FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to sell part of FIFA’s World Cup rights to private investors through a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, aiming to raise about $4.2 billion. Many soccer organizations, including UEFA and CONCACAF, strongly oppose this plan and have threatened or started boycotts of FIFA competitions, saying it could change how often the World Cup happens and hurt the sport.
Key Facts
FIFA plans to create a new company to handle World Cup commercial rights and sell a minority stake to investors.
The deal could be worth up to $4.2 billion and was developed with JPMorgan.
FIFA wants member groups to approve the plan by September 19, offering higher payments to each association.
UEFA and CONCACAF voted to boycott FIFA events if the plan moves forward.
The Asian Football Confederation also criticized FIFA, calling for changes in governance.
A top FIFA adviser resigned in protest, calling the plan bad for football.
FIFA staff said they felt misled about the project and called it the work of one person.
The conflict puts pressure on Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to disarm as part of a U.S.-led peace plan for Gaza. While Trump said Israel is pleased with the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet approved it, and both sides disagree on the order of actions needed to move forward.
Key Facts
Hamas reportedly agreed to disarm according to President Trump's announcement.
This agreement is part of a peace plan brokered by the United States.
President Trump stated that Israel is "very happy" with the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly supported the deal.
Israeli officials insist their forces will not withdraw without real disarmament from Hamas.
Hamas demands that Israel must withdraw its forces before it disarms.
The situation remains uncertain with ongoing disagreements between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement comes amid broader tensions and recent violence in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian missile strikes hit the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, causing at least nine deaths and injuring 28 people. These attacks come as both Russia and Ukraine have increased their attacks on various cities in recent months.
Key Facts
At least nine people died in missile strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Twenty-eight others were injured in the attacks.
The strikes were carried out by Russia using ballistic missiles.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been increasing attacks recently.
Moscow has focused on long-range strikes targeting Ukrainian towns and cities.
The attacks occurred overnight leading into Saturday.
Kyiv is the capital city of Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed nine people and injured 22, with Ukraine struggling due to low supplies of air defence missiles. President Zelenskyy asked allies to send more interceptor missiles to protect civilians. Meanwhile, Spain reported 67 deaths in a migration crisis at the Ceuta border with Morocco and plans to build a barrier to stop crossings.
Key Facts
Russian forces launched 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, and 185 attack drones at Ukraine overnight.
Kyiv managed to intercept only one ballistic missile because of low stocks of US-supplied Patriot interceptor missiles.
Nine people died and 22 were injured in the attacks on Kyiv, with other strikes hitting regions like Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava.
President Zelenskyy called for urgent delivery of more Patriot interceptors to reduce civilian casualties.
Spain’s death toll in the Ceuta border crisis rose to 67 amid tens of thousands of migrants entering from Morocco.
Spain announced plans to build a barrier extending into the sea to prevent more migrants from crossing.
Spanish officials said almost all migrants who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco.
Over 300 firefighters are fighting a wildfire near Porto Germeno, Greece, with several homes damaged and other wildfires burning in Europe due to heat and drought.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The number of deaths during the border crisis at Ceuta, a Spanish territory next to Morocco, has risen to 67. The Spanish government is building a barrier along the sea fence to control the large flow of migrants crossing into Ceuta.
Key Facts
Ceuta is a small Spanish territory located on the coast of Morocco.
Recently, tens of thousands of migrants tried to enter Ceuta from Morocco.
At least 67 people have died during this border crisis.
The Spanish government is installing a new barrier along the breakwater fence in the sea.
Spanish army soldiers and police have been involved in managing the situation.
Some migrants have been returned to Morocco from Ceuta.
The crisis has drawn attention to migration issues between Morocco and Spain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A tanker near Oman was hit by an unknown object, damaging its engine but causing no injuries, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The incident happened near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States.
Key Facts
The tanker was struck about 11 nautical miles northeast of Lima, Oman.
The damage left the tanker unable to control itself but no people were hurt.
A second incident nearby involved an explosion seen close to another tanker with no damage reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route used for about 20% of the world’s oil.
Kuwait reported destroying hostile drones believed to be part of an Iranian attack on vital facilities.
Iran’s military blamed the United States for increasing tensions in the Middle East.
