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03
Tue, Nov

With a new campaign approaching, the usual question returns: how will all 20 Premier League clubs fare?

This season is particularly difficult to predict. There are numerous new managers, major transfers across the division and several clubs looking very different from the teams that finished last season.

Here is our predicted final Premier League table.

1. Arsenal — Champions

Arsenal finally ended their long wait for a Premier League title last season, and I expect them to retain it.

Mikel Arteta has built a squad packed with quality in virtually every position. The champions also have something they lacked in previous years: the confidence and experience of knowing exactly what it takes to finish the job.

Their impressive Community Shield victory over Manchester City offered another early indication of their strength.

Unless injuries or an unexpected loss of form intervene, Arsenal look the most complete team in the division.

2. Manchester City

Manchester City enter a new chapter after Pep Guardiola's departure and the arrival of Enzo Maresca.

There has been considerable change at the Etihad, with several influential figures leaving. Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones are among the major departures, leaving Maresca with the difficult task of rebuilding without losing the club's winning mentality.

Still, City retain Erling Haaland, and having a striker of his quality makes them impossible to dismiss.

New additions are also expected before the transfer window closes. City may not immediately return to their previous dominance, but another trophy-winning campaign looks likely.

3. Liverpool

Liverpool endured a dramatic fall from champions to fifth last season, leading to another managerial change.

Andoni Iraola now takes charge, bringing an energetic, aggressive approach from Bournemouth. The transition will not necessarily be straightforward, particularly as the club moves into life after Mohamed Salah.

Nevertheless, Liverpool still possess enormous talent.

Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak give the attack a new dimension, while several young players could make significant breakthroughs. If the squad adapts quickly to Iraola's methods, Liverpool should comfortably return to the Champions League places.

4. Chelsea

Chelsea are my biggest gamble near the top of the table.

Xabi Alonso has arrived after establishing himself as an outstanding young coach at Bayer Leverkusen. His biggest challenge will be turning Chelsea's enormous squad into a coherent team.

There is plenty of ability available to him, and the club's decision to add experienced figures such as Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck suggests they are also trying to bring greater leadership to the dressing room.

Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix strengthen the squad further.

With no European competition to distract them, Chelsea could surprise a few people. A top-four finish is certainly within reach.

5. Manchester United

Michael Carrick gets his first full season in charge after helping United recover from a difficult period and secure Champions League football.

The expectation should be much higher this time. United need to challenge for trophies and establish themselves among England's leading clubs again.

Youri Tielemans brings intelligence and experience to midfield, while Andrey Santos offers considerable potential.

There are still obvious gaps that need addressing, particularly if United genuinely want to challenge for the title. I do not expect them to go that far, but another strong season should be possible.

6. Aston Villa

Unai Emery continues to be one of the Premier League's most accomplished managers, and Villa remain capable of competing at the highest level.

However, this summer has brought significant change. The departures of important players, including Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, leave Emery with another rebuilding job.

Alejandro Garnacho has the opportunity to revive his career, while Joao Gomes adds quality to midfield.

Villa's recruitment of young Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi could also prove inspired. There is plenty of uncertainty, but Emery's tactical ability gives Villa a very high floor.

7. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham simply cannot afford another season like the last one.

Roberto de Zerbi now has considerably more backing from the club, and Spurs have invested heavily in strengthening the squad.

Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi provide experience, while the midfield has received an enormous financial investment through the arrivals of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

Jan Paul van Hecke should strengthen the defence, while Micky van de Ven remaining at the club is another positive.

The talent is certainly there. The question is whether De Zerbi can turn it into a consistent team. I expect a dramatic improvement.

8. Nottingham Forest

Forest's campaign last season was undermined by constant managerial upheaval.

Oliver Glasner now has the opportunity to bring some stability. His demanding style should suit a club that possesses considerable attacking quality.

The sale of Elliot Anderson provides Forest with significant funds to reinvest, while Ousmane Diomande adds strength at the back.

Morgan Gibbs-White remains one of their most important players.

If Glasner gets the balance right, Forest should move comfortably away from the relegation battle.

9. Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton return to European competition, this time in the Conference League, meaning Fabian Hurzeler will have to manage a heavier schedule.

That additional workload is a concern, but Brighton remain one of the division's best-run clubs.

The departures of Danny Welbeck, James Milner and Jan Paul van Hecke remove experience, although Luka Vuskovic and Pascal Struijk strengthen the defence.

There is enough talent throughout the squad for Brighton to enjoy another successful season.

10. Brentford

Keith Andrews impressed after taking over from Thomas Frank and now has the chance to establish himself.

Brentford narrowly missed out on European football last season, and there is little reason to expect a major decline.

Mamadou Sangare's arrival represents another ambitious investment, while Callum Wilson provides valuable Premier League experience if he can remain fit.

Igor Thiago also gives Brentford a dangerous attacking focal point.

A top-half finish looks realistic.

11. Crystal Palace

Palace face another significant change following Oliver Glasner's departure.

Pierre Sage has earned an excellent reputation and now inherits a squad containing plenty of quality.

Dean Henderson remains dependable in goal, while Adam Wharton gives them creativity in midfield. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr provide plenty of threat going forward.

The biggest issue will be retaining their best players.

If Palace avoid further major departures, another comfortable mid-table season — and perhaps another cup run — should be achievable.

12. Newcastle United

Newcastle enter the campaign with plenty of uncertainty.

Eddie Howe has left, along with several important players, while Matthias Jaissle now faces the task of rebuilding the side.

The departures of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon represent a huge loss of quality and experience.

Jaissle has added several promising young players, including Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure and Amar Dedic, but Newcastle still need proven quality in midfield.

The club's difficult summer could translate into a difficult season unless recruitment improves quickly.

13. Everton

David Moyes knows Everton still have plenty of work to do.

The club have made some intelligent additions, particularly Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard, while Iliman Ndiaye remains an important attacking talent.

Tyler Dibling has also impressed during pre-season.

However, there are concerns at full-back and up front. Everton need greater reliability from their strikers if they are to turn promising performances into points.

Another season of survival looks likely, but Moyes will want considerably more.

14. Bournemouth

Bournemouth face one of the division's most interesting challenges.

Andoni Iraola has left, Marco Rose has taken over, and the club now have European football to contend with as well.

Those changes make a repeat of last season's sixth-place finish extremely difficult.

