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

Getty 

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

AFC 'STANDS IN SOLIDARITY' WITH UEFA AND CONCACAF OVER FIFA WORLD CUP PLANS

Asian governing body joins growing opposition to Infantino's controversial private investment scheme

The Asian Football Federation (AFC) has become the latest governing body to come out in opposition against Fifa's controversial private investment scheme.

Fifa insist it will be pushing ahead with a consultation process about whether to sell off stakes in the World Cup and its other tournaments to private investors, despite widespread criticism of the proposal

The pushback since football's world governing body revealed its plan to sell a 20 per cent stake in a subsidiary company set up to run Fifa's competitions has been relentless.

And now the AFC has joined the growing chorus of disapproval which had already reached fever pitch on Thursday when Uefa, European football's governing body, announced that they will boycott the World Cup – and all Fifa's competitions – if the plan of president Gianni Infantino was not scrapped.

“The AFC stands in solidarity with Uefa and Concacaf in expressing  concerns over Fifa’s proposal to introduce private investment into [its] flagship competitions and the decision-making process around Fifa Forward Enterprise [FFE],” it said in a statement.

AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF following recent developments surrounding the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).https://t.co/k7MjAvWOhX

— AFC (@theafcdotcom) July 31, 2026

“The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a Fifa World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game. Football should never have been placed in such a position.

“Against this backdrop, and in light of the clear positions expressed by Uefa and Concacaf, as well as the unprecedented divisions that have emerged across the football world, the AFC believes that the proposed FFE cannot realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward.

“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.”

The Confederation of African Football has said it will be hosting meeting of its executive committee next week to “assess and evaluate” the proposals, while South American governing body Conmebol has yet to comment publicly.

Uefa have been the provided the most vocal opposition, saying on Wednesday Fifa were using football “to enrich themselves and their friends” and 24 hours later they made the strength of their protest even more clear.

“Uefa and its national associations will not participate in Fifa competitions,” it said in a lengthy statement that would accuse Fifa of “governance by intimidation”.

“Some things are simply too important to sell,” Uefa said in a statement on Thursday. The Fifa World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”

Uefa said there was no “meaningful consultation” before Fifa announced its plan. “This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of Fifa's duty as the custodian of world football,” it added.

FIFA logo. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite all the anger, Fifa are digging their heels in, saying earlier on Friday that they will be continuing with an “open and democratic consultation” process with all its 211 Member Associations (MA).

“We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday,” it said in a defiant statement.

“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation.

“⁠Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA has the ability to express its vote based on facts.”

Devastating blow for Infantino after Asian football confederation issues damning statement. pic.twitter.com/4aG03Lu3ng

— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) July 31, 2026

The statement also goes on to say that: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain.

“Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world. Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of Fifa.”

Fifa also insist that each MA will receive $20 million of Fifa Forward Development funding over the next four years “irrespective of its individual support”.

“Without the support of the majority of MAs, Fifa's commercial activities would remain unchanged,” it added. “FFE would not be established.

“These components represent the starting point of the consultation process and are open for discussion as part of that process. This can include approval, rejection or amendment in their entirety or individually.”

On Wednesday, Infantino had described the plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary as a proposal but “not an obligation”.

“It’s part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process,” Infantino said in a video released by Fifa.

- The National

WHAT VIDEO REVIEW CONTROVERSIES IN SPORTS REVEAL ABOUT AI AND HUMAN-DECISION-MAKING

 

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan argues with referee François Letexier during the Argentina-Egypt World Cup match on July 7, 2026. AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser

If you watched the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you probably saw the now-familiar ritual: a goal, a celebration, then a referee touching an earpiece while fans and players wait for the verdict from the video assistant referee, or VAR.

That ritual is not unique to soccer. Baseball has a replay center in New York, and other sports have also moved once-human calls into review systems.

The hope is simple: Use better technology to yield better calls.

