A senior advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino resigned because he disagrees with FIFA’s plan to bring in private investors for the World Cup. Many football groups, including European and North American associations, oppose the plan, fearing it could harm the future of football.
Key Facts
Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to FIFA’s president, resigned in protest.
FIFA wants private companies to invest in the World Cup to raise money.
Cordeiro said this move could "mortgage football's future," meaning it might cause harm long-term.
Several football organizations, including Europe’s UEFA and CONCACAF, are against the idea.
There is talk of some football groups boycotting future World Cups if private investment happens.
FIFA offered $40 million to countries that support the plan.
The plan could involve selling a $4.2 billion stake in FIFA tournaments.
The idea has caused strong backlash from football leaders and fans around the world.
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Franco Baresi, a legendary Italian football player and former AC Milan captain, died at the age of 66. He was known for his loyalty to AC Milan, spending his entire 20-year career at the club, and was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team.
Key Facts
Franco Baresi died at 66 years old; the football club AC Milan announced his death without giving a cause.
He spent his entire professional playing career, lasting 20 years, with AC Milan.
Baresi was a key defender and captain for Milan, playing over 700 games for the club.
He helped Italy win the World Cup in 1982 and was runner-up in the 1994 World Cup.
Baresi won many titles with Milan, including three Champions League trophies and six Serie A championships.
Milan retired his number 6 jersey, the first time this honor was given in Italian football.
He was made honorary president of AC Milan in 2020.
In August 2025, he underwent surgery and later received immunotherapy treatment for a lung condition.
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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) supports UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. While UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA events if the plan continues, AFC expressed concern but did not call for a boycott, urging better communication and reform from FIFA.
Key Facts
AFC stands with UEFA and CONCACAF against FIFA’s plan to create a $20 billion commercial company to run the World Cup.
UEFA voted to boycott all FIFA events unless the plan is canceled.
CONCACAF also opposes the proposal.
AFC says the World Cup’s strength comes from all football regions participating together.
AFC’s president called the way the plan was introduced “totally unacceptable.”
The AFC criticized FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, for weak decision-making and poor consultation.
FIFA asked national associations to review and comment on the proposal.
AFC says true democracy in FIFA means clear governance, timely talks, informed decisions, and real involvement.
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European football associations have decided to boycott the next World Cup if FIFA allows private investors to own part of the tournament. FIFA plans to seek private funding and offers $40 million to countries that support this idea, which has surprised many football groups.
Key Facts
FIFA wants to introduce private investment into the World Cup.
FIFA is offering $40 million to countries that back this plan.
European football associations, including UEFA, have voted to boycott if the plan proceeds.
Football groups worldwide were not informed earlier about FIFA’s private investment plans.
The World Cup has traditionally been run as a not-for-profit event.
The plan has caused widespread upset among football organizations.
Some football legends, like Zinedine Zidane, remain focused on coaching their teams despite the controversy.
FIFA hopes to sell a $4.2 billion stake in its tournaments as part of this plan.
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Scotland’s Melanie Woods won the women’s 1500m T54 race at the Commonwealth Games for the second time in less than 40 hours after the final had to be replayed due to a crash. Woods set a new Games record again in the restaged race in Glasgow, while England’s Ellis Kottas finished fourth after originally winning silver.
Key Facts
Melanie Woods is from Scotland and races in a wheelchair.
Woods first won the 1500m T54 race and set a Games record.
The race was stopped and had to be run again because of a crash on the first lap.
Woods won the restarted race and broke the Games record again.
Ellis Kottas from England was originally second but ended up fourth after the replay.
The race took place in Glasgow at the Scotstoun Stadium.
Woods will also compete in the 400m race soon after the 1500m final.
Woods has used a wheelchair since a bike accident in 2018.
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Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones had a heated argument with teammate Dominik Szoboszlai after their 1-0 win against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium. The cause of the argument is unclear, but it involved the captain's armband being passed to another player and later thrown on the ground.
Key Facts
Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai argued after Liverpool's win over Wrexham.
Kostas Tsimikas also joined the argument and threw the captain's armband on the floor.
Szoboszlai gave the captain's armband to Tsimikas instead of Jones when subbed off.
