hassan citing concerns over the team’s image and stability. Ali Maher, currently with Ceramica Cleopatra, is named his replacement. The move follows a media ban on Hassan and ongoing off-field controversies, with Egypt’s AFCON campaign and World Cup context shaping the firing.
The Socceroos have had their Jordan fixture relocated after Australia’s players raised concerns about travel to Amman. The move follows safety advisories and comes ahead of the AFC Asian Cup, which has been postponed to December 2027. Australia will still face Qatar in Doha as part of a double-header friendly window.