The injury to Eli Junior Kroupi is another setback, although Alex Scott remains a major asset and the club have continued to recruit intelligently.

Antonio Silva and Alvaro Rodriguez could become important players, while Juanlu Sanchez looks another shrewd addition.

I would not be surprised if Bournemouth outperform this prediction.

15. Leeds United

Daniel Farke asked Leeds to show greater ambition in the transfer market, and the club have responded.

James Trafford's arrival from Manchester City gives them a goalkeeper with major potential, while Harry Wilson is an excellent attacking addition.

Tarik Muharemovic should also improve the defence.

The biggest weapon could once again be Elland Road. Leeds will make life extremely uncomfortable for visiting teams.

I expect them to survive, although another difficult season is likely.

16. Fulham

Fulham begin another new era following Marco Silva's departure.

Alvaro Arbeloa has been handed the job after his time at Real Madrid, making this another appointment that carries an element of risk.

Fulham have nevertheless established themselves as a Premier League club and should have enough quality to avoid serious trouble.

Shea Charles could prove an important addition, while Arbeloa's familiarity with Real Madrid's young players has helped bring Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios to London.

Stability should be the main objective.

17. Sunderland

Sunderland's achievement last season was extraordinary.

Few expected Regis le Bris to take the newly promoted side all the way to European qualification, but that is exactly what happened.

Repeating that success will be extremely difficult.

Keeping Granit Xhaka was a major boost, while Brian Brobbey offers an attacking threat. However, Sunderland have not made enough additions to suggest they can reproduce last season's remarkable results.

A reality check could be coming.

18. Coventry City

Coventry return to the Premier League with plenty of optimism.

Doug King's ownership has brought renewed ambition, while Frank Lampard has overseen an impressive transformation.

The club have also been aggressive in the transfer market. Taiwo Awoniyi provides experience and physical presence, while Gus Hamer's return is a major boost.

Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Caleb Yirenkyi add further options.

Coventry have clearly decided to attack the Premier League rather than simply hope for survival.

Even so, staying up will be an enormous challenge.

19. Ipswich Town

Ipswich face another difficult Premier League campaign after Kieran McKenna's surprising departure.

Gary O'Neil now has the responsibility of building on the club's promotion, and the transfer spending shows that Ipswich are serious about remaining in the top flight.

They have invested heavily, bringing in numerous players including Abdoul Ouattara and Julio Enciso.

Daizen Maeda could bring pace and energy to the attack, while Abdul Fatawu is another player capable of making a difference.

Ipswich deserve credit for their ambition, but the Premier League may still prove too strong.

20. Hull City

Hull are back in the top division after a nine-year absence and have wasted little time rebuilding their squad.

Sergej Jakirovic has already welcomed a large group of new players, including goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and defender Nobel Mendy.

The club have shown genuine ambition and are clearly unwilling to accept that promotion should automatically be followed by relegation.

That spirit could make Hull entertaining to watch.

Unfortunately, we suspect the quality and depth of the Premier League will eventually prove too much.

Final Prediction
Position Club
1 Arsenal
2 Manchester City
3 Liverpool
4 Chelsea
5 Manchester United
6 Aston Villa
7 Tottenham Hotspur
8 Nottingham Forest
9 Brighton & Hove Albion
10 Brentford
11 Crystal Palace
12 Newcastle United
13 Everton
14 Bournemouth
15 Leeds United
16 Fulham
17 Sunderland
18 Coventry City
19 Ipswich Town
20 Hull City

The Premier League rarely follows the script, and this season could be particularly unpredictable. Arsenal look best placed to retain the title, while Chelsea and Tottenham could be among the biggest improvers.

At the other end, the promoted clubs face an uphill battle, with Sunderland also at serious risk of dropping back into the Championship after their extraordinary campaign last season.

FIFA has imposed lengthy suspensions on Argentina internationals Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina following incidents that occurred after Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches for his involvement in confrontations with Spain players after the final whistle. Molina has received a seven-match ban after being found to have played a role in the post-match altercations, including an alleged incident involving Spain captain Rodri.

FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings examined multiple allegations against both players. Paredes faced three assault charges, while Molina was investigated for two alleged assaults as well as an additional charge of unsporting behaviour.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also been punished. FIFA has issued the federation a $321,000 (£243,000) fine for a number of disciplinary violations, including discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, misconduct by members of the team and the use of a sporting event for political or other non-sporting demonstrations.

Argentina will additionally face restrictions on spectators at its next two home matches. However, one of those matches will be subject to a suspended sanction.

The AFA was also penalised over a political banner displayed by Argentina players following their 2–1 semi-final victory over England. The banner expressed Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina refers to as the Islas Malvinas. FIFA determined that the display could violate its regulations prohibiting the use of football events for non-sporting demonstrations.

The disciplinary measures bring an end to FIFA’s investigation into the controversial scenes surrounding Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Spain ultimately claimed the title after defeating Argentina 1–0 following extra time in the final.

FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour has left the organisation less than three weeks after publicly challenging president Gianni Infantino over a controversial plan to bring private investment into FIFA's competitions.

FIFA confirmed on Monday, 17 August 2026, that its working relationship with Lamour had ended. The governing body did not provide a reason for his departure, saying only that FIFA and Lamour had “agreed to part ways”.

In a message to FIFA staff, secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said the decision followed recent discussions and thanked Lamour for his contribution during his two years with the organisation.

Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024 after previously working as deputy general secretary at UEFA. He was one of the senior figures within FIFA's administration, although he was two levels below Infantino.

His departure comes against the backdrop of growing political tensions surrounding Infantino and his plans for FIFA's commercial operations.

Controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise plan

The dispute centred on FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed company that would have overseen the commercial and ticketing rights connected to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

Infantino's plan to sell a 21% stake in the proposed company to private investment firms triggered strong opposition across international football.

UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation all raised concerns about the proposal. UEFA went as far as threatening to boycott the World Cup if the plan was implemented.

Lamour subsequently became one of the most outspoken internal critics of the project.

Last month, he described FFE as “the project of one person” and argued that football's political leaders needed to take responsibility for what was happening within FIFA.

He also claimed that FIFA's own administration had been “deceived” over the project.

Lamour said FIFA employees' primary responsibility was to serve football and argued that a president should unite and inspire people rather than divide them.

Acknowledging his obligation to FIFA, he nevertheless said he also had a responsibility to certain principles and to his colleagues.