Liverpool's manager, Andoni Iraola, wants Jones to stay with the club.
Liverpool recently rejected a £21.7 million offer for Jones from Inter Milan.
Jones has one year left on his Liverpool contract.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour in North America ends with a match against Leeds in Chicago.
Curtis Jones has been with Liverpool since he was nine years old.
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The documentary *Can We Kick It?* explores the history and challenges of soccer in Black American communities. It highlights why soccer struggles to connect with urban and Black audiences, despite its global popularity and the diversity seen in recent U.S. national teams.
Key Facts
*Can We Kick It?* is a documentary directed by Akbar Majeed about soccer’s relationship with Black communities in the U.S.
The film tells stories like Howard University’s soccer team winning the 1974 NCAA title after a controversial 1971 loss.
It points out that Joe Gaetjens, a Black player, scored the U.S. winning goal against England in the 1950 World Cup.
Soccer is very popular worldwide, but in the U.S., parts of urban and Black communities have been left out of its growth.
Majeed grew up playing soccer but had little exposure to professional games or soccer culture on TV.
He converted an ice skating rink into an indoor soccer field in Charlotte to bring the sport to grassroots players.
The U.S. men’s World Cup team is increasingly diverse but does not fully represent Latino or all Black communities who play soccer the most.
Majeed says soccer in the U.S. faces challenges connecting grassroots soccer with professional and elite levels.
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Several major football organizations, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the European body Uefa, and the North and Central American group Concacaf, oppose FIFA's plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors. They say the plan risks harming football's unity and that FIFA did not properly consult its members before proposing it.
Key Facts
The AFC supports Uefa and Concacaf in opposing FIFA's proposal to let private investors buy shares in FIFA competitions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan needs a majority vote of 106 out of 211 members to pass.
Uefa and Concacaf members combined hold 90 votes, and AFC members add 46 votes, making approval unlikely.
AFC criticized FIFA for poor communication and lack of consultation with member organizations.
FIFA wants to create a separate commercial company to manage major events, including the World Cups.
FIFA says the plan will not harm the spirit or governance of football.
Uefa accuses FIFA leaders of trying to get rich through the plan, while Concacaf and AFC worry about the decision process.
Other regional football bodies, like South America’s Conmebol and Africa’s CAF, have yet to make final decisions.
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The Premier League season starts less than five weeks after the World Cup final, leaving many players little time to rest and prepare for their new club season. Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal are especially affected because several of their players played late into the World Cup and have only a short pre-season break.
Key Facts
The Premier League starts on August 21, just 33 days after the World Cup final.
FIFA rules require players to take at least a three-week break after the World Cup.
Tottenham had four players still playing at the World Cup’s final weekend, limiting their pre-season training time.
Manchester City and Arsenal had the most players reaching the later stages of the World Cup.
Some players, like Manchester City’s Rodri, have faced injuries possibly due to heavy workloads during the tournament.
Tottenham players such as Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro only returned to training about two weeks before the season start.
Arsenal’s William Saliba and Manchester City’s Rodri have back problems expected to keep them out early in the new season.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa played the most minutes among Premier League players at the World Cup with 810 minutes.
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Bournemouth has agreed to pay up to £26 million to sign Antonio Silva, a 22-year-old center-back from Benfica. Silva will have a medical check before completing the transfer, which aims to replace the recently departed Marcos Senesi.
Key Facts
Bournemouth’s deal for Silva is initially £21.4 million, plus £4.3 million in additional payments.
Silva plays as a center-back and has been a regular starter for Benfica since 2022.
He has experience in major tournaments like the Champions League, Europa League, and Club World Cup.
Silva has 20 appearances for Portugal and was part of their 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 squads.
The signing follows Marcos Senesi’s move to Tottenham on a free transfer.
Bournemouth's new manager is Marco Rose.
Silva is Bournemouth’s second summer signing after striker Alvaro Rodriguez.
Bournemouth sold over £200 million worth of players last year and wants to keep key players Alex Scott, Rayan, and Junior Kroupi, who is currently injured.
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The new Scottish Premiership season is starting with uncertainty about whether teams outside the traditional top two, Celtic and Rangers, can compete strongly. Last season saw Heart of Midlothian challenge the top two dramatically, but this year some teams are rebuilding and may take time to perform at the same level.