Soccer authorities expected more cameras, replay angles and tracking data to mitigate referee error, limit subjectivity and strengthen perceptions of fairness. But VAR has created new arguments among players, coaches, fans and commentators: Should VAR have intervened? Was the same standard for when to intervene applied consistently? Did the process itself feel fair?

Watching the World Cup as a decision-making researcher, I could not help but see VAR as more than a refereeing tool. It looked like a case study in technology-assisted decision-making, with parallels to the growing use of AI in organizational decision-making.

VAR produced a set of mismatches between what the technology promised and how people experienced it. It left fans disappointed and created new disputes about judgment, process and trust. These tensions offer a useful lens for understanding AI adoption more broadly.

Video replays give officials more accurate information, but that doesn’t automatically lead to better judgment – or less controversy. AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Better measurement is not better judgment

Some decisions are measurement problems: Was the player offside? Did the ball cross the line? Did contact occur? Technology is excellent at these questions because cameras, sensors and data reduce mistakes that come from people not seeing clearly.

But many decisions are judgment problems: Was the contact enough for a penalty? Was the tackle reckless? Was the referee’s original call clearly wrong? Those questions involve interpretation, context and standards. A camera can show that contact occurred. It cannot decide how that contact should be judged.

The same issue appears when organizations use AI to support decisions. AI can process data, predict patterns and classify cases. But a doctor, manager, judge or teacher still needs to decide what the output means, how much weight to give it and what values are at stake. Research on human-AI collaboration makes a similar point: AI is often strongest when paired with human judgment rather than treated as a full replacement for it.

Subjectivity does not disappear – it moves

Before VAR, arguments focused on what the referee saw. After VAR, arguments often focus on how the process works. When does VAR intervene? How far back can officials review the play? What counts as “clear and obvious” video evidence?

Subjectivity is still there. It has moved from the referee’s eyes to the rules, thresholds and governance of the review system. Baseball shows a similar pattern: Replay did not remove judgment from the game. It changed which plays could be reviewed, how challenges worked and where judgment entered the process.

Major League Baseball uses a video replay system that requires ‘indisputable video evidence’ to overturn a call, leaving the determination of ‘indisputable’ to the judgment of the replay official. AP Photo/John Minchillo

AI systems create the same shift. Organizations often imagine AI as a way to remove human discretion. In practice, discretion reappears in new places: deciding which model to use, what data to train on, what error rate is acceptable and who is accountable when the system fails.

More precision can reduce trust

People often assume that greater precision creates greater trust. Sometimes it does. But it can raise expectations faster than it reduces ambiguity. If technology can measure an offside decision by centimeters, fans may expect every decision to feel equally certain. When penalty calls or red cards remain debatable, people can become frustrated.

Research on why people avoid using algorithms finds something similar: People can lose confidence in algorithms after seeing them make mistakes, even when they perform well overall. Accuracy alone does not guarantee legitimacy.

That finding matters for AI decision systems. A company may use AI to make hiring or performance evaluation more objective. But if applicants or employees see the system as inconsistent, biased or unfair, trust can fall instead of rise. When organizations frame AI as a silver bullet, they raise expectations the technology cannot always meet. The result can be deeper frustration and faster loss of trust.

Tennis’s automated line-calling aims to take human error out of a crucial measurement: Was the ball on the line or not? Visionhaus/Getty Images

Where technology ends and judgment begins

Management research suggests that AI adoption today is not a simple choice between humans and machines. The better question is whether a decision should be automated, augmented or left to human judgment.

Measurement problems are the strongest candidates for automation: AI can scan documents, detect patterns, classify cases or flag anomalies faster and more consistently than people can. Interpretation problems call for human-AI collaboration: AI can provide information, options or recommendations, but people still need to think about the context of the decision, how much uncertainty is involved and the consequences the decision may have. And some decisions remain deeply human. Questions involving fairness, accountability, values or meaning cannot be handed over to technology without changing the nature of the decision itself – from one of human judgment to algorithmic assessment.

VAR makes this boundary visible in sport. AI is now forcing organizations to confront the same boundary across high-stakes decisions. The key question in AI adoption is not simply, “Can AI make this decision?” It is, “Which parts of the decision should AI make, and which parts should remain a matter of human judgment?”

-  Pooya Tabesh, California State University, Los Angeles

FURTHER UEFA STATEMENT ON FIFA PLANS

 

GIANNI INFANTINO PLANS TO SELL WORLD CUP IN 'NUCLEAR BOMB' OF FOOTBALL

Fifa president would expect to bank millions as head of new company that would control tournament after his current term ends in 2031

Gianni Infantino is Fifa president until 2031 Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, is plotting a World Cup sell-off to private investors.

Uefa, the European governing body of football and an increasingly vocal critic of Fifa, reacted with fury to a proposed £15bn deal, accusing it of trading the game’s “soul”.

Telegraph Sport understands Uefa is now considering its legal options over the biggest threat to football as it currently exists since the failed 2021 Super League plot. One source said a “nuclear bomb” had gone off in the game. The Football Association was said to be completely blindsided by the proposals.

The plan, announced nine days after the World Cup, would result in a group of investors controlling the commercial interests of Fifa’s top men’s and women’s competitions.

Thrive Capital – run by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner – will lead the proposed investor group. Sources played down suggested involvement from the Trump administration in the plans.

Infantino has been heavily criticised for cosying up to Trump in the lead up to and during the 2026 World Cup, which culminated in the US president personally intervening to successfully get Folarin Balogun’s suspension overturned for the co-host’s last-16 match.

Saudi Arabia, who will host the 2034 World Cup, are highly likely to express interest in the company via their PIF sovereign wealth fund, and Qatar have maintained close ties to Infantino since winning the hosting rights of the 2022 World Cup.

JP Morgan, which was previously involved in the abandoned Super League plot, is Fifa’s financial adviser on the project.

Although there is no binding agreement on the plans, they increase the likelihood of an expanded World Cup or the tournament being held more regularly than every four years.

The move would also include the women’s World Cup and Club World Cup, which could both be played more frequently than the current four-year cycles.

One senior football figure said of Infantino: “He has definitely lost his mind. We will fight it fiercely.”

Another senior figure in European football told Telegraph Sport: “This is one man trying to make himself incredibly rich. Fifa doesn’t need the money, nor do the member associations as they have plenty from the World Cup.”

Fifa’s commercial rights spanning broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing would be privately owned under the plans.

‘None of us own football – it is not Fifa’s to sell’

Uefa said in a statement: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. Uefa takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell."

Fifa, on Tuesday afternoon, said in a press release: “[it] intends to expand football development funding to over $10bn (£7.5bn), subject to approval by Fifa member associations.

“If approved, football development in every corner of the world would benefit immediately from increased funding available to all 211 Fifa member associations.”

A so-called Fifa forward enterprise (FFE) project which would consolidate all commercial and event operations “would raise up to $4.2bn later this year”, projections said.

The numbers are based on an initial equity valuation of $20bn (£15bn) “by carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests in FFE”.

“All net benefits of FFE will be reinvested back into football worldwide,” the plan claimed.

Sepp Blatter, the former Fifa president, joined the backlash on Tuesday night. “The close relationship between the Fifa president and the US president has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football,” he wrote on X. “No one has the right to sell our game.”

Infantino defends plans

Greg Maffei, the chief executive of Bann Ventures and formerly president and chief executive of Liberty Media during its acquisition and ownership of Formula One, has been a key commercial adviser and will remain involved, Telegraph Sport understands. Other advisers such as OpenEconomics are engaging with prospective long-term investors.

“The process is focused on assembling a geographically diversified investor group that reflects the global nature of Fifa and the game; expressions of interest to date include investors from across every major region of the world: Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa,” a Fifa press release said.

Infantino said: “Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world. Every Fifa member association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

Who would be chief beneficiaries?