“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” Lamour said at the time.

 FFE abandoned after widespread opposition

The pressure surrounding FFE eventually forced FIFA to abandon the proposal.

The decision was a significant setback for Infantino, who has increasingly faced criticism from football authorities over his leadership and commercial ambitions.

A further blow came when Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned during the controversy.

Infantino subsequently secured backing from a number of senior FIFA executives at a meeting in Morocco earlier this month. Lamour, however, was reportedly not invited to the meeting.

His departure now adds another dramatic chapter to the dispute.

 Infantino faces growing opposition ahead of election

The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president.

UEFA and Concacaf have withdrawn their previous support for his re-election at the FIFA Congress in March 2027.

Several European football associations have also turned against him. England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have already withdrawn their support, while the Scottish FA became the latest to do so on Monday.

However, Infantino still retains substantial backing elsewhere.

Football authorities from Africa, South America and Oceania have supported his bid, while several Concacaf members have broken with their confederation to back him. Mexico is among those supporting Infantino.

The divisions demonstrate how contested the FIFA presidency has become as the 2027 election approaches.

What FIFA says about Lamour's departure

FIFA has not directly linked Lamour's departure to his criticism of FFE or Infantino.

Its official statement was limited to confirming that the relationship between FIFA and its chief operating officer ended on 17 August.

“FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

Grafstrom similarly told FIFA Council members that the organisation had agreed to part ways with Lamour following recent discussions.

Lamour has been approached for comment.

His departure nevertheless raises further questions about the internal divisions within FIFA, particularly after the collapse of the FFE project and the growing opposition to Infantino ahead of next year's presidential election.

For now, FIFA maintains that Lamour's exit was an agreed decision. But given the timing and his recent public criticism of the president's plans, his departure is likely to fuel further scrutiny of the leadership and governance of world football.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez have chosen to celebrate their marriage in a way that reflects what matters most to them: family, privacy and the life they have built together.

Rather than hosting a lavish ceremony, the couple exchanged their vows in the living room of their home in Cascais, Portugal. For Rodríguez, the decision was deeply personal and very different from the wedding she once imagined as a child.

Growing up, she dreamed of a fairytale celebration, complete with a magnificent castle, a grand carriage, a dramatic wedding dress and a diamond-covered crown. But over the years, her idea of the perfect wedding changed.

Today, Rodríguez says she values an intimate celebration surrounded by her partner and their children far more than an extravagant event.

The choice of their living room also carried special meaning. It is a place where the family spends time together and creates everyday memories. Rodríguez hopes that their children will one day look back and remember that their parents made one of the most important promises of their lives in a place that was already part of their family story.

For a couple accustomed to luxury, the decision was not about what they could afford. With beautiful homes, expensive cars, horses and countless extraordinary experiences already part of their lives, Rodríguez felt that another grand display would not necessarily make the occasion more special.

Instead, they chose something simple and personal.

Their living room became the setting for a milestone they wanted their children to remember—not for its extravagance, but because it was the place where their family shared an unforgettable moment together.

Celta Vigo’s LaLiga season opener against Osasuna has been postponed after a fungus outbreak severely damaged the playing surface at Estadio de Balaídos.

The match, originally scheduled for Sunday, was called off after an inspection found that the condition of the pitch had deteriorated despite efforts by Celta to treat the problem. LaLiga said the decision was agreed upon by the clubs and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), citing an illness affecting the stadium’s playing surface.

The two clubs, however, disagree over when the postponed fixture should be played.

Osasuna said Celta had worked to address the fungus and that it understood why the original match could not go ahead. The club claimed, however, that the two teams had agreed to reschedule the game for September 24 or 25, during the international break.

According to Osasuna, that arrangement would have limited the impact on both teams’ schedules and provided players with additional recovery time early in the season.

LaLiga and the RFEF instead scheduled the match for August 27. Osasuna said the decision was made without its consent, despite league and federation officials being aware of the agreement between the clubs.

“The team most affected by the initial postponement for reasons beyond its control is again the most affected by the new schedule,” Osasuna said.

The club also criticized the timing of the postponement, arguing that the decision came only three days before kickoff and reflected what it described as a broader pattern of late calendar changes.

Celta said LaLiga had inspected the pitch the previous week and approved the work being carried out to eliminate the disease. However, the club said recent weather conditions slowed the recovery of the field and ultimately made postponement unavoidable.

The pitch was inspected again by league officials on Wednesday before the decision was finalized.

While both clubs accepted that the damaged surface made the original fixture impossible, Osasuna remains unhappy with the replacement date. The dispute now centers on whether the match should be played on August 27 or moved to the September international break.

Osasuna ended its statement with a pointed criticism of the league’s handling of the situation: “This is not football — it’s La Liga.”

Twice in World Cup history, FIFA has overturned a red-card suspension. Both times, a head of state made a call. The question is not simply whether the reversals were justified, but how far sport’s justice system can be pushed before it stops looking like justice.


Folarin Balogun, sent off for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemović, was cleared to face Belgium after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. His one-match suspension was suspended for a year and replaced with a $40,000 fine. On paper, a technical ruling. In practice, one of the tournament’s defining controversies.

There was a striking precedent. In 1962, Brazil’s Garrincha was sent off in a World Cup semi-final for kicking a Chilean opponent. FIFA overturned the suspension, allowing him to play in the final, which Brazil won. Political pressure accompanied the decision: Chile’s president cosigned a petition seeking clemency, while Peru’s president reportedly called the referee to play down the incident. Sixty-four years later, football appeared to find itself in much the same place.

 


Trump and Balogun

The controversy over Balogun was not merely the outcome, but the process. Reports suggested the disciplinary chair acted alone, without other committee members normally expected in a case of such significance. More troublingly, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he personally called FIFA requesting a review. FIFA’s president acknowledged the call but maintained that it did not influence the decision.


Whether FIFA was actually influenced is almost beside the point. Once a head of state is known to have lobbied a governing body while a case is pending, and to have secured a favourable decision through a rarely used route, the appearance of interference is already damaging. Belgium lodged a formal complaint, and other federations soon began citing the Balogun ruling in seeking leniency in their own cases. One exception can quickly unsettle an entire disciplinary framework.

The issue is therefore bigger than whether Balogun deserved his suspension. That is a football question. The sharper question is whether sporting justice can remain credible once it appears to bend towards political pressure rather than legal principle.

