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

UEFA INTENDS TO LODGE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

GIanni Infantino has been under severe pressure since his abandoned private equity scheme

UEFA has asked a US federal court for permission to obtain ⁠testimony and documents from FIFA entities in Florida for use in a planned criminal complaint in Switzerland against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to a court filing.

In an ex parte application filed under US law, European soccer's governing body said ‌it is ⁠considering criminal proceedings against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials and advisers over a now-abandoned plan to transfer commercial rights linked to men's and women's World Cups and the ‌Club World Cup into a new subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

UEFA ⁠alleges Infantino developed the proposal in secret ‌with a small group of advisers and investors, ⁠bypassing ‌FIFA's normal governance processes and failing to consult FIFA's Council, regional confederations or member associations.

The filing asks a US ⁠court to authorise discovery from FIFA (AMERICAS), Inc. and FWC2026 ⁠US, Inc., two Florida-based FIFA entities.

UEFA said the organisations may possess documents and witnesses relevant to how the FFE transaction was conceived, structured, valued and approved.

In a 56-page document filed in the Southern District of New York on Thursday, UEFA said: "UEFA and other interested parties are preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials and advisors for criminal mismanagement … arising out of the secretive structuring, valuation, financing, and marketing" of FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The filing of the document in New York came after reports on Wednesday that it has now received guarantees there will be no repeat of FIFA's controversial private investor plan.

This was the second condition UEFA wanted to be met for European teams to withdraw their threat of a boycott from FIFA tournaments.

The first was the scrapping of the original plan, which happened on 1 August.

Additional reporting: PA

- RTÉ

SCOTTISH FA WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

Getty Images 

The Scottish Football Association has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino and will not be voting for his re-election as president of Fifa, chief executive Ian Maxwell has told BBC Sport.

Infantino is under increasing pressure over his attempt, later abandoned, to create a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions, including the World Cups, with 21% to be sold off to a private investment company.

Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) was aborted after widespread criticism from several confederations, led by Uefa, which has threatened a boycott of all Fifa competitions.

"The position of the SFA has been clear since the 55 Uefa associations met," said Maxwell, speaking as he announced Belgian Sebastian Pocognoli as the new Scotland head coach.

"We have aligned ourselves with the Uefa position and 55 nations are stronger than one voice.

"Their statement since then has talked about a lack of confidence in the Fifa leadership and the Scottish FA agree completely with that decision.

"The SFA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino come the re-election in early 2027."

Maxwell rejected the suggestion that the SFA had previously failed to publicly state it no longer supported Infantino because its president, Mike Mulraney, heads up the Fifa finance committee.

The Football Associations of England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have already declared they have withdrawn support for Infantino, who is scheduled to stand for a fourth term as president in March.

'A profound lack of judgement'

Last week, Fifa and Infantino were accused of breaking trust "through deception", in an open letter issued by Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation.

The letter, signed by the presidents and general secretaries of the three regional governing bodies, said recent controversy over the FFE proposal was fundamentally about "the integrity of the game, and the integrity of those elected to lead it".

While the statement did not name Infantino, sources have told BBC Sport that it should be seen as an opportunity for him to resign and leave his position with dignity.

Fifa has committed to presenting a report on FFE to the next meeting of the Fifa council, which is expected to take place in October.

The three confederations said this failed to "recognise that proper governance in the face of such a profound lack of judgement would require that such a review be conducted by a fully independent third party".

It also underlined a legal warning made by Uefa that Fifa should not delete or destroy any documents related to the abandoned plans.

BBC Sport understands that there have been preliminary discussions between the three confederations over breakaway competitions, should Infantino remain in situ. However, substantive talks are yet to begin, according to others.

At present there is no candidate who has put their name forward to stand against Infantino, before a 18 November deadline.

Very difficult to predict who has the upper hand

The football world appears to have been split down the middle by the issue, with the confederations of Africa, South American and Oceania having backed Infantino.

But even within confederations, there is disagreement and it makes it very difficult to predict whether Infantino or his opponents have the upper hand in this battle.

In Oceania, which has 11 member associations, New Zealand has said it will not follow the confederation and vote for him.

Mexico, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis have broken away from the other 32 Concacaf nations to support the Fifa president.

Of the 46 Asian confederations members, so far eight countries have split to champion Infantino's cause - the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait, Mongolia, the Philippines and Bhutan.

The Fifa Council, on which there are 36 confederation and national association heads plus Infantino, seems similarly split.