If approved, Fifa would offer each of its 211 member associations “the opportunity” to access up to $20m “in one-off capital”.

“The process is focused on assembling a geographically diversified investor group that reflects the global nature of Fifa and the game; expressions of interest to date include investors from across every major region of the world: Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa,” a Fifa press release said.

Infantino said: “Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world. Every Fifa member association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

Who would be chief beneficiaries?

If approved, Fifa would offer each of its 211 member associations “the opportunity” to access up to $20m “in one-off capital”.

“Participation would be entirely voluntary, and no member association would be required to participate,” the details stipulated. “The additional funding would be financed through FFE’s planned initial capital raise of up to $4.2bn (£3.1bn).”

The Times and Financial Times were first to report the outline plans. Fifa has denied claims Infantino was being lined up to become chief executive of the new entity. He would expect to bank millions of pounds if he took up such a role.

“However, the Fifa president and the Fifa administration will and must have leading roles in this entity – if approved – to always be in control of any Fifa subsidiary in accordance with Fifa’s statutes and regulations for the benefit of Fifa member associations,” a statement added.

The governing body said that “Jared Kushner is not an investor” and also denied suggestions staff had signed non-disclosure agreements over the plans.

The move comes amid growing pressure on Infantino following a rant in which he defended the World Cup and his position as the head of world football.

On Monday, a Democrat attorney requested Infantino appear before the House Judiciary Committee to discuss the extent of his relationship with Trump. Representative Jamie Raskin, the senior member on the committee, also requested Fifa provide all of its records on its contacts with Trump, his administration and the Trump Organisation family business.

- Tom Morgan and Ben Rumsby

RORY MACILROY SLAMS BRYSON DECHAMBEAU AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RULING | THE OPEN 2026

 

WORLD CUP RED-CARD DECISION FOR BALOGUN, QUANSAH RAISE QUEATIONS AMONG EX-FIFA REFEREES

England's Jarell Quansah, U.S. striker Folarin Balogun get different fates after respective red cards

Folarin Balogun, right, of the United States fouls Bosnia's Tarik Muharemović, resulting in a red card for Balogun during their World Cup soccer match in California on July 1. (Jeff Chiu/The Associated Press)

FIFA's handling of two World Cup red-card cases came under renewed scrutiny on Thursday after England defender Jarell Quansah got a two-match suspension while U.S. striker Folarin Balogun avoided an immediate ban for a similar challenge.

That has left former international referees unable to reconcile the ‌two decisions.

Quansah was sent off in England's last round-of-16 victory over Mexico after a video review deemed his sliding studs-up challenge serious foul play. He was later handed a two-match ban that England's Football Association said it could not appeal.

Balogun, by contrast, was sent off during the United States' round-of-32 win over Bosnia but received a one-match suspension that world soccer's governing body FIFA later suspended.

Balogun's ban was suspended on probation for one year under Article 27 of the disciplinary code, FIFA said, although it has not publicly explained why it considered that sanction appropriate in his case.

The fact that U.S. President Donald Trump had personally urged FIFA President ⁠Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's ⁠case only intensified the controversy, even though FIFA insisted the ‌conversation played no part in its decision.

"FIFA have failed in their duty towards the game after they delayed the ban for Balogun. They allowed outside interference by the president," former referee Keith Hackett wrote on social media on Thursday.

"FIFA the major lawmaker are at fault. But both players committed Serious ⁠Foul Play challenges sanctioned by a red card."

'More important always is consistency'

Jonas Eriksson, who was a FIFA referee for 16 years from 2002, said if Balogun got a one-match suspension, Quansah should have as well, seeing their two on-field incidents were roughly equal in ‌terms of intensity and aggression.

"What everyone wants from referees, they want the correct decisions, yes, but more important always is consistency," Eriksson said.

"That you identify, OK, player A gets the same sanction as player B. Team A gets the same sanction as team B. You know, that's what you expect. And this is not the case when it comes to Quansah and Balogun."

