Europe’s governing body for football
IFAB has approved two amendments ahead of the World Cup: a red card may be issued to players covering their mouths in confrontations, and red cards may be issued to players or officials who leave the field in protest. The changes will apply at the World Cup and inform all 48 participating teams.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
Irish celebrities and sports figures have joined a campaign urging the Republic of Ireland to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, amid claims of genocide in Gaza and breaches of UEFA/FIFA rules. The open letter to the FAI, backed by prominent signatories, argues humanitarian concerns should take precedence over sport. Ireland is set to host Israel on October 4 at Aviva Stadium, with a September 27 neutral-site Israeli home match planned.
UEFA says Artan will referee a high-profile Aug. 12 match in Salzburg. Artan, Somalia’s proud FIFA referee, was denied U.S. entry amid vetting concerns before the tournament, prompting international reactions and debates over visa policies and World Cup fairness.
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was barred from entering the United States during the World Cup lead‑up, has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup in Salzburg, following talks between UEFA and CAF. The decision reflects Artan’s rising standing in African football and EU‑CAF cooperation.
Omar Artan, Somalia’s top referee, has been denied entry to the United States on vetting grounds during the World Cup. FIFA will pay him for the tournament, and UEFA has appointed him to officiate future matches. The incident has sparked criticism of host-country immigration policies and sparked broader debate about the World Cup’s inclusivity.
FIFA has enforced new on-field rules at the 2026 World Cup that have provoked disputes: Miguel Almirón has received the tournament's first red card for covering his mouth, broadcasters and fans have criticised mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, and a VAR official was investigated over a hand gesture but cleared. Players, coaches and commentators are publicly divided.