 

Why Independence Isn’t Optional

A disciplinary body has one fundamental obligation: to apply the rules consistently, regardless of who is watching. Once outside pressure begins shaping outcomes, the institution risks ceasing to be a judicial body and becoming a negotiating table. And negotiating tables do not command the respect courts do.

Remove independence, even in one high-profile case, and the consequences spread. Athletes doubt that sanctions are evenly applied. Clubs question whether outcomes reflect rules or influence. Fans wonder whether results are earned on the pitch or settled off it. Eventually, the competition itself loses legitimacy.

Sports justice should not be held to a lower standard than “real” justice merely because games rather than liberty are at stake. A disciplinary panel considering a red card is still performing a judicial function: applying a code to facts through a prescribed process and producing a binding outcome. Compromise that function, and it becomes discretion wearing justice’s clothes.

 

What FIFA’s Own Rules Say

FIFA does not need to invent a standard for independence. It has already been written once.

Its Statutes require member associations to manage their affairs independently and without outside influence. They demand political neutrality and processes that guarantee the independence of internal bodies. These principles are not decorative. FIFA has suspended national federations, including Nigeria, Kuwait and India, when governments crossed the line.

Strictly speaking, those provisions apply primarily to member associations rather than FIFA’s own disciplinary committees. But the principle is difficult to escape: FIFA cannot demand independence from institutions beneath it while appearing comfortable with political pressure directed at itself.

The FIFA Code of Ethics goes further, requiring integrity, independence, objectivity and freedom from conflicts of interest. The problem is not limited to proving that someone was actually influenced. The appearance of compromised judgment matters because confidence in justice depends on both reality and perception.

The Disciplinary Code itself is grounded in due process, including the right to be heard, appeal rights and proportionality. Article 27 gives FIFA discretion to suspend sanctions, but discretion must operate within procedural safeguards. Discretion is not the problem; discretion exercised outside its protections is.

 

Five Guarantees Every Athlete Is Owed

Across FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) framework and wider principles of due process, five basic guarantees emerge:

Clear notice of the allegations.
A genuine opportunity to respond before a decision.
An impartial tribunal is protected from outside pressure.
A reasoned decision capable of scrutiny and challenge.
A meaningful right of appeal, insulated where possible from pressure affecting the original decision.
These principles extend beyond FIFA. Wherever disciplinary power exists, fairness must accompany it.

CAS Had to Earn Its Independence Too

The Court of Arbitration for Sport was created in the 1980s, in part, to address the uncomfortable problem of sporting federations effectively adjudicating their own disputes. But CAS itself had to prove its independence.

In Gundel v FEI in 1993, questions arose over whether CAS was too closely connected to the International Olympic Committee to be genuinely independent. Although the Swiss Federal Tribunal upheld CAS, the scrutiny triggered important reforms, including the creation of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport to provide greater institutional separation.

The issue returned in Mutu and Pechstein v Switzerland. The European Court of Human Rights accepted CAS as sufficiently independent, while finding that Claudia Pechstein had wrongly been denied a public hearing in proceedings affecting her livelihood. The lesson was clear: institutional independence matters, but so do procedural guarantees.

 

FIFA Has Punished Political Interference Before

FIFA’s history makes the Balogun controversy particularly uncomfortable.

Nigeria was suspended in 2014 after government intervention in the Nigeria Football Federation. Kuwait endured a roughly two-year suspension after legislation interfered with federation independence. India was suspended in 2022 after a court-appointed committee took control of its federation. Pakistan was suspended twice, in 2017 and 2021, for undue third-party interference.

FIFA’s response was severe: entire countries, athletes included, were excluded rather than allow political interference to stand. That is the standard against which the Balogun controversy deserves to be judged.

 

The Difficult Balance

Should political leaders remain silent when sporting decisions affect national interests? Probably not. Public disappointment and criticism are inevitable.

But there is a meaningful difference between criticising a decision and directly contacting the governing body while that decision is being considered. Ordinary legal systems recognise the distinction: criticising a judgment afterwards is legitimate public discourse; calling the judge while the case is pending is something altogether different.

Sporting integrity is tested precisely in difficult moments — when the caller is powerful, the tournament politically important, and the price of saying no considerable. If independence survives only when no one important challenges it, then it was never really independence. It was convenient to wear Independence’s clothes.

Conclusion

Sport derives its legitimacy not merely from the rules of the game, but from confidence that those rules are applied fairly. A decision’s popularity should matter far less than whether it was reached independently, transparently and according to established law and procedure.

That is why the Balogun controversy reaches beyond one red card, one footballer or one World Cup match.

Once politics begins shaping — or appears capable of shaping — sporting justice, the greatest casualty may not be the player who is suspended or cleared.

It may be the game’s credibility.

By Abdulhakeem Damilare Orovwuje, a legal practitioner with an interest in sports law and dispute resolution, lives in Agbado, Lagos

US President Donald Trump has warned that it would be a “terrible mistake” for FIFA to remove president Gianni Infantino from his position.

Trump’s comments come after UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation issued an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking their trust “through deception” over his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

The FFE plan would have involved creating a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights for FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. Under the proposal, a 21% stake in the company would have been sold to a private investment group.

“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote on social media.

“He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”

The 2026 World Cup was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Spain winning the tournament after defeating Argentina in the final.

Trump’s latest remarks mark his strongest public defence of Infantino since details of the FFE proposal emerged on 28 July. When he first addressed the issue on 31 July, Trump said he had not discussed the proposal with Infantino.

Thrive Capital, the US venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, was expected to lead the proposed investment group. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.

The FFE proposal was ultimately abandoned, but the controversy has intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership and FIFA’s plans for managing its lucrative commercial rights.

A growing alliance of football’s major continental confederations is preparing a new blueprint for how the global game should be governed, amid an escalating confrontation with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are understood to be working together on a policy document that would outline a possible alternative model for FIFA. The initiative reflects mounting frustration over what the three organisations regard as an increasingly centralised and opaque style of leadership under Infantino.

People familiar with the discussions say the group is considering fundamental questions about FIFA's future. These include the organisation's core responsibilities, the way its leadership should be structured, how decisions should be made and how FIFA's substantial financial resources should be distributed among its members.

The use of FIFA's reserves is expected to be a particularly important issue. With the governing body holding billions of dollars in reserves, the confederations want to examine whether the money could be distributed and invested in a way that provides greater long-term benefits for national associations and football development.

