Football administrator, president of FIFA since 2016
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Aston Villa 2-1 in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened, Villa teenager Brian Madjo levelled, and Desire Doue scored the winner after a VAR review awarded the goal. Somali referee Omar Artan, controversially denied a US World Cup visa, officiated the match.
The SPFL has launched a new live domestic streaming service, SPFL Player, allowing fans to watch William Hill Championship, League 1 and 2 matches outside blocked hours on a pay-per-view basis. Subscriptions and single-match passes are available, with revenue returning to clubs. The rollout begins with all League 1 and 2 matches on 15 August and will extend to eligible Championship games later.
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 UEFA maintains its boycott threat and several European federations have withdrawn support as Infantino seeks re-election next March.
European, North American and Asian football bodies have pressured FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid criticism of his plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Motsepe says the fate should be decided by elections, while CAF backs Infantino; Ireland withdraws support amid governance concerns.
Aston Villa’s 17-year-old Brian Madjo has made his competitive debut, scoring a volley against Paris Saint-Germain after CAS cleared his registration. The delay in his registration sparked debate about youth movement and regulation, but his breakthrough performance signals a promising start as Villa weigh future striker options.
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.
European football bodies, joined by Concacaf and the AFC, are pushing for an independent review of FIFA’s governance amid Infantino’s contested bid and a plan to sell World Cup stakes. A coalition is drafting a new framework to guide world football’s future, with European nations weighing boycott options and potential policy shifts.
The FIFA leadership faces mounting pressure as UEFA, AFC and Concacaf call for a review of Gianni Infantino’s leadership following the aborted plan to privatize World Cup rights. New Zealand withdraws support, while CAF and Conmebol back Infantino ahead of the 2027 Congress.
Candidates for the UN secretary-general post have presented reform-minded visions amid a funding and credibility crisis. Straw polls begin late July with a January 2027 appointment target; Latin America is pushing for a regional rotation.
European football bodies are voicing strong concerns as FIFA presses ahead with plans to create a private-investor vehicle to run World Cup rights. UEFA warns of a boycott, while governments and fans ask who benefits from the staged investment, and how development funds will be distributed.
Fifa has proposed creating a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to run the World Cup and other events, with external investors able to buy up to 20% stakes. Fifa would retain control and use capital to fund development, while reacting to European football bodies’ criticism that this risks the game’s soul.
FIFA plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to run the World Cup and related events, offering up to 20% stake to external investors. The move has drawn swift criticism from UEFA, Concacaf and other bodies for governance concerns and lack of consultation, while FIFA argues the plan would unlock billions for global football development.
FIFA has unveiled a $20 billion subsidiary to run World Cup rights, offering 20% stakes to private investors. UEFA and other confederations decry the move as dangerous for football, with potential funding promises to member associations. The plan has triggered swift political and sporting backlash as the global football community weighs the risks and rewards.
FIFA has proposed a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to run the World Cup and related events, offering up to 20% minority stakes to private investors. FIFA would keep control but plans to raise up to $4.2 billion. CONCACAF, AFC, UEFA and others have criticised the move for a lack of consultation and governance concerns amid a global backlash.
Fifa's proposals to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors have triggered a backlash from European football bodies and key advisers. A resignation amid the controversy underscores widespread opposition and questions about governance. Leaders warn the World Cup should remain in football hands as the debate continues.
The Asian Football Confederation, UEFA and CONCACAF have voiced strong opposition to FIFA Forward Enterprise, warning that it cannot win broad consensus. FIFA insists on continuing consultations ahead of a vote, while confederations press for governance reforms. The rhetoric signals a potential World Cup boycott if the plan proceeds.
FIFA has faced backlash over a proposed $20bn commercial subsidiary to run its events, prompting UEFA to threaten a boycott and prompting other confederations to voice concerns. Infantino’s plan risks fracturing global football; some bodies seek governance reforms.
President Trump’s Cabinet meeting at Camp David has become a focal point as he faces Republican pushback on a tax-audit immunity deal and the fate of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Comments on an Anti-Weaponization Fund are circulating, while lawmakers seek written assurances from the White House. The briefing follows related talks about immunity provisions tied to the Trump family.
Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro has resigned, arguing that FIFA’s plan to sell up to 20% of a new entity that would run World Cups and other events is a bad deal for football. The resignation comes amid backlash from UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC, who say the process lacks transparency and could reshape football’s future.
FIFA has scrapped the Forward Enterprises plan after mounting opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC and member associations. Infantino’s private venture faced resignations and internal criticism, leading FIFA to terminate the project and reaffirm a commitment to open consultation.
Infantino has scrapped a plan to sell stakes in World Cup events after strong opposition from UEFA, AFC and Concacaf. Senior advisers have resigned, and critics say the move undermines FIFA’s leadership. The push now shifts to whether Infantino can survive his presidency amid looming calls for reform.
FIFA has scrapped its $20 billion private-equity plan to spin off commercial operations after boycotts and resignations from key figures. UEFA and other confederations have condemned the move, stressing governance and integrity in football.
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.
Two separate bomb attacks have marred Abelardo de la Espriella’s first week in office, killing at least one officer and wounding others. The army has attributed one tollbooth blast near Cali to dissident FARC factions and reported a drone strike on a police station in Cesar. De la Espriella has pledged a forceful crackdown and the US has pledged a $1bn security package.
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.
The plan to sell a stake in FIFA to private investors has been abandoned after backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF and others. Wales has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, and questions are rising about FIFA’s governance as Infantino stands for a new term.
UEFA has demanded that FIFA preserve data related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan after a controversy sparked a global furore. A Dechert letter names 18 FIFA executives and warns that destroying or altering materials may constitute spoliation of evidence. Infantino’s bid appears endangered as UEFA signals a possible end to his presidency.
FIFA has withdrawn its $4.2bn private‑investor plan after widespread pushback from UEFA and other stakeholders. Infantino remains under pressure as he seeks a fourth term, while national federations demand greater transparency and governance reforms.
Arsène Wenger has stated the withdrawal of FIFA’s investment plan is absolutely necessary, while Grafström and other European bodies question Infantino’s leadership. The plan’s abandonment follows heavy criticism and a loss of confidence among European federations, with ongoing questions about FIFA’s governance and the future of its competitions.
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.
Four members of Uganda's boxing squad have failed to return home from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Police Scotland is investigating with the Home Office, while Ugandan officials say visas remain valid until October. Some teammates have returned, but the four missing boxers are unaccounted for and may seek asylum.
FIFA has apologised for errors around its aborted plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors as allies and critics clash over leadership. Jordan’s FA says prize money for the Arab Cup final remains unpaid eight months on, while FIFA insists it has not influenced member associations’ positions.
South African swimmer Chad le Clos says a blaze gutted his Cape Town apartment block on 30 July as he was competing in Glasgow, while he has won a Commonwealth bronze and vows to help affected neighbours through his foundation.
The FIFA president has faced widespread criticism after proposing private investment in World Cup rights. Following a backdown, UEFA and others say they no longer trust his leadership while Africa’s CAF and other allies show support as Infantino travels to Morocco to navigate a crisis ahead of March elections.
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 journalist describes Yerevan’s Republic Square and Dancing Fountains, exploring the Pink City’s heritage, modern life, and recent tourism growth linked to direct flights from London and broader regional appeal.
European federations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if private investment in football events continues, despite an apology from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The move could impact upcoming women’s World Cup qualifiers and youth tournaments in 2027, with Uefa insisting assurances against future proposals are required to lift any boycott.
Multiple outlets report that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has denied allegations linked to a six-figure UEFA payment to a woman connected to him, with UEFA confirming a departure payment and MBA fees were paid under regulations at the time. The controversy intensifies as Infantino pushes controversial plans to privatize parts of FIFA’s tournaments.
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and long‑time agent, has died in Rosario at 68 after a long illness. Clubs from Inter Miami to Barcelona and Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys have held moments of silence and issued tributes. Lionel Messi has travelled home and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match while teammates and fans paid tribute.
FIFA has issued a statement rejecting allegations against president Gianni Infantino, calling recent reporting "unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims." The statement follows Daily Telegraph reporting on a UEFA exit payment to a former employee linked to Infantino and the collapse of his plan to privatise World Cup commercial rights, which has provoked calls for his resignation.
The Bald Range wildfire has grown to about 9,500 hectares, triggering evacuation orders in Summerland, Peachland and surrounding districts. A state of emergency grants authorities power to manage travel, supply protections and rescue coordination as more than 20,000 residents have been displaced across British Columbia.
Omar Artan has been refused entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite holding a valid visa. The incident has triggered widespread criticism of US policy and FIFA management. UEFA later appoints Artan to a major European final, signaling a high-profile rebound.
Multiple FIFA confederations have denounced Gianni Infantino over his aborted plan to privatize World Cup revenues. Trump has publicly backed Infantino, saying replacing him would be a costly mistake. The controversy has split football’s global leadership on whether to pursue private investment in the sport.
European, North American and Asian confederations call for a fully independent review into FIFA’s stake sale plan, criticizing Infantino’s leadership and urging unity in football governance.
Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner have agreed to buy majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter in a deal reported at $12.5bn. The sale has been announced this week and still requires NBA Board of Governors approval; Kushner must divest a minority stake he holds in the Miami Heat before the purchase can close.