Quansah leaves the field after receiving a red card during the World Cup match between Mexico and England in Mexico City on Sunday. (Ricardo Mazalan/The Associated Press)

British media quickly drew comparisons between the two cases, with The Independent running the headline: "FIFA ⁠confirms Jarell Quansah ban just days after Folarin Balogun reprieve."

Eriksson said the subsequent suspension of Balogun's match ban was ⁠never adequately explained, contributing to the furor.

Belgium unsuccessfully challenged Balogun's eligibility before their round-of-16 victory over the U.S., ⁠but ⁠FIFA has still not publicly explained why it decided to suspend the striker's ban under Article 27.

"If you're not able to communicate how they interpret the situation — was it an incorrect decision of the ⁠referee or was it the wrong application of the laws of the game — we don't know," said Eriksson, whose book House of Cards explores the "dirty game behind the game" for FIFA referees.

"It's just for you and me and for everybody else to guess. But with that in mind, the red card for Quansah and the suspension is for me, just, it's a mystery."

- Thompson Reuters 

NEW WORLD CUP CLIP SHOWS EGYPT COACH SCREAMING IN SCALONU'S FACE AS ARGENTINA BOSS REFUSES TO REACT AFTER VAR STORM

The footage adds another chapter to one of the tournament's most controversial matches.

The controversy surrounding Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup continues to produce fresh flashpoints. A day after the VAR decisions in Atlanta sparked accusations of bias and prompted an official complaint from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), a fresh video surfaced on social media showing just how heated emotions remained after the final whistle.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan looks dejected after the match following their elimination from the World Cup (REUTERS)

In the clip, which quickly went viral, furious members of Egypt's coaching staff are seen confronting match officials inside the tunnel after the game. Moments later, as Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni walked towards the dressing room at Atlanta Stadium, Egypt boss Hossam Hassan appeared to scream animatedly in his direction. Scaloni, however, simply walked past without engaging, barely acknowledging the confrontation.

The footage adds another chapter to 🕐 of the tournament's most controversial matches. Argentina recovered from 2-0 down to score three goals in the final 13 minutes and book their place in the quarterfinals, but the refereeing decisions have continued to dominate the post-match narrative.

What happened?

Egypt thought they had doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Mostafa Ziko finished off a brilliant counterattack after excellent work from Mohamed Salah. However, VAR intervened and ruled out the goal for a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martínez nearly 100 yards from the Argentina goal during the attacking build-up.

While the decision left Egypt furious, what angered them even more was the perceived inconsistency in the use of VAR. Moments before Enzo Fernández scored Argentina's winner, Egypt appealed for a penalty after Salah went down inside the box following slight contact on his boot, but the incident was not reviewed.

After the match, Ziko vented his frustration while speaking to TSN through a translator.

"It was not fair from the referee. It was really not fair. That was very clear. He wasted all of our efforts with his decisions. We were leading 2-0 and we could do nothing. It's all up to God.

"We are so sorry. We wanted to make you all happy. It was not on the cards. It was the referee. Congratulations to Argentina on the second Cup."

Egypt's protests did not end there. On Wednesday, the Egyptian Football Association lodged an official complaint with FIFA against referee François Letexier and his officiating team, reportedly seeking explanations for the controversial decisions, calling for an investigation into the match, and requesting that the French referee be removed from the remainder of the World Cup.

- Aratrick Mondal

TELEGRAPH VIEW GIANNI INFANTINO MUST GO

The Fifa president has further diminished the reputation of an organisation that had already become a byword for sleaze

Millions of England football fans will have woken bleary-eyed today after spending the small hours watching the national team defeat Mexico in the cauldron of their legendary stadium, the Azteca. Now, Norway awaits in the quarter finals as the country begins once again to tempt fate by believing the first World Cup triumph in 60 years is on the cards.

The win this morning was all the more remarkable given that England were reduced to 10 men for a quarter of the game after their defender Jarell Quansah was sent off. The rules dictate that he will miss at least the next game and maybe more for a reckless challenge.