The move comes after a major dispute over Infantino's recently abandoned proposal to create a commercial vehicle that would allow private investors to acquire an interest in World Cup-related assets. FIFA eventually withdrew the plan following widespread opposition, but the episode has deepened concerns among several of its most powerful members about transparency and consultation.

Rather than waiting for FIFA's leadership to initiate the governance review they have requested, UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC have begun developing their own proposals. The resulting framework could eventually become the platform for a challenger seeking to defeat Infantino in FIFA's next presidential election.

There is also a more dramatic possibility. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the proposals could potentially provide the foundations for an alternative structure outside FIFA, although such a development would represent an extraordinary rupture in international football.

The three confederations have already signalled that they are prepared to consider more direct action. In a joint statement, they called for leadership that serves football rather than concentrates power, while discussions have reportedly begun about the possibility of staging alternative competitions if the conflict with FIFA's leadership continues.

UEFA's position has become particularly confrontational. European officials have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions unless the governing body agrees to an independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the World Cup investment proposal and provides firm guarantees that similar decisions will not be made without proper consultation in the future.

One immediate consequence could involve the Under-20 Women's World Cup. UEFA has indicated that European teams could withdraw from the tournament if FIFA fails to respond to its demands quickly enough.

The growing alliance also has potential implications for the FIFA presidency. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is currently viewed as one of the strongest possible candidates to challenge Infantino. Montagliani has previously insisted that his immediate priority is securing his own re-election at Concacaf, but his public comments about leadership and accountability have closely reflected the language now being used by FIFA's critics.

The political manoeuvring is intensifying as senior European football officials gather in Salzburg for meetings surrounding the UEFA Super Cup. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is expected to meet with Nasser Al-Khelaifi, chairman of European Football Clubs, as European football seeks to maintain a united position over FIFA's leadership.

The meetings come at a critical moment for Infantino. Although FIFA has apologised for mistakes surrounding the failed investment initiative and withdrawn the proposal, opposition from major confederations has continued.

What began as a dispute over one controversial commercial proposal has therefore evolved into a much broader argument about who should control the future of global football.

For the first time in years, influential parts of the football world are not simply demanding changes from FIFA—they are beginning to consider what a different FIFA could actually look like.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly part of a consortium that is close to acquiring a significant minority stake in Liverpool Football Club.

According to Sky News, the consortium, led by British-Indian businessman Amit Bhatia, is nearing a deal to purchase roughly one-third of the Premier League club from current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

FSG confirmed last month that it had been approached by Bhatia’s investment group, which includes Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

An FSG spokesperson said: “An investment consortium led, managed, and represented by Amit Bhatia has expressed interest in making a strategic minority investment in Liverpool Football Club.”

Sky News reports that an announcement could be made in the coming days. The proposed transaction could value Liverpool at approximately £4.5 billion ($6 billion).

Bezos, whose wealth is estimated at around $257 billion, has previously explored opportunities to invest in professional sports. Last year, he considered bids for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders but ultimately did not pursue either deal.

Bhatia, a British-Indian millionaire and former co-owner of Queens Park Rangers, is the son-in-law of billionaire steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal. He confirmed his departure from QPR’s board last month, around the same time FSG acknowledged discussions with his consortium.

FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 for around £300 million, when the club was facing significant financial difficulties. Since then, Liverpool have won two Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League, while also benefiting from major investment in Anfield and the club’s training facilities.

FSG also owns the Boston Red Sox and sold a minority stake in Liverpool to investment firm Dynasty in 2023. That investment provided the club with additional capital following the pandemic but was not intended to fund future player transfers.

If completed, the proposed deal would give Bezos and his fellow investors a substantial financial interest in one of the world’s most valuable and successful football clubs, while FSG would retain overall control of Liverpool.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that UEFA made a six-figure payment to a woman who was allegedly involved in a relationship with him during his time as the organisation’s general secretary.

According to a Daily Telegraph investigation, the woman received a departure payment from UEFA after her alleged relationship with Infantino. Infantino, who is married, has categorically denied the allegations and rejected any suggestion of inappropriate conduct.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory.”

The spokesperson also said that no employee at UEFA or FIFA had ever filed a complaint concerning Infantino’s behaviour, adding that there had been no incident involving him.

UEFA confirmed that a departure payment had been made to the woman but said it was not a payoff. The organisation explained that the payment included costs associated with her completing an MBA at a local business school.

UEFA said all payments were made in accordance with the regulations in place at the time. However, it acknowledged that its rules have since been strengthened and now reflect the standards expected of a modern, high-profile organisation.

Infantino served as UEFA’s general secretary from 2009 to 2016 before becoming FIFA president. The allegations come at a politically sensitive period for Infantino, as he faces scrutiny over his leadership and previously proposed plans to attract private investment into World Cup-related assets.

FIFA has accused some of its critics of carrying out a coordinated campaign to weaken the organisation and force out president Gianni Infantino.

The governing body issued the statement after a report by the *Daily Telegraph* made allegations concerning Infantino's private life. The newspaper reported that a woman allegedly involved in an affair with Infantino while he was UEFA general secretary later received a severance payment from UEFA.

Infantino has strongly rejected the allegations, with FIFA describing the claims as "categorically untrue". The organisation also criticised what it called speculation, misinformation and claims that have not been properly substantiated.

The dispute comes as Infantino faces increasing opposition from European football authorities following the collapse of his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The plan would have established a new company responsible for commercial and ticketing rights, with a 21% stake potentially being sold to a private investment firm.

UEFA has publicly stated that it no longer has confidence in Infantino and has warned that a boycott of FIFA competitions remains possible. The European governing body has also said it has yet to receive guarantees that the FFE proposal cannot be brought back in another form.

Opposition has grown beyond UEFA, with Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness calling on Infantino to step down.

FIFA, however, insists that Infantino continues to have a legitimate mandate after being elected by its member associations.

"The FIFA president was democratically elected by FIFA's Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate," the organisation said.

FIFA also argued that anyone seeking to replace Infantino should do so through the organisation's established democratic procedures rather than through public accusations or what it described as misinformation.

The strongest resistance to Infantino has so far come from Europe. Elsewhere, he continues to enjoy significant support.

The Mexican Football Federation has backed the FIFA president, despite taking a position different from its regional governing body, Concacaf. Mexico joined South America's CONMEBOL in opposing any attempt to remove Infantino without a vote involving all 211 FIFA member associations.