Key Facts
The Scottish Premiership season has just begun.
Last season was notable for a close title race, with Heart of Midlothian challenging Celtic and Rangers.
Heart of Midlothian is undergoing changes with new management and many new players.
Other teams like Motherwell and Aberdeen are rebuilding or adjusting after losing key players and staff.
Celtic and Rangers remain the main title contenders, both led by experienced managers now.
Young Scottish players getting more playing time is a common hope, but often not fulfilled.
Last season’s drama included managerial changes and off-field controversies affecting teams.
The league’s competitiveness and surprises are uncertain this year compared to last season’s excitement.
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FIFA plans to bring private investors into the World Cup and other tournaments by creating a new company that would sell up to 20% ownership to outsiders. UEFA and some other regional football groups strongly oppose this plan, with UEFA voting to boycott FIFA events if it goes forward. FIFA says it will continue consulting all member associations before making a decision.
Key Facts
FIFA wants to create a $20 billion company called FIFA Forward Enterprise to run the World Cup and other events.
Up to 20% of this company’s ownership would be offered to private investors.
Thrive Eternal, led by Joshua Kushner’s fund, is expected to be the main investor group.
UEFA’s 55 member associations voted unanimously to boycott FIFA tournaments over the proposal.
CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation also rejected the plan, but only UEFA threatened a boycott.
FIFA promises that no decisions will be made without majority support from all 211 member associations.
FIFA offers $40 million to each football association that supports the proposal by September 19.
Former player Xabi Alonso emphasized that football should remain focused on fans, not private investors.
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Gianni Infantino has been the president of Fifa for 10 years, taking over when the organization faced corruption scandals and financial troubles. Under his leadership, Fifa’s finances have improved greatly, but some of his recent plans, like selling stakes in World Cup competitions, have caused controversy and criticism.
Key Facts
Infantino became Fifa president after predecessor Sepp Blatter resigned amid corruption claims.
When he started, Fifa faced a reported $550 million financial shortfall.
Infantino promised to restore football’s image and invest more in developing football globally.
Fifa now expects record revenues of over $13 billion for a recent three-year period.
The World Cup expanded to 48 teams under Infantino’s leadership.
Recent proposals to sell parts of Fifa competitions to private investors have been widely criticized.
Infantino has clashed with players’ unions and European football organizations.
Despite criticism, Infantino remains popular and holds a strong position in football worldwide.
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Franco Baresi, a former AC Milan defender and World Cup winner with Italy, has died at age 66. He spent his entire 20-year playing career at AC Milan, where he became captain and won many titles, and was honored by the club after his retirement.
Key Facts
Franco Baresi died at 66, as announced by AC Milan; no cause of death was given.
He played only for AC Milan during his professional career, starting in 1978 and retiring in 1997.
Baresi captained AC Milan and helped the team win multiple trophies including three Champions League titles and six Serie A championships.
He was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup winning team and played in the 1994 World Cup final.
AC Milan retired his No. 6 jersey, the first time an Italian club retired a player number.
In 2020, Baresi was made honorary president of AC Milan.
He underwent surgery and immunotherapy in 2025 for a lung condition.
Baresi’s last public appearance was carrying the torch at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony in 2026.
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Franco Baresi, a legendary Italian football player and longtime AC Milan captain, died at the age of 66. He spent his entire playing career at AC Milan, won major titles, and was part of Italy's 1982 World Cup-winning team.
Key Facts
Franco Baresi died at age 66.
He played for AC Milan from 1977 to 1997.
Baresi won six Serie A titles and three European Cups/Champions Leagues with Milan.
He was AC Milan’s captain for 15 years and played 719 games for the club.
Baresi scored 33 goals as a defender.
He played 81 times for Italy and helped win the 1982 World Cup.
In 2020, he became AC Milan's honorary vice-president.
AC Milan retired his number 6 shirt in 2024 to honor him.
He had lung surgery in August 2025 and last appeared publicly in February 2026.
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UEFA, the organization in charge of European football, said it will not take part in future World Cups if FIFA lets private investors buy rights to the tournament’s profits. This decision was made by all 55 UEFA member groups in a special meeting. The article also mentions recent football player transfers and other sports updates.