The European Union said an Italian military ship safely escorted a merchant vessel through the Red Sea.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis denied reports they planned to charge fees to ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran and its allied groups are attacking Saudi Arabia from multiple directions, creating serious security challenges for the kingdom. These attacks threaten Saudi Arabia’s key ports, energy exports, and the country’s long-term economic plan called Vision 2030.
Key Facts
Iran has been firing missiles and drones toward the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s attacks have disrupted operations at Saudi ports along the Persian Gulf, affecting global oil and gas trade.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement launched attacks on Saudi shipping routes along the Red Sea.
The Houthis also control territory near Saudi Arabia’s southern border and have carried out missile strikes into Saudi territory.
Iraqi militias allied with Iran have recently attacked Saudi Arabia from the north, prompting joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes in response.
Saudi Arabia announced a 14-nation maritime security coalition to protect key waterways and shipping lanes.
These security threats challenge Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic plan aimed at modernizing Saudi Arabia.
Experts say security and economic development must go together for Saudi Arabia to achieve lasting peace and growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Rescuers with military help have restarted the search for at least six climbers missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. So far, rescuers have found three bodies and continue efforts despite low chances of survival.
Key Facts
At least six climbers from a 10-person team are missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan.
Three bodies have been recovered: climbers from Oman, the United States, and Nepal.
The missing team lost contact with their base camp on Thursday after the avalanche.
The search involves experienced Pakistani climbers and army helicopters.
The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Oman, the United States, Pakistan, China, and another unidentified foreign climber.
The team was led by famous mountaineer Nirmal Purja, known for climbing the world’s 14 highest mountains in record time.
Avalanche and weather conditions in northern Pakistan make climbing dangerous and accidents common.
One climber, Mallory Geis, was attempting her first climb of an 8,000-meter peak.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
FIFA decided not to go ahead with its plan to sell part of the World Cup to private investors after strong opposition from regional football groups, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC president stressed the importance of discussing any major decisions about global football in an open and timely way with all stakeholders.
Key Facts
FIFA planned to raise $4.2 billion by selling about 20% of a new unit that would manage FIFA events like the World Cup.
The plan was announced on a Tuesday and quickly faced criticism from regional football groups, including the AFC.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino canceled the investment plan following the backlash.
AFC President Sheikh Salman said such important plans should be shared and discussed with all football organizations involved.
Sheikh Salman called the way FIFA made the proposal "totally unacceptable."
The AFC runs football competitions in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
Sheikh Salman wants future football decisions to be made through consultation and respect for football's governance rules.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A report reveals that drinking alcohol is very common among Members of Parliament (MPs) in Westminster, where free drinks are often available even during work hours. Some MPs have had health problems from heavy drinking, and the culture of alcohol is linked to socialising and career networking in Parliament.
Key Facts
Parliament is described as "Britain’s last alcohol-soaked workplace" with free drinks offered as early as midday.
Some MPs have required medical treatment after drinking too much alcohol at work.
A survey of 190 MPs and staff found alcohol is deeply part of professional life, networking, and events in Westminster.
Alcohol is often provided free at events organized for lobbying MPs.
42% of MPs said they had been offered alcohol weekly at work meetings or events, and 13% said this happened daily.
22% of MPs expressed concern about a colleague’s drinking habits.
The culture is influenced by long working hours, loneliness, job pressure, and the need to socialise for career reasons.
Some MPs describe the routine availability of alcohol as encouraging high-risk drinking and unprofessional behavior.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ed Miliband is the UK Foreign Secretary and plans to focus on improving relations with the European Union, addressing the climate crisis, and reviving the G20 international group. He is also aware of the challenges in dealing with the US alliance and the situation in Palestine.
Key Facts
Ed Miliband sees the Foreign Secretary role as important and wants to actively create policies.
He will be closely involved in talks about the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
Miliband supports a long-term close relationship with Europe for security and economic reasons.
He aims to revive the G20, an international economic forum that has lost influence.
The UK will chair the G20 and hold an illicit finance summit next year.
Miliband’s team includes experienced advisers like Lord Wood and former chancellor Gordon Brown as a special envoy.
There is ongoing uncertainty about Palestine due to Israeli elections and Hamas issues.