It raises questions about whether Infantino has the political power to govern Fifa, even if he wins an election of the 211 member associations.

The first test of Uefa's threat is just over three weeks away, when the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup is set to kick off. It is being hosted by Poland and features five other European nations, including England.

- Dale Johnson and Chris McLaughlin

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO ACCUSED OF 'DECEPTION' AS UEFA, CONCACAF, AND AFC LAUNCH SENSATIONAL JOINT ATTACK

 

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing the most significant threat to his leadership yet after three of the world’s most powerful football confederations launched a scathing joint attack. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global game, UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC have officially accused the governing body of "deception" following the fallout of a plan to sell off commercial rights to the World Cup.

Infantino accused of abandoning duty

The civil war at the heart of world football has reached a boiling point as UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC issued a searing open letter directed at Infantino. The document, signed by the presidents and general secretaries of the three continental bodies, pulls no punches in its assessment of the current FIFA administration.

In a direct shot at Infantino’s personal conduct, the three confederations suggest that Infantino has prioritised personal power over the collective interests of the member associations, stating: "When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned."

It continued: "Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding - or demanding - power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it."

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The FFE controversy

The root of the anger lies in what letter described as a "profound failure of judgement" regarding the FFE project. They specifically criticised Infantino's conduct during a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, where he allegedly shut out FIFA Council members and member associations, choosing instead to summon only senior staff employed directly by FIFA.

The letter also makes it clear that FIFA’s recent admissions of procedural mistakes regarding the FFE process do not go nearly far enough to repair the damage done. The letter added: "It did not acknowledge that the proposal itself was inherently wrong. There remains no recognition that attempting to sell an interest in the FIFA World Cup was a profound failure of judgement.

"Not just a procedural misstep, but a fundamental breach of trust with the very institutions FIFA exists to serve."

Despite FIFA committing to a report for the next Council meeting in October, the three confederations are demanding a much more rigorous and transparent investigation. They argue that the current internal review lacks the necessary independence to be credible. Their letter adds: "There is silence where there should be accountability, distance where there should be openness." The tension has reached a point where legal warnings have been issue, with UEFA explicitly warned FIFA that it must not delete or destroy any documents related to the abandoned plans for the private investment deal.

The threat of breakaway competitions

Perhaps the most significant development is the looming threat of a total fracture in the global football landscape. According to Telegraph, preliminary discussions have already taken place between UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC regarding the creation of breakaway competitions should Infantino remain in his post. While the parties have not yet provided specific details on what these tournaments would look like or when they might begin, the mere mention of such a move serves as a nuclear option in their standoff with FIFA.

UEFA has been the most vocal in its opposition, previously threatening a boycott of all FIFA competitions. Despite FIFA's attempts to defend Infantino's record, the European governing body insists that these defences "change nothing" regarding their potential refusal to participate in future World Cups or other FIFA-sanctioned events.

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A divided house and upcoming tests

However, despite the strength of the joint letter, the opposition to Infantino is not entirely unanimous within the confederations themselves. While the leadership of CONCACAF and the AFC have signed the letter, several of their member nations have already publicly declared their support for the current FIFA president. In North America, Mexico has come out in support of Infantino, while in Asia, eight countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Bhutan, have officially backed him.

The first true test of this brewing rebellion is less than a month away. The FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to begin in Poland, featuring five European nations, including England. While UEFA has floated the idea of a boycott, the implementation remains a logistical and political minefield. France has already indicated that they still plan to compete in the tournament, as per BBC, highlighting the potential for cracks in the unified front.

- Muhammad Zaki

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

MARK CARNEY SLAMS GIANNI INFANTINO, SAYS HE HAS NO CONFIDENCE IN FIFA PRESIDENT

World soccer boss made 'fatal' error in trying to quietly sell off stake in future World Cup tournaments: PM

Prime Minister Mark Carney and FIFA president Gianni Infantino look at the new 2026 FIFA World Cup coins during a trophy tour at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa on Sunday, May 24, 2026. PHOTO BY HYUNGCHEOL PARK /Postmedia Network

Add Prime Minister Mark Carney to the list of people who have lost faith in embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The Liberal leader made the comments during a news conference in Toronto on Wednesday, telling reporters that Infantino made a “fatal” error in trying to quietly sell off a stake in future World Cup tournaments to private investors that included the Kushner family.

“I’ve run a few organizations in my time,” Carney said weeks after Canada co-hosted the World Cup with the U.S. and Mexico. “The idea that proper governance is not to disclose to your closest advisers, your chief operