GIANNI INFANTINO ISSUES PUBLIC APOLOGY AS FIFA ANNOUNCES MASSIVE $6.35 BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN FOLLOWING WORLD CUP SUCCESS

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Gianni Infantino has issued a direct apology following the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich after the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal was permanently scrapped. However, record commercial returns from the 2026 World Cup have allowed the governing body to announce a massive financial boost for member associations.

Massive funding package unveiled

FIFA President Infantino issued a public apology following the latest FIFA Council meeting at the Home of FIFA in Zurich. The chief executive addressed past mistakes regarding the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which has now been permanently withdrawn.

Despite the governance setback, FIFA presented a landmark financial initiative called the FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme. Driven by exceptional commercial returns from the 48-team 2026 World Cup, the plan will more than double development funding for the 2027-2030 period.

The total support package will reach $6.35 billion, drawing from an estimated cycle surplus of between $5.2 billion and $5.6 billion. Under the new proposal, allocations per FIFA Member Association will rise to $25 million while maintaining $1.7 billion in hard reserves.

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Infantino addresses the past

The primary focal point of the meeting centred on the withdrawn FFE initiative, which had drawn sharp criticism from key stakeholders in recent months. Infantino took responsibility for how the project was handled and communicated to the global football community.

"As has been said many times since 2016, FIFA’s money, including its reserves, belongs to the 211 FIFA Member Associations, and the proposal to increase investment across all FIFA Member Associations, confederations and other stakeholders to USD 6.35 billion aims to reinforce our unwavering commitment to further supporting football development and access globally thanks to the outstanding financial result of the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino stated

"In ten years since I became FIFA President, we have gone from USD 1 million per FIFA Member Association to USD 25 million each – all across the world. At the same time, I would like to thank everyone who has made suggestions over the past few months on the distribution of FIFA’s funds to our 211 FIFA Member Associations as we need to look forward in a spirit of unity and in the best interests of football."

Governance under the microscope

The FIFA Council confirmed that the FFE initiative will not reappear in any form, with externally appointed lawyers updating members on confidential legal proceedings in the United States. A new working group featuring representatives from across the confederations will now examine FIFA's overall governance framework.

To ensure transparency, the distribution of the $6.35 billion funding will align directly with women's football, youth development, long-term projects, and infrastructure. The plan remains subject to final approval mechanisms to ensure strict control and audit standards.

"We held discussions in relation to the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, where everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and express their views," Infantino said.

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Key decisions on horizon

The FIFA administration will now work alongside relevant committees to finalise the eligibility, application, and disbursement rules for the Surplus Solidarity Programme. The full framework will be submitted to the FIFA Council at its next meeting in December 2026.

Several other administrative matters were also progressed during the Zurich summit. The Football Social Responsibility Committee will assess the FIFA Peace Prize, while the Legal Committee conducts a review of disciplinary procedures following Folarin Balogun's suspended ban.

All major proposals, including the expanded funding distribution plan, will ultimately be put forward for formal approval at the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027.

- Yosua Arya

CLUB LEGEND ROY KEANE BRANDS MAN UNITED A 'CIRCUS' AFTER LISANDRO MARTINEZ CRITICISM

'I think as a reflection of the club, it's obviously chaos there, like a bit of a circus'

 

CHAOTIC: Roy Keane has branded Manchester United a "circus" following Lisandro Martinez's outburst against the club's hierarchy. Picture: Bradley Collyer/the Press Association.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane believes Lisandro Martinez's criticism of the club hierarchy reflects the "chaos" at Old Trafford.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Keane described United as "a bit of a circus".

Speaking after Tuesday's 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Martinez said he had expected more investment in the squad in the summer and "more from our technical director". In a social media post on Wednesday he said he had spoken out of "anger and frustration".

United have won just one of their opening six Premier League games and are without a victory in any competition in five. They take on Leeds United this weekend.

"There will be some fans saying it's great and some saying you're letting the team down, especially from a player who hasn't been at his best, when the team is struggling," said Keane. "I think as a reflection of the club, it's obviously chaos there, like a bit of a circus.

Look at yourself

"When you're going through a difficult spell like United are, the issue I have with certain players saying things is you always have to start with the man in the mirror before you start coming out with all these comments."

Martinez is 28 and out of contract at the end of the season, though United have the option to extend his deal.

"I don't think it will be a big falling-out - because I think we have question marks over this dressing room anyway," Keane said.

I don't think there's enough characters, enough men in there, but I don't see him as a senior player at Manchester United. I see him as a centre-half who's making lots of mistakes."

Former United defender Gary Neville compared the incident to comments made by Wayne Rooney when they were team-mates in 2010.

Rooney pulled out of contract talks, saying he had not received "any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad". Two days later he signed a five-year deal and later said staying was the best decision of his career.

"I've got a problem with this from a player's perspective," said Neville. "That is a direct attack on the players you are playing with."

- Irish Examiner 

GIANNI INFANTINO IN FRESH FIFA CONTROVERSY OVER 'SECRET WORLD CUP PAYMENT'

Gianni Infantino allegedly failed to disclose a World Cup payment he received

Gianni Infantino in fresh controversy over 'secret World Cup payment'
Infantino reportedly failed to disclose a World Cup payment

Reuters

Fifa president Gianni Infantino was paid a previously undisclosed $1.72 million World Cup sum, according to Fifa and IRS documents obtained by ESPN.

The report, published on Tuesday, said the absence of transparency surrounding the remuneration is a potential breach of Fifa statutes.

Records from the IRS show Infantino was given the money in 2024 by FWC2026, the US-based organisation established by Fifa to operate the 2026 World Cup held in North America this summer.

This $1.72 million came on top of Infantino's salary and benefits from Fifa for 2024, which totaled around $4.9 million. Per the report, the supplementary payout was omitted from Fifa's 2024 annual report.

According to Fifa's rules, "The individual compensation of the Fifa President, the members of the Council and the Fifa Secretary General shall be made public."

A spokesperson for Fifa told ESPN that the governing body "strongly rejects any suggestion there has been a violation" of the statutes.

A Fifa statement read: "Fifa does not pay a second salary to the Fifa President and complies with all reporting requirements in relation to compensation. The Fifa President's annual compensation, as well as other contractual benefits, are decided by the independent Compensation Sub-Committee.

"Fifa strongly rejects any claims that it has failed to disclose any financial information and has violated Fifa's Statutes. Fifa accounts are independently audited, and all declarations are in line with tax regulations in Switzerland, the United States and elsewhere.

Gianni Infantino in fresh controversy over 'secret World Cup payment'
A Fifa spokesperson reacted to the fresh controversy surrounding Infantino
Reuters

"Fifa is fully focused on the Fifa Council meeting on Thursday and looks forward to discussions with its members to further grow the game following the most successful Fifa World Cup in history."

It is the newest controversy to hit Infantino, 56, who has been in post since 2016. Earlier this year, he faced criticism over a since-abandoned plan to sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup to private investors.

Despite the controversy surrounding Infantino, he still intends to stand for re-election as president next March. It was also announced last week that Aleksander Ceferin, who has been a fierce critic of Infantino, is planning to seek a fourth term as Uefa president.

- Sam Brookes

HUGE VAR TWIST IN SHANGHAI 😲

 

VINICIUS JR SPARKS MAJOR CONTROVERSY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY HOURS AFTER REAL MADRID RED CARD

 

Vinicius was sent off for pulling the hair of an opponent during Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal.

Vinicius Junior has responded in telling fashion after he was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair during Real Madrid's 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal.

Yan Diomande scored the only goal of the game for Real on 63 minutes, but Jose Mourinho's side were forced to protect their lead following Vinicius' straight red card.

The Brazilian thought he had scored Real's second goal on 72 minutes, but VAR spotted that he had pulled the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba in the build-up and the goal was rescinded, with a red card awarded to Vinicius. The 26-year-old has reportedly since apologised to his team-mates for the incident - but his social media activity could land him in some hot water.

'What a disgrace...' - Vinicius' social media activity sums up red card feelings

Vinicius also apologised to fans on social media for his red card - though a re-post to his story appears to question other decisions against him this season.

On his Instagram page, he re-posted a post from a Vinicius Jr fan page - which has over 500,000 followers - that features a series of fouls on Vinicius from other players during the 2026/27 season that did not result in red cards.

Image: Instagram/@vinijr

The post is captioned: "And the one who gets the yellow and red is Vinicius, what a disgrace." Vinicius commented on the post with three laughing emojis.

While the Brazilian is clearly not questioning the decision to give him a red card, his apparent criticism of refereeing decisions towards other players compared to him will no doubt spark huge debate.

Jose Mourinho skips post-match press conference

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, Real manager Jose Mourinho refused to appear at the post-match press conference - for a reason most fans can probably guess.

It is claimed that Mourinho did not want to speak to the media due to his fury towards the refereeing of Isidro Diaz de Mera Escuderos, allegedly stating that he 'want[s] to be on the bench against Sevilla and Barcelona' in Real's upcoming matches.

Once again, no Real player conducted press duties either, meaning there was no post-match reaction in the press room from anybody connected with Los Blancos after the 1-0 win.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, though, did speak to Real Madrid TV over the Vinicius sending off.

"I don't know what's going on with the referees," he said. "With this red card, I don't understand. The most important thing is the victory."

For Diomande, his winning strike was the Ivorian's first competitive goal for Real after his club-record €125 million move from RB Leipzig last summer.

He may have to play an even more crucial rule when the next instalment of El Clasico takes place later in October. Vinicius is currently set to miss the upcoming La Liga fixture against Sevilla, but that ban could be extended to as high as three games for violent conduct should La Liga deem it necessary - which would rule him out of the away fixture against Barcelona on October 25.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

- Ryan Smart

WNBA OFFICIALLY FIRE CORRUPT REFS AFTER CAITLIN CLARK & INDIANA FEVER WERE ROBBED

 

'TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE': F1 DRIVERS SLAM FARCICAL BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX IN MALAYSIA

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"Horrible," "sad," and "totally unacceptable" were among the reactions of Formula 1's drivers to the sport's farcical attempt at going racing in wet conditions at Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

A deluge of rain as the cars arrived on the grid resulted in the start of the race being delayed by 40 minutes before the first attempt was made to get racing underway behind a Safety Car.

But before the cars could complete a single lap behind the Safety Car, a bug in the software supplied to all teams by the FIA resulted in multiple drivers losing power and dropping down the order.

Initially Max Verstappen, who was set to start from pole position, lost power, before Lewis Hamilton, who was alongside him on the front row of the grid, ground to a halt and had to restart his Ferrari's power unit on the pit straight.

The FIA later said that "an unprecedented combination of low engine speed, low-grip conditions, wet-weather energy management settings and the Sepang circuit's sector configuration led to an unintended loss of power for a number of cars."

But several drivers chose to sum up the situation more concisely, pointing the finger squarely at this year's complicated power unit regulations.

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"[It was] horrible," reigning champion Lando Norris said. "It proves that we shouldn't have any of that stuff on the electronic side."

When the issue became apparent, all cars were told to return to the pits where a software patch was supplied by the FIA and uploaded by each team.

The resulting delay meant the start of the race was over 90 minutes behind schedule.

"We missed some good racing, wet tyres at the beginning, we should have been out there running," Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll said. "Instead cars are fixing their software issues, it's a bit sad to see."

Cadillac driver Sergio Pérez added: "I mean it's obviously not great what happened today -- I'm sure we will learn from it as a sport, but what happened today is totally unacceptable for the sport."

For many drivers it was further proof that this year's regulations, which were designed so that nearly 50% of the car's power comes from its battery, are overcomplicated.

"That's the problem that we have, these engines are so complicated and a lot of software is implemented," race winner Verstappen said. "When there is some kind of error or glitch, or whatever you want to call it, that's the problem.

"I triggered it first, then I look in my mirror, and I just see everyone ... I was like wait, are they waiting for me or?"

Hamilton, who was sat next to Verstappen in the press conference after finishing third, likened the situation to Lego's marketing stunt at the British Grand Prix where all the drivers were given electric go-karts to race against each other.

"It was like the Lego race!" Hamilton said.

"Yeah, we had the same speed," Verstappen responded.

Kimi Antonelli, who finished second in Sunday's race, chimed in: "It was insane. Like at some point we were five-wide in the straight, because we couldn't understand what was going on."

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Williams driver Carlos Sainz called on the sport to "have a hard look at themselves and see how we ended up in this situation."

"It is clear the regs are extremely complicated for the drivers, for the teams, for the PUs [power units], for the manufacturers. It is too complicated," he added.

"Again, my only question mark is who, five years ago, decided that this was the direction to go?

"We are doing the best with what we are given as a sport and as regulations. The FIA and F1 are doing the best they can with what was decided four or five years ago, but clearly what was decided four or five years ago is wrong ...

"Not a lot more to say -- just learn as a sport not to do those mistakes again and not suffer from the same strange cases."

Once racing got underway, the track dried up and the grand prix featured two further Safety Car periods to clear cars that retired from the race in dangerous locations.

George Russell, who retired with a power unit issue under the final safety car period, said the fans that turned up to Malaysia's first grand prix since 2017 deserved a better show.

"The whole day felt like a bit of a faff, with the delay and then the red flag and then endless laps under the safety car and then suddenly doing extra laps to allow Checo [Sergio Pérez] to overtake [behind the Safety Car], it didn't feel very F1 today," he said.

"I'd have been a bit disappointed if I was in the stands, watching that unfold, so ... That wasn't good."

- Laurence Edmonson

FA BREAKS SILENCE MANCHESTER CITY GUILTY VERDICT AS 'INTEGRITY' CONCERNS ROCK PREMIER LEAGUE

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The Football Association has officially broken its silence following the seismic news of Manchester City being found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations. In a damning assessment of the situation, the governing body suggested that the scale of the rule-breaking has left a permanent stain on the sport's reputation.

Massive financial breaches uncovered

An independent commission recently concluded that Manchester City utilised over £830 million in disguised funding to artificially inflate club revenues. This elaborate financial scheme was designed to bypass stringent regulations set by both the Premier League and UEFA.

The 40-page ruling, published on Tuesday, detailed how the club orchestrated a series of 'sham' arrangements to circumvent the rules. City executives argued that financial assistance originated from the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court (CPC) to help sponsors meet their obligations, rather than directly from owner Sheikh Mansour's Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG).

However, the commission vehemently rejected this defence. They dismissed the club's narrative entirely, labelling the CPC explanation as definitively 'untrue' and exposing the elaborate nature of the financial concealment. Explaining their rejection of City's defence, the panel stated: "We concluded that it was an 'explanation' that the club had concocted well after the event in an attempt to obscure and conceal the realities of the disguised funding scheme."

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FA promises potential action

In response to the ruling, the Football Association released a resolute statement addressing the severity of the situation. The governing body made it clear they are watching the fallout closely and refused to rule out their own disciplinary measures.

"The Independent Commission's decision has significant implications for the integrity of the game," the FA's official statement read. "We are carefully considering the decision and its implications and will take action where appropriate."

Acknowledging the ongoing legal battle, the organisation added: "As proceedings between the Premier League and Manchester City Football Club remain ongoing, we do not intend to comment further at this stage. We will, however, continue to monitor developments closely."

Sponsors and owners intertwined

The ripple effects of the guilty verdict are already extending beyond the Etihad Stadium boardroom. Central to the controversy are the club's key commercial partners, whose financial dealings have been placed firmly under the microscope during the investigation.

Etihad Airways, City's primary sponsor, is now weighing up legal retaliation against the Premier League. The airline is owned by an Abu Dhabi investment fund chaired by Sheikh Mansour's brother, highlighting the deeply intertwined relationships that the independent commission scrutinised.

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Looming appeal deadline

Manchester City now face a race against time to mount their legal pushback. The club have already confirmed their intention to fight the charges, with Friday, October 2 marking the strict deadline to formally submit their appeal.

The upcoming legal battle will undoubtedly centre on the origins of the sponsor funding and the rejected CPC defence. Until the appeal process reaches a conclusion, the shadow of potential FA action will continue to hang over the English champions.

- Muhammad Zaki

MANCHESTER UNITED LEGEND ROY KEANE ON MANCHESTER CITY PLAYERS

 

MAN CITY FACE SEVERE SANCTIONS AFTER 'SHAM' SCHEME EXPOSES SCALE OF PREMIER LEAGUE BREACHES: 'CHEATING ON AN INDUSTRIAL SCALE'

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Manchester City face the threat of severe sanctions after an independent commission found they had “clearly intended to circumvent Premier League rules” over a nine-season period.

City were found to have engaged in an $1.7 billion AUD scheme to either inflate revenues or reduce costs through a series of “sham” arrangements in order to avoid breaching league and UEFA financial regulations.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters described the case, and the decision, as “the most significant in Premier League history”, with the league’s investigation having started back in 2018.

More than 100 charges were laid against City in February 2023, with the commission hearing the case between September and December 2024.

The same commission which has given its decision will now consider what sanctions should be imposed, while the club immediately confirmed their intention to appeal, saying the decision “contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact, and is unsafe”.

City chief executive Ferran Soriano told staff on a video that the commission had gone along with the Premier League’s “conspiracy theory” and the club made it clear they would fight the verdict with every resource they can.

The club were found by the commission to have operated a “disguised funding scheme” whereby companies from Abu Dhabi paid a fraction of the sum recorded on the club’s books, with the balance settled by Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), the company through which Sheikh Mansour owns the club.

The commission made the following over-arching observation – that all the charges “have in common the feature that they involved conduct (and as we have found, intentional conduct) which would disguise the true nature of certain revenues and liabilities/expenses, to give the appearance of minimising the club’s financial dependence on ADUG”.

That scheme was found to have inflated revenue by more than £830m ($A1.6 bn) over the nine-season period between 2009-10 and 2017-18.

The club also were found to have overstated income from image rights by almost £74m ($A140m), and understated liabilities for staff contracts by almost £17m ($A32m).

“It’s cheating on an industrial scale. It’s quite surreal seeing it written down like that. You can’t mention City without mentioning what’s going on because they were so great. I feel like an unprecedented punishment is required here,” Arsenal legend Ian Wright said on ITV.

City were also found to have made “concerted efforts” to “stop and frustrate” the Premier League’s investigation.

The commission found that without engaging in these schemes, the club would have been in breach of Premier League and UEFA spending limits by a very large amount.

The commission also found that evidence given by a number of important factual witnesses called to give evidence on behalf of the club was “false in a number of key respects”.

It further found that “certain of those factual witnesses had given evidence at the hearing that they knew to be untrue and so had been dishonest”.

Premier League chief executive Masters said on Tuesday: “This disciplinary case, and this decision, are the most significant in Premier League history.”

- AAP

ROBBIE LYLE RANT ON MANCHESTER CITY

 

ISRAEL FOOTBALLER SENT OFF FOR USING CORNER FLAG IN GUN FIRING CELEBRATION

Saied Abu Farchi scored his side’s equalising goal against Austria (Picture: AFP)

Israel footballer Saied Abu Farchi was sent off for appearing to use the corner flag to simulate shooting a gun during his goal celebration.

Israel were beaten 3-1 by Austria in their Uefa Nations League clash on Thursday night with Farchi briefly drawing his side level in the second-half.

After finding the back of the net, the 20-year-old immediately ran over to the corner of the pitch, removing the corner flag from the ground.

Farchi crouched down and took aim, smiling as he made gun-firing gestures.

Farchi had been booked just four minutes before his goal with the referee producing a second yellow card to leave Israel down to 10 men.

Austria took the lead again in the 90th minute through Philipp Mwene with Sasa Kalajdzic adding a third in stoppage time.

Israel are set to play Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Farchi was sent off moments later (Picture: AFP)

Earlier this week, the Israel Football Association accused Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson of ‘hypocrisy and stupidity’ over comments he made regarding the upcoming Nations League fixtures between the two countries.

Campaigners have stepped up their bid to convince the Ireland team to boycott Sunday’s opener in Hungary, with a group gathering outside the team’s hotel in Dublin on Monday evening.

At last week’s squad announcement, Hallgrimsson admitted many squad members were uncomfortable about playing Israel, adding: ‘We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide.’

In a furious response on social media, the Israel FA wrote: ‘We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way.

‘Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach.

‘We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, we’re playing against the coach who embodies them.’

Hallgrimsson later admitted hie comments were ‘not clever from me.’

He added: ‘Myself and the players need to be focused on the game. It’s a tricky time for us. We are grateful for the support we get.’

- Tony Mogan

UNDER-FIRE FIFA BOSS GIANNI INFANTINO TO SEEK RE-ELECTION DESPITE CALLS TO RESIGN

Gianni Infantino was first elected FIFA president in 2016. © Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP/File

FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to seek his fourth and final term in next year’s election, despite the outrage sparked by his now-shelved plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. “Nothing has changed,” a spokesman for football’s governing body confirmed on Sunday, referring to an announcement Infantino made back in April.

Gianni Infantino will stand in next March's FIFA presidential election, despite the backlash over his now-abandoned plan to bring private investment into the World Cup, football's global governing body announced Sunday.

"The FIFA President announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027," a FIFA spokesperson said. "Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election."

The 56-year-old Swiss has taken a pummelling since the announcement in late July of his short-lived FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan to bring private investment into FIFA events.

But now for the first time since the plan became public, FIFA has reiterated Infantino's intention to run for a fourth and final term in next year's elections.

Should he be re-elected, he will continue to serve as head of world football until 2031.

Infantino is in Poland for the Women's Under-20 World Cup, but refused to answer queries about his future when questioned by journalists on Saturday.

Only candidate

European body UEFA has accused Infantino of "criminal mismanagement" over the scheme and was the ringleader of the initial fightback to the announcement, including threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups, if it was not shelved.

If UEFA withdrew its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments on August 27 – ahead of the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland – it remains absolute in its conviction that Infantino must depart his role.

The European body has filed requests in the USA for the disclosure of documents related to the plan from FIFA and partners.

If successful in gaining access to the documents, UEFA had said it intends to lodge a legal complaint in Switzerland, saying it has been assured the case would meet the requirements to be heard in a Swiss court.

It has also found solid support from North American body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in its actions against Infantino.

The three confederations have kept up the pressure and collaborated on a no-holds-barred joint letter issued last month.

"Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held," they wrote.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely seen as the likeliest challenger to Infantino – UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out.

Montagliani, a FIFA vice-president, had long been regarded as a close ally of Infantino, but there were signs, even before he distanced himself over the now-scrapped plan to allow private investment into World Cups, that he viewed FIFA's purpose somewhat differently to the Swiss.

But Infantino is not without friends – 2034 World Cup hosts Saudi Arabia came out in support last month, with African football's governing body CAF and South America's CONMEBOL supportive, too.

Earlier in September, FIFA also accused UEFA of a "smear campaign" and a "fishing expedition" against Infantino.

As the only declared candidate so far for the election due to take place in Rabat, Infantino will need a simple majority of votes from the 211 federations affiliated to FIFA to extend his term of office, which began in 2016 and was renewed in 2023.

Candidate nominations for next year's election must be submitted by November 18.

- FRANCE 24 with AFP

MICHIGAN GAME - LAST HAIL MARY VS. WESTERN MICHIGAN 🙌 | CONTROVERSIAL ENDING

 

GOOD GOOD GOLF WITHDRAWAL FROM TITLE SPONSORING PGA TOUR EVENT AFTER CONTROVERSIAL AD PROMOTING NEW CALLOWWAY DRIVER

Content creators Good Good Golf pull out of title sponsoring PGA Tour event in November, saying "we recognise that we have work to do as an organisation"; Brand apologised for publishing a video for a Callaway driver last week that has been accused of portraying violence against women

The PGA Tour agrees with Good Good Golf's 'decision to use this time to focus on their organisation and the work ahead'

Good Good Golf has withdrawn from sponsoring a PGA Tour event this autumn following its controversial video promoting a new Callaway driver.

The video published last week by the popular content creators was subsequently deleted after widespread criticism that it portrayed violence against women.

The video showed a man shoving a woman who was reaching for his new Callaway driver to the ground, before warning her not to touch the club as she lay on the ground.

Good Good Golf apologised in a social media statement and Callaway Golf admitted 'mistakes were made' over their handling of the incident.

The company had been due to title sponsor a new PGA Tour event in Austin in November but have now pulled out of doing so.

In a statement on Thursday, Good Good Golf said: "After thoughtful discussion with the PGA Tour and careful reflection, we have decided to step away as sponsor of the tour event in Austin this fall.

"We recognise that we have work to do as an organisation, and our focus right now is on our team, our culture and ensuring we learn from this situation.

"We are grateful for our relationship with the PGA Tour and appreciate their partnership over the years. We remain committed to earning back trust, and we hope to work together again in the future."

The PGA Tour issued its own statement and said it agreed with the decision.

"The PGA Tour has been informed of Good Good Golf's decision to step away as sponsor of the event in Austin, Texas, this fall," read the statement.

"We agree with their decision to use this time to focus on their organization and the work ahead.

"The PGA Tour believes in golf's ability to bring people together and create a welcoming environment for all.

"The tournament will continue as scheduled from November 12-15, 2026, and we will provide an update on sponsorship plans at a later date."

Callaway cuts ties with Good Good

Earlier on Thursday, Callaway confirmed it had ended its relationship with Good Good with immediate effect.

The golf equipment manufacturer said it would donate $1m (£736,000) to "support organisations working to prevent violence against women, provide resources to survivors, and advance education and awareness efforts".

They also said they had "significantly strengthened our approval procedures to help ensure this does not happen again".

"Over the last several days, we have reflected deeply on the hurt and disappointment caused by the video we reposted," read the Callaway statement.

"We heard from individuals who shared personal experiences related to violence against women, and their stories were powerful reminders that this issue touches the lives of far too many people.

"Unequivocally, violence against women is unacceptable and should never be trivialised, normalised, or used as entertainment."

Good Good Golf was launched as a YouTube channel in 2020 and now is among the largest content creators in the sport.

"We posted a video to our channels that ultimately depicted actions that are not aligned with our values as a brand," read the Good Good apology on X on Saturday. "We have since taken that content down, and sincerely apologise.

"Good Good has always stood for making the game of golf more inclusive to all, and we will continue to ensure that is our mission moving forward".

- Sky Sports

ROBERT GRIFFIN III BLASTS JAYDEN DANIELS OVER LSU CONTROVERSY

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels made waves Thursday when ESPN reported that his attorney sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU demanding that the university stop using his name, image and likeness.

Daniels’ team was clearly upset after LSU gave sophomore DJ Pickett his No. 5 jersey ahead of the college football season. Daniels became the school’s third and most recent Heisman Trophy winner during his time with the Tigers.

The other Heisman Trophy winner, Joe Burrow, remains the last player to wear LSU’s No. 9 jersey, which he wore in 2019 when he also led the Tigers to a national championship.

Daniels’ Family Statement

A spokesperson for Daniels and his family released a statement regarding the decision.

“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” the statement from Daniels’ spokesperson said. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.

“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” the statement continued. “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU.”

Robert Griffin III Rips Daniels Over Decision

Former college football and NFL star Robert Griffin III also reacted to Daniels’ decision, making it clear that he believes the Commanders quarterback made a “colossal mistake.”

“Every Heisman Trophy Winner should have their number retired. But this cease and desist letter is a COLOSSAL MISTAKE by Jayden Daniels’ team for 3 reasons,” Griffin III said.

“1. Jersey retirements are an honor. -Not something to be demanded -Not something to strong arm a school to do

“2. It creates a rift between Jayden Daniels and LSU fans, who are one of the most passionate fan bases in all of Sports. Saying you feel profoundly disrespected and are being treated differently than Joe Burrow, forces LSU fans to chose between 10-3 Jayden Daniels and 15-0 National Champion Joe Burrow smoking a cigar. LSU fans will pick Joe Burreaux EVERY SINGLE TIME.

“3. It’s creates a MASSIVE DISTRACTION for Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders 3 weeks before the most important season of his career.

“Timing is everything. And this was the worst move for Jayden Daniels and his image to the masses possible.”

- Cole Sullivan

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO DENIES CLAIMS OF UEFA PAYING OFF HIS ALLEGED LOVER: 'CATEGORICALLY UNTRUE'

An investigation alleged that UEFA made a severance payment to a woman who was reportedly involved in a relationship with Gianni Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny after an investigation alleged that UEFA made a severance payment to a woman who was reportedly involved in a relationship with him while he was the organisation's general secretary. The claims, reported by The Daily Telegraph, have emerged at a particularly difficult time for Infantino, who is already facing criticism over his recently abandoned proposal to bring private investment into FIFA's commercial operations.

Troubles continue to mount for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

However, Infantino has strongly rejected the allegations. A spokesperson for the FIFA president told The Telegraph that the claims were "categorically untrue" and denied any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or a breach of regulations.

"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," a FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph.

“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino's behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved,” the spokesperson added.

UEFA, however, confirmed that a payment had been made to the woman referred to in the report. The European governing body said the payment was connected to her departure from the organisation and included costs associated with completing an MBA programme at a local business school.

According to UEFA, the payment complied with the regulations that were in place at the time. The organisation added that its rules have since been strengthened and now reflect the standards expected of a modern, high-profile institution.

Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 and rose to the position of general secretary in 2009. He held the role until 2016, when he was elected FIFA president following the departure of Sepp Blatter.

More allegations

The latest allegations come as Infantino attempts to navigate an increasingly turbulent period at the top of world football. His proposal to establish a major commercial entity involving private investment in FIFA's competitions triggered opposition from several football bodies and raised questions about the organisation's future direction.

The plan, which reportedly involved opening a substantial stake in FIFA's commercial arm to private investors, was eventually shelved amid significant criticism. Infantino subsequently acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the handling of the proposal, but he has remained in office.

Senior FIFA figures backed the president at a meeting in Morocco earlier this week, despite mounting calls for him to consider his position.

The controversy surrounding the investment proposal has also caused tension with European football authorities. Some European associations have threatened to boycott FIFA events, arguing that concerns surrounding the wider issue have not been fully addressed, even after the investment plan was withdrawn.

Infantino, meanwhile, continues to retain support in other parts of the football world. South America's CONMEBOL and the Confederation of African Football have backed him, while the football associations of Mexico, one of the 2026 World Cup's co-hosts, and Argentina have also expressed support.