Infantino also has unanimous backing from the 54 member associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The growing divide therefore reflects a broader battle over FIFA's leadership and commercial direction, with Infantino facing serious criticism in Europe while retaining substantial support across other regions of world football.

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.

According to Argentine media reports, Jorge passed away at a sanatorium in Rosario at around 10 p.m. on Friday. His death marks a deeply personal loss for Lionel Messi and the family who stood behind his remarkable journey from Argentina to the pinnacle of world football.

Jorge played a crucial role in shaping his son’s early career. When Lionel was just 13, he helped make the life-changing decision to move to Spain and pursue an opportunity with Barcelona. The move also gave Lionel access to the growth hormone treatment he needed, which had been difficult for the family to afford in Argentina.

During Lionel’s first challenging years in Spain, Jorge remained by his son’s side while other members of the family stayed in Argentina. He supported Lionel through the uncertainty of adapting to a new country and helped him remain focused on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Lionel has previously spoken about the difficult decision he faced as a teenager, recalling how his father asked whether he wanted to continue chasing his dream in Spain or return home. Lionel chose to stay — and Jorge stayed with him.

Beyond his role as a father, Jorge became a key figure in Lionel’s professional career, overseeing many aspects of his son’s business and commercial affairs while generally keeping a low public profile.

Concerns about Jorge’s health became more widely known during the 2026 World Cup, when Lionel appeared emotional following Argentina’s opening match. The family later indicated that Jorge was undergoing treatment and recovering.

Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children — Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.

For Lionel Messi, the loss is not only that of a father but of the person who stood beside him from his earliest days in Rosario, supported his biggest dreams and helped him take the first steps toward becoming one of football’s greatest-ever players.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri is approaching a crucial crossroads in his career, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both emerging as potential destinations if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

The 30-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with City and has yet to agree to an extension. While the Premier League champions remain confident he will stay, growing interest from Spain has intensified speculation over his future.

Real Madrid have admired Rodri for several years, but Barcelona have now entered the race. Sources close to the Catalan club claim the midfielder has given his approval for them to begin discussions with Manchester City. Although no agreement is in place, it represents a significant step if Barcelona decide to pursue a transfer.

Rodri's recent seasons have been disrupted by injury. He missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a serious knee injury and later dealt with a hamstring problem. However, he reminded everyone of his quality during the summer by captaining Spain to World Cup success and earning the tournament's Player of the Tournament award.

Earlier this season, Rodri indicated that any decision regarding his future would be made after the World Cup. He is currently recovering from back surgery and has not yet joined Manchester City's squad on their pre-season tour of Asia.

Once he returns, he will have three clear options: sign a new long-term contract with City, remain until his current deal expires and leave as a free agent next summer, or seek a move back to Spain before the transfer window closes.

Manchester City have consistently stated that they expect Rodri to remain at the club and would only consider a sale if a substantial offer were made.

A move to Barcelona would reunite Rodri with several Spain teammates, including Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Pedri. On the other hand, joining Real Madrid would see him link up again with former City teammate Bernardo Silva, who reportedly arrived at the Spanish giants on a free transfer this summer under returning manager José Mourinho.

If Rodri chooses Barcelona, his arrival may not receive universal approval. The midfielder previously represented Atlético Madrid, while comments he made in the past about Real Madrid being "one of the best clubs in the world" could make his reception among Barça supporters an interesting one.

Should Manchester City lose Rodri, replacing one of the world's finest midfielders would be a major challenge. Since arriving in 2019, he has helped the club win four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two FA Cups, becoming the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola's midfield.

City would likely look to Mateo Kovačić, Nico González or Tijjani Reijnders to fill the void, while club-record signing Elliot Anderson is expected to play an important role. The club also remain interested in Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi, although asking the 18-year-old to replace a player of Rodri's stature would be a considerable task.

For now, Rodri's future remains uncertain, but with Barcelona and Real Madrid monitoring his situation and Manchester City determined to keep him, one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer could soon unfold.

Gianni Infantino will continue as FIFA president after receiving the unanimous support of the organization's senior management board during a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.

The meeting was called in response to growing criticism over Infantino's failed proposal to transfer parts of FIFA's commercial and event operations to private investors through the FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.

UEFA had recently expressed its loss of confidence in Infantino, describing the proposal as an "opaque" and "back-room" deal. Opposition also emerged from within FIFA, including Secretary General Mattias Grafström, who described the situation in an internal memo as "a sad and reproachable series of events."

Despite the backlash, the management board, together with Grafström, released a statement after the meeting reaffirming its full support for Infantino's leadership, confirming that he will remain FIFA president.

UEFA has confirmed two major rule changes that will be introduced across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League from the 2026/27 season, revising the yellow-card suspension system and introducing a running match clock.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, players will now serve a one-match suspension only after collecting four yellow cards during the league phase, replacing the previous three-card threshold.

Under the updated disciplinary rules, further suspensions will still apply as players accumulate additional bookings, including after five and seven yellow cards. UEFA says the adjustment is intended to reduce the number of players missing important fixtures for relatively minor disciplinary offences while continuing to punish persistent infringements.

The governing body has also ended its long-standing practice of freezing stadium scoreboards and television match clocks at 45 and 90 minutes. Beginning with the 2026/27 campaign, the match clock will continue running throughout stoppage time, showing the actual elapsed time until the referee signals the end of each half. For example, the display could read 93:14 instead of remaining fixed at 90:00.

UEFA believes the running clock will provide greater transparency for supporters, broadcasters and analysts. However, the referee will retain full authority over the amount of added time played.

The new regulations will take effect from the Champions League play-off round on 19 and 20 August, when the final eight teams will secure places in the competition's 36-team league phase.

Although UEFA has not publicly detailed the reasoning behind the running clock, reports suggest the move is aimed at aligning with modern broadcasting standards and recent developments in world football.

The changes have sparked mixed reactions across the football community. While some managers have welcomed the relaxed yellow-card suspension threshold, others remain cautious about the impact the running clock could have on the perception and management of stoppage time.

FIFA's head of global football development, Arsène Wenger, has said the decision to drop plans for private investment in FIFA competitions was the correct one.

The proposal, introduced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, would have created a commercial company to manage major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup. Outside investors would have been able to buy stakes in the new business. Reports said FIFA's 211 member associations were each offered $40 million (£30 million) in exchange for supporting the plan.