The Foreign Office is facing challenges, including staff strikes and leadership changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Famous climber Nirmal Purja and nine other people died in an avalanche while climbing Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. Rescue teams found three bodies so far and continue searching in difficult mountain weather.
Key Facts
The avalanche happened on Broad Peak, a mountain over 8,000 meters high, on Thursday.
Ten climbers were on the expedition, including Nirmal Purja, five Nepalis, and climbers from Pakistan, Oman, the USA, and China.
Nirmal Purja was a well-known British-Nepali climber with several climbing records and former military experience.
Rescue operations were paused briefly due to bad weather but have resumed with helicopters and porters helping.
Three bodies recovered so far include an American woman, an Omani woman, and a Nepali man.
The climbers were at about 6,600 meters altitude when the avalanche hit and knocked them hundreds of meters down the mountain.
Nepal’s Prime Minister expressed sorrow and praised their bravery and contributions.
The rescue is difficult due to high altitude, tough terrain, and bad weather.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 80 dead and sick native birds off the South Australian coast are believed to be the first big group of deaths caused by the H5N1 bird flu virus in Australia, which arrived six weeks ago. Officials have found more sick birds moving inland, and experts warn the virus could spread quickly, threatening wildlife and farms.
Key Facts
About 49 dead greater crested terns and 35 sick ones were seen near Baudin Rocks, South Australia.
Testing is ongoing, but this is likely the first major bird die-off from H5N1 in Australia.
The virus has been found in birds inland, near poultry farms at Monarto, raising concerns of spread.
Silver gulls, common coastal and inland birds, have also tested positive, increasing fears of wider spread.
Australia confirmed cases in several states including Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.
The disease has caused millions of bird deaths worldwide and threatens endangered species like the Australian sea lion.
Experts say the virus is spreading quickly and could become a major problem, but stopping the spread is currently not possible.
Surveillance and testing efforts continue to track the virus.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Berlin, Osman Kalin, a Turkish guest worker, built a small two-story "treehouse" on a patch of land next to the Berlin Wall in 1983. The site became a symbol of resistance and immigrant creativity during the Cold War, but now faces possible demolition by city authorities.
Key Facts
The treehouse is located on a small traffic island near the Berlin Wall in the Kreuzberg district.
The land was a no man's land officially belonging to East Berlin but physically in West Berlin.
Osman Kalin started planting vegetables there in 1983 and built the original shed, later replaced by the treehouse.
Kalin got permission from East German authorities to stay as long as the building was no taller than the wall.
After German reunification in 1990, Kalin faced eviction but was allowed to remain with help from a local church proving land ownership.
Osman Kalin was one of millions of guest workers (Gastarbeiter) who came to West Germany to fill labor shortages.
Kalin’s treehouse symbolizes resistance to the Cold War regime, racism, and discrimination.
Since Kalin’s death in 2018, his son Mehmet has maintained the treehouse and its legacy.
Supporters are now trying to prevent the demolition of the treehouse, which city officials see as a safety risk.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At least nine people were killed and 28 were injured in Kyiv, Ukraine, after Russia launched a missile attack on the city. The strikes caused damage to buildings and vehicles, leading to emergency response efforts and increased calls for air defense support.
Key Facts
The attack happened overnight on Saturday in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Russian ballistic missiles hit five regions in Kyiv, killing nine people, including children, and wounding 28 others.
The strikes caused fires and damaged residential buildings and cars.
Local emergency services rescued 105 people from damaged areas.
Russia said it targeted military-industrial sites and logistics centers during the attack.
Russia’s defense ministry claimed to have shot down 274 Ukrainian drones the same night.
Kyiv’s mayor warned residents to stay in shelters during the missile attacks.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified, with both sides increasing attacks in recent months.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Israeli settler in the West Bank said recent attacks on nearby Palestinian villages were justified as revenge for the killing of an Israeli security guard. The settler also expressed strong religious beliefs that support Jewish claims to the land, despite international laws and disputes over land ownership.
Key Facts
Havat Gilad is an Israeli settler outpost in the occupied West Bank, built on land claimed by Palestinians.
A security guard from Havat Gilad was killed during clashes in the Palestinian village of Tal.
Following this, Israeli settlers carried out attacks on several Palestinian villages nearby.
Four Palestinians and one Israeli soldier also died in the initial confrontation.
Yehuda Shimon, a settler's lawyer, said revenge attacks on Palestinians are justified by the settlers.
Shimon said one Jewish life equals millions of Palestinian lives, citing religious reasons for Jewish claims to the land.
Havat Gilad was established over 20 years ago in memory of a killed Israeli security officer.
The outpost is not officially authorized by Israel but may be legalized despite some of the land being privately owned by Palestinians.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb a secretive underground nuclear site in Iran called Pickaxe Mountain, near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Experts say the site is possibly built deep inside a mountain to protect it from air strikes, with ongoing construction suggesting hardening against attacks. Iran denies any nuclear activity there and calls US threats a pretext for aggression.
Key Facts
Pickaxe Mountain is near Iran's largest nuclear enrichment site, Natanz.
It may serve as a replacement facility for advanced centrifuge assembly damaged in 2020.
Centrifuges enrich uranium, which can be used for nuclear fuel or weapons.
The site has four tunnel entrances and is surrounded by a large fence built after a 2025 Israel-Iran conflict.
Satellite images show ongoing construction, excavation, and road work at Pickaxe Mountain.
Some tunnels have been partially blocked to prevent ground access.
The site may be about 100 meters underground, deeper than other Iranian nuclear sites hit by US strikes.
The US GBU-57 bomb is capable of penetrating deep underground to strike such facilities.
Iran’s foreign ministry says no nuclear activity occurs at Pickaxe Mountain and calls US threats false.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Scottish men were killed in a shooting at a bar in Fuengirola, Spain, in June 2023. This event is linked to a 25-year violent gang feud between two Glasgow crime families, the Lyons and the Daniels, which may now be calming down according to police reports.
Key Facts
The shooting happened outside Monaghans bar after a European football match.
Eddie Lyons Jr, 46, was killed; Ross Monaghan, 43, was shot multiple times and died after trying to escape.
The Lyons and Daniels families have been involved in a violent gang conflict in Glasgow for 25 years.
Police Scotland reported a recent drop in violence connected to this feud.
Between 2022 and 2023, there were 84 violent incidents and 64 arrests related to this gang conflict.
Police recovered weapons and protected vulnerable people affected by the feud.
A major police operation hacked an encrypted communication service used by criminals, leading to thousands of arrests worldwide.
The gang feud reportedly started in 2001 after a drug theft worth £20,000 triggered ongoing hostilities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Noma, a famous restaurant in Copenhagen, is reopening next week with new leadership after its co-founder René Redzepi stepped down following abuse allegations. The new chef, Pablo Soto, said the restaurant will maintain its style but focus more on creating a better work environment for employees.
Key Facts
Noma is a highly ranked restaurant known worldwide, with five top rankings and three Michelin stars.
René Redzepi, co-founder and star chef, resigned due to accusations of physical and psychological abuse from 2009 to 2017.
Redzepi apologized for his harmful behavior and stepped away from day-to-day operations but remains involved in creative work.
Pablo Soto, who has worked at Noma for nearly 10 years, is now the executive head chef.
The restaurant will reopen with a new monthly menu instead of a seasonal one.
Noma aims to allow employees to have better work-life balance and healthier working conditions.
Before the allegations, Noma planned to become a food laboratory but decided to reopen its main restaurant after the scandal.
Daily management is handled by Pablo Soto, the CEO Annika de Las Heras, and the head of research Mette Brink Søberg.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tens of thousands of Moroccans attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta seeking better opportunities in Europe. Spanish authorities quickly ordered most migrants to return to Morocco, creating a humanitarian challenge in the city due to the large number of arrivals.
Key Facts
About 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta between Thursday and Friday morning.
Around 45,000 migrants returned to Morocco within hours after arriving in Ceuta.
Ceuta's population is roughly 85,000, so the migrants equaled about 70% of the local population.
Many migrants are young Moroccans hoping for better jobs and futures in Europe.
Spanish police and soldiers were deployed to manage the situation.
Local residents were surprised and concerned by the sudden influx of migrants.
The incident recalled a smaller migration event in 2021 when Morocco eased border controls.
Train stations in major Moroccan cities became crowded as more people traveled toward Ceuta.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