- Vishesh Roy

UEFA READY TO OUST FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO WITH NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION: REPORT

UEFA is reportedly prepared to trigger an emergency no-confidence vote against Infantino if he does not resign, with all 55 of the European governing body's member associations understood to be willing to support his removal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly facing the prospect of a no-confidence motion from UEFA.© Getty

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly facing the prospect of a no-confidence motion from UEFA after world football's governing body was forced to abandon its controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other competitions. The latest development comes amid growing scrutiny of FIFA's leadership following the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which had drawn strong opposition from UEFA, several continental confederations and senior figures within FIFA itself.

According to a report in The Telegraph, UEFA is prepared to trigger an emergency no-confidence vote against Infantino if he does not resign, with all 55 of the European governing body's member associations understood to be willing to support his removal. Under FIFA's statutes, UEFA can reportedly initiate such a motion with the backing of 43 member associations.

UEFA on Saturday welcomed FIFA's decision to scrap the proposal but launched a scathing attack on the organisation's leadership and governance.

In a strongly-worded statement, UEFA said FIFA's plan to sell a stake in its competitions, including the World Cup, into private hands had been unanimously rejected by its member associations and opposed by football stakeholders across the globe.

Describing the withdrawal as ‘a victory for the whole game', UEFA also declared that "football is not for sale" and thanked fans, clubs, leagues, players, national associations, confederations and political leaders who opposed the proposal.

The European body further claimed that the current FIFA leadership had "not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family", while accusing Infantino of failing to uphold his promises of transparency made when he was elected FIFA president in 2016.

The controversy centres around FIFA's proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial entity that would have managed the commercial rights of major FIFA competitions while allowing outside investors to acquire an equity stake. FIFA argued the initiative could significantly increase development funding for its member associations.

Infantino formally withdrew the proposal on Saturday, saying consultations had made it clear that the project had created divisions that were no longer in the best interests of football.

"Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve," Infantino said while confirming that the proposal would not proceed.

The proposal had also prompted opposition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), CONCACAF and several FIFA stakeholders. Former FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, while reports also suggested concerns had been raised internally over the project's transparency.

- IANS

FIFA BOSS INFANTINO SCRAPS WORLD CUP SELL OFF PLANS AFTER BACKLASH

"Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place," the FIFA president said in a statement on Friday.

President Gianni Infantino holds the FIFA World Cup winner's trophy. SAM HODDE/GETTY IMAGES

After announcing plans earlier this week for FIFA to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors, the president of the global soccer governing body, Gianni Infantino, has announced he’s pulling those plans.

“The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders,” Infantino said in a statement on Friday.

“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” he continued. “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

The proposed plan would have consisted of FIFA setting up a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), that would bundle soccer associated money-making operations while a significant stake would be sold to private investors. 20 percent of the company would have been sold to Thrive Capital, an invest group run by Joshua Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Backlash was immediate, with European soccer body UEFA saying on Thursday that if the plan went through, it would boycott FIFA events, including the World Cup. Three of the four semi-finalists of the 2026 men’s World Cup hailed from Europe, including this year’s champion, Spain.

Earlier this week, U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham released a statement online that read, “football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine. The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.”

Infantino’s statement continued, “Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support.”

- MCKINLEY FRANKLIN

PRIME MINISTER ANDY BURNHAM CALLS FOR 'WROND MAN' GIANNI INFANTINO TO BE REPLACED AS FIFA CHIEF

AFP

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has branded Gianni Infantino the wrong man to lead FIFA following widespread backlash over plans for private equity to sell stakes in the World Cup. Burnham condemned the controversial commercial proposals after a senior adviser resigned and key regional confederations united to oppose the governing body’s blueprint.

Burnham condemns Infantino leadership

Burnham has launched a stinging attack on Infantino’s leadership of FIFA following a wave of backlash against plans to commercialise the organisation. The resistance has intensified following the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro and formal opposition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), UEFA, and CONCACAF. Burnham argued that Infantino’s attempt to sell off a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors represents a fundamentally flawed decision for the future of world football.

SW Pix

Prime Minister demands change

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Burnham openly condemned the proposed private equity scheme. He said: "This was an outrageous suggestion," before questioning Infantino's suitability to remain in charge of FIFA: "The idea that it could even be brought forward shows that, in my view, [he] is the wrong man to lead the organisation."

Private equity blueprint rejected

Burnham's scathing critique reflects a broader global resistance, including a firm stance taken by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

In an official statement, the AFC rejected plans to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) commercial subsidiary and stressed the necessity of preserving the integrity of football's premier tournament: "The Fifa World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations.

"Any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered."

-Adhe Makayasa