The proposal attracted strong criticism, with UEFA's 55 member associations reportedly threatening to boycott FIFA competitions if it moved forward. In response to the growing backlash, FIFA withdrew the proposal.

Wenger, who has overseen FIFA's football development programmes since 2019, said he was not involved in creating the plan and only learned about it through media reports. In a statement, he stressed that FIFA should remain independent and operate with transparency, integrity and a commitment to serving the game.

The former Arsenal manager has previously supported some of Infantino's ideas, including holding the men's World Cup every two years. However, he made clear that he believed abandoning the investment proposal was the only appropriate course of action.

The article also notes that Wenger was among 18 FIFA officials named in a UEFA document preservation letter linked to potential legal action. Meanwhile, Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior adviser on global strategy and governance, resigned over the proposal, calling it "a bad deal for football" that would "mortgage football's future."

Under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to hold a crisis meeting with senior staff in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday as questions over his future continue to intensify.

Senior FIFA officials have been summoned to the meeting following growing backlash over Infantino's now-abandoned proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a company that would have overseen the commercial and operational management of FIFA's tournaments.

The emergency talks are expected to be highly charged, with uncertainty surrounding Infantino's next move. One possibility is that he acknowledges the growing opposition, accepts that his position has become untenable and resigns. The alternative is that he vows to stay on, insisting he still has strong backing from member associations, particularly in South America, Africa and Asia.

As a seasoned football politician, Infantino is likely aware of the shifting mood within FIFA. The key question is whether he believes he can rebuild support or whether the pressure has become too great to withstand.

Critics argue the controversy stems from more than a single misstep. They claim plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup had been developed over a prolonged period with a small group of close advisers, making the backlash far more damaging than an isolated error of judgment.

Several figures familiar with FIFA's internal politics now believe Infantino faces an uphill battle to remain in office, although his future will ultimately depend on whether he can retain the confidence of FIFA's member associations.

Sepp Blatter wants first female FIFA president to replace Infantino

However, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for FIFA to appoint its first female president, backing Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness as the ideal successor to current president Gianni Infantino.
In a post on X, Blatter praised Klaveness for her independence and leadership, writing: “Lise Klaveness deserves the utmost respect. She was the only one who always took a clear stand and did not go along with the mainstream. And at FIFA, the time is right for a woman to take the lead.”
Klaveness has led the Norwegian Football Federation for the past four years, following careers as both an international footballer and a lawyer. During her tenure, she has earned a reputation for taking principled positions on major issues affecting the game, even when those views left Norway isolated among FIFA’s member associations.
She publicly criticised Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup while attending the FIFA Congress in Doha and has also questioned the process that awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Norway was among only a small number of FIFA’s 211 member associations that declined to sign letters supporting Infantino’s expected re-election in 2027.
Blatter served as FIFA president from 1998 until his resignation in 2015 amid a corruption scandal that rocked world football. Although he was cleared of personal corruption charges by a Swiss tribunal last August, his endorsement of Klaveness is likely to reignite debate over FIFA’s future leadership and the prospect of its first female president.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed pressure after the president of the Jordan Football Association (JFA), Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, accused FIFA of attempting to pressure his organisation into supporting Infantino's re-election.
In a post on X, Prince Ali claimed FIFA had suggested that backing Infantino would help resolve several outstanding issues affecting Jordanian football, including the recovery of money the JFA says it is owed. He described the alleged approach as "blackmail" and insisted Jordan would not change its position.
Prince Ali, who ran against Sepp Blatter in the 2015 FIFA presidential election and against Infantino in 2016, also criticised FIFA over a number of issues linked to this summer's World Cup. These included visa difficulties faced by Jordanian supporters travelling to the United States, high ticket prices, and significant tax costs incurred because Jordan's team was based in the U.S. rather than Canada or Mexico.
He also said the JFA is still waiting to receive prize money from last year's FIFA-organised Arab Cup, despite FIFA's strong financial position.
"It is clear the problem really is with leadership," Prince Ali wrote. "For months, FIFA refused to help us on these matters until it was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that endorsing Infantino would go a long way toward helping our FA. We pride ourselves on upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now."
The allegations come at a time when Infantino is facing increasing opposition from several football governing bodies. Europe, along with countries in North and Central America and the Caribbean, is reportedly moving away from supporting his leadership, while Africa, South America and Oceania are expected to remain largely supportive.
Tensions escalated following FIFA's proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new company that would oversee the commercial and operational management of FIFA competitions. The proposal included plans to sell a 20 per cent stake to private investors, prompting strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.
Following widespread criticism and threats of a boycott from UEFA, FIFA abandoned the proposal. However, UEFA has said it has lost confidence in Infantino and is considering legal action, while several national associations, including England and Wales, have withdrawn their support for him.
Meanwhile, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly backed Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness as a potential successor to Infantino. Blatter said the time had come for FIFA to be led by a woman, praising Klaveness for consistently taking principled positions on governance issues, including criticism of the 2022 Qatar World Cup and Saudi Arabia's selection as host of the 2034 tournament.
Klaveness has led the Norwegian

A senior adviser to FIFA president Gianni Infantino has resigned after a third football confederation publicly opposed plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors.

Carlos Cordeiro described the proposal as "a bad deal for football" that would "mortgage football's future." His resignation came just hours after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced it was joining UEFA and Concacaf in opposing the plan.

In a statement, the AFC said it "stands in solidarity" with the other confederations, arguing that the proposal could not achieve the broad consensus needed to move forward. It warned that the FIFA World Cup draws its strength from the participation of all confederations and leading football nations, and that any proposal threatening the competition's unity should be reconsidered.

The AFC also criticized FIFA for advancing a major initiative without first consulting member associations or key governing bodies. It said the process had exposed weaknesses in FIFA's governance, leaving confederations, national associations and even the FIFA Council feeling sidelined. The confederation called for an urgent review of FIFA's consultation and decision-making procedures to ensure future proposals of global importance are developed through meaningful engagement and proper oversight.

The growing opposition presents a major obstacle for Infantino's plans. FIFA has 211 member associations, and the proposal would require a simple majority of 106 votes to pass. UEFA represents 55 members, Concacaf has 35, and the AFC has 46. If all three confederations vote against the proposal, 136 member associations would oppose it, making approval highly unlikely.

Cordeiro, who served as FIFA's senior adviser on global strategy and governance for nearly five years, is the first senior official to resign over the proposal. A former Goldman Sachs investment banker, he also represented FIFA on the White House task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a lengthy statement, Cordeiro said he "unequivocally" opposed the plan and rejected the argument that FIFA needed outside investors to unlock greater value. He argued that FIFA's responsibility is not to maximize commercial returns but to protect and strengthen football for future generations.

"The proposal has become a defining question for FIFA's future," he said. "When those principles come into conflict, football must come first."

Cordeiro stressed that he had no involvement in developing the proposal and criticized the lack of transparency surrounding it.

"Most troubling of all is the absence of answers to fundamental questions," he said. "Why this deal? Why now? What oversight exists? Who benefits?"

He added that member associations were being asked to make a decision with far-reaching consequences in less than 50 days, despite many key questions remaining unanswered.

"That is not a responsible way to determine the future of the world's game," he said.

FIFA has insisted that "nobody is selling football" as it pledged to continue consulting members over its controversial proposal to allow private investors to buy stakes in its competitions.

The plan has faced strong opposition from football's regional governing bodies. UEFA, which oversees European football, voted on Thursday to boycott future World Cups if the proposal moves forward. Concacaf, the governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean, also announced that its 41 member associations had rejected the plan put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

FIFA has 211 member associations, and the proposal would require the support of at least 106 to pass. Together, UEFA and Concacaf represent 96 votes, making their opposition a significant obstacle.

In a statement released on Friday, FIFA said the consultation process had been affected by "incorrect media reports" but stressed that it remained committed to an open and democratic discussion.

"We respect the feedback and concerns expressed publicly and remain committed to an open and democratic consultation," the statement said. "We will continue this process to ensure every member association can cast its vote based on the facts.

"Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain."

UEFA's 55 member associations have voted to boycott FIFA competitions if plans to sell stakes in the governing body's tournaments to private investors are approved.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting called after FIFA announced proposals earlier this week to allow outside investors to buy minority stakes in competitions such as the World Cup.

UEFA has strongly opposed the idea, describing the World Cup as "one of football's greatest sporting legacies" and insisting it should never be treated as a commercial investment.

"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product," UEFA said in a statement. "It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."

If FIFA president Gianni Infantino's proposals are approved by member associations, UEFA says its boycott would extend to all FIFA competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup.

The first major test of UEFA's position could come in October, when the Women's World Cup play-offs are scheduled.

Sources described the atmosphere at UEFA's emergency meeting as highly charged, with delegates expressing overwhelming opposition to the proposals. England FA chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham were among those who spoke during the discussions. Despite serving as one of FIFA's vice-presidents, Hewitt is understood to have had no prior knowledge of Infantino's plans.

Opposition is also growing outside Europe. Concacaf, which represents 41 national associations across North and Central America and the Caribbean, announced that it had also rejected the proposal. Sources suggest confidence in Infantino's leadership is weakening among Concacaf members.

The standoff marks one of the most significant governance disputes in world football in recent years, with the future ownership and control of FIFA's flagship competitions now at the centre of a growing conflict.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a plan that could significantly change the future of the FIFA World Cup by allowing private investors to buy a stake in its commercial operations. The proposal has sparked strong opposition, particularly from UEFA, which argues that football's biggest tournament should not be treated as a commercial asset for outside investors. Some European football officials have even suggested boycotting future World Cups if the plan moves forward.

What Is FIFA's Proposal?

FIFA plans to create a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage the commercial side of its competitions, including broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and licensing. FIFA would then sell a minority stake in this company to private investors, aiming to raise as much as $20 billion.

According to FIFA, it would retain majority ownership and full authority over football matters such as tournament rules, governance, and the international match calendar.

Why Is FIFA Doing This?

FIFA says the investment would help unlock the commercial value of the World Cup and generate more revenue for football worldwide. Every one of FIFA's 211 member associations would receive an immediate payment of about $20 million if the proposal is approved, followed by additional payments totaling around $86 million through 2038. For many smaller football associations, this funding could make a significant difference in developing the sport.

Why Is the Plan Controversial?

Many football organizations believe that introducing private investors could shift the focus from sporting values to financial profits. Critics worry that investors may push for higher ticket prices, more commercial advertising, larger tournaments, or more frequent competitions to maximize returns.

UEFA argues that the World Cup belongs to the global football community and should not be partially sold to private investors. It has also criticized FIFA for announcing the proposal without sufficient consultation with member organizations.

Why Is UEFA Threatening a Boycott?

UEFA believes the proposal could permanently change football governance and reduce the independence of the World Cup. Since Europe is home to many of the world's strongest national teams and most successful domestic leagues, a boycott by UEFA members would greatly reduce the prestige and competitiveness of the tournament.

However, FIFA decisions are made on a one-country, one-vote basis. Although UEFA has 55 member associations, FIFA has 211 members in total, meaning the proposal could still pass with support from other regions.

Who Could Invest?

The initial proposal reportedly came from Thrive Eternal, a permanent holding company led by investor Josh Kushner. If the plan advances, other investors, including sovereign wealth funds and international investment firms, could also seek to purchase a stake.

What Could Happen Next?

Several outcomes are possible. FIFA members may approve the proposal, allowing private investment to move forward. Alternatively, UEFA and other opponents could persuade enough member associations to reject it or force FIFA to revise its plans. UEFA has also discussed the possibility of boycotting future World Cups if the proposal is adopted.

Conclusion

The debate is about more than raising money. It concerns who should control the commercial future of the world's most prestigious football tournament. Supporters believe the plan would provide valuable funding for football development worldwide, while critics argue that it risks placing commercial interests ahead of the sport, its players, and its supporters. The outcome will depend on how FIFA's member associations vote in the coming months.

FIFA has abandoned its controversial proposal to sell stakes in its major competitions after widespread opposition from its member associations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the plan would no longer go ahead, saying it had become clear the proposal had "created divisions" and was "no longer in the interest" of its original objective.

The FIFA president had proposed selling a 20% stake in a newly created commercial entity overseeing the World Cup, with the goal of raising $4.2 billion (€3.6 billion). The leading candidate to acquire the stake was Thrive Eternal, the investment fund founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The decision to scrap the proposal follows strong resistance from member associations, bringing an end to one of the most controversial governance initiatives in FIFA's recent history.

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