Key Facts
UEFA opposes FIFA's plan to allow private investors to buy World Cup commercial rights.
UEFA’s 55 member associations voted unanimously to boycott the World Cup if the plan passes.
Gianni Infantino is FIFA’s president and the person behind the investor plan.
France defender Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea football club.
Paris Saint-Germain agreed to sign Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco.
France won the men’s team sabre world championship in fencing.
Basketball player Sylvain Francisco left ASVEL to join Panathinaikos.
AS Monaco basketball team is set to return to the French top league after a new owner took over.
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The UK’s only all-female chess team, She Plays to Win Lionesses A Team, was promoted to the top division but must now add a male player due to a league rule requiring mixed-gender teams. The team and its supporters say this rule forces them to drop one female player and may hurt female participation and team spirit.
Key Facts
The Four Nations Chess League (4NCL) requires all top division teams to have at least one male and one female player.
She Plays to Win Lionesses A Team is the UK’s only all-female chess team in the 4NCL’s top division.
The league includes teams from England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland.
Women make up only about 11% of top-rated chess players, showing female players are underrepresented.
The team was allowed to be all-female in the second division by including one player under 18 years old.
Team members say forcing a male player onto the team would harm their sense of community and discourage female players.
The league says the mixed-gender rule encourages female participation and has no evidence it discourages women.
The league surveyed team captains and found no strong support for changing the mixed-gender rule at this time.
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Girls' football teams in Northern Ireland are competing in the Girls' Super Cup NI, an international tournament featuring teams from countries like the United States, Norway, and England. The event helps local players improve by playing against stronger and faster overseas teams, with matches held in the Antrim and Newtownabbey areas.
Key Facts
The Girls' Super Cup NI started in 2022 with six teams and now includes 16 teams.
Liverpool's girls' team participated in the tournament for the first time this year.
Matches feature international teams, such as Surf Select from the USA and IL Heming from Norway.
Local teams include Crusaders, Linfield, and Glentoran, playing on pitches near their communities.
Players say they learn and develop by competing against faster, stronger, and more athletic foreign players.
Coaches see the event as a unique chance for girls to experience a higher level of physical football.
The tournament promotes community engagement, with events like quiz nights between teams.
The competition runs across local venues including The Diamond in Rathcoole and Monkstown.
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FIFA plans to continue talking with its members about a proposal to let private investors buy shares in a commercial part of the organization. UEFA, the European football group, has threatened to boycott FIFA events like the World Cup because of this plan.
Key Facts
FIFA wants to create a commercial company that private investors can own part of.
FIFA says it will hold an open consultation so all member associations can give their opinion.
UEFA, which manages football in Europe, said it might boycott FIFA competitions in protest.
FIFA claims it is not selling football and that the consultations are fair and democratic.
The plan could bring in about $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation.
Investors might include Thrive Capital and a unit of JP Morgan Chase.
If approved, FIFA’s 211 members could each get $20 million once and have increased funding from 2027 to 2030.
FIFA wants to clear up misunderstandings caused by incorrect media reports.
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Roberto de Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur's manager, grew up as a passionate fan of Brescia, the Italian football club currently facing financial troubles. Tottenham's record signing, midfielder Sandro Tonali, also started his career at Brescia, linking the club and the team. Brescia Calcio was recently declared bankrupt, but a new club, Union Brescia, continues the football tradition in the city.
Key Facts
Roberto de Zerbi developed his love of football as a child supporting Brescia, influenced by his father, a leader among Brescia's supporters.
Sandro Tonali, Tottenham’s record signing, joined Brescia at age 12 and played there until 2020 before moving to AC Milan.
Brescia Calcio was excluded from professional football due to financial problems and declared bankrupt recently.
A new football club, Union Brescia, now plays in the same stadium and carries on the city's football legacy.
Brescia Calcio was legally owed about £3.5 million from Tonali's transfer under FIFA’s solidarity payment rules.
Attempts to revive Brescia Calcio seem unlikely after a recent court ruling to wind up the club.
Tonali and de Zerbi share a connection through their Brescia roots, discussing the club’s difficult situation.
Union Brescia reached the Serie C play-off final earlier this year but lost to Ascoli.
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