But it would appear these rules are not hard and fast. Folarin Balogun, a US striker rated among the team’s best players, was shown a red card in the host’s last match, yet he will be available to play in the quarter finals against Belgium. Why? Because President Trump contacted Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, and secured his agreement to lift what should be an automatic one-match ban. No reasonable explanation for the move was provided. Mr Trump boasted openly about his influence and thanked Fifa for “reversing a great injustice”.

But if the ban can be lifted for Balogun why not for Quansah? This show of apparent favouritism to the host country is astonishing; others are entitled to demand similar treatment. Moreover, what if Balogun now scores the winner against Belgium?

So far it has been a great tournament with packed stadiums, excellent football and several upsets, not least Brazil’s elimination at the hands of the Norwegians. But this scandal threatens to tarnish what might otherwise have been a signal success for America. Mr Infantino has further diminished the reputation of an organisation that had already become a byword for sleaze under his predecessor Sepp Blatter. He should resign.

- Telegraph View

ARGENTINA VS. EGYPT MEME 🤣 | REF FRANCOIS LETEXIA

 

FIFA CONTINUED CRITICISM OF OFFICIATING HAS ONE MORE AS ALL ARGENTINA MATCH OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR FRANCE VS. MOROCCO

 

FIFA are facing a new storm with their match officials selection for France’s next match against Morocco causing a stir.

That’s because the referee Facundo Tello, and his three assistants, are all Argentinian.

France are arguably Argentina’s biggest rivals to win the World Cup and many believe it is an outrage that FIFA has selected Tello and co.

IAN WRIGHT SAYS ARGENTINA'S SECOND GOAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISALLOWED

 

EGYPT COACH HASSAN BLASTS REFEREEING AND TURNS BACK ON WORLD CUP 'UNJUST' DEFEAT

 

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan reacts during the game
Buda Mendes / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP / Profimedia

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan will not be watching any more of the ⁠World Cup, he said on Tuesday, blaming refereeing errors for his country's heartbreaking elimination from the tournament at the hands of Argentina.

Egypt ‌were 2-0 up with 11 minutes left of their last 16 clash against the ‌holders Argentina, agonisingly close to one of the great World ‌Cup upsets, only to concede three goals in the closing stages and go ‌out.

They were picked apart at the end of the game by ‌a Lionel Messi-inspired comeback, but Hassan insisted his team were better.

"I'm going home and won't be watching any more games from the tournament," he told a ‌press conference.

"What happened to us wasn't fair. We ⁠should have had a penalty, a ‌goal was disallowed, and I don't know why it was disallowed."

Egypt netted in the 62nd minute through Mostafa Zico, but a VAR check found there was a foul from the Egyptians in the buildup.

They also claimed a late penalty after a tug on Hamdy Fathy, and their anger was exacerbated by Argentina going down the other ⁠end and scoring a 92nd-minute winner.

"Even if the goals came from mistakes, the biggest mistake is not getting what you're entitled to from those responsible for making the decisions," said Hassan, whose press conference was a long litany of complaints.

"I'm ‌the type of person who hates losing. And when it's a defeat that feels unjust like today's, I can only tell the fans not to be upset. We wanted so much to give them more joy," he added.

"But what made me happy was that my players followed the game plan on many occasions and worked very well."

Egypt had been surprisingly attacking early on in the game, a departure from Hassan's usual tactic of playing with a tight defence and looking ‌for counter-attack opportunities.

It helped them take an early lead, but it was the heroics of goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir that ensured they remained ‌in front by halftime.

"I'm very, very satisfied with the effort they put in. Most of our players come from the Egyptian domestic league, while many players in other national teams are based in Europe and live in that professional environment," Hassan added.

"Yet with ⁠predominantly local players - besides Mohamed ⁠Salah and Omar Marmoush - we ‌were able to compete with anyone."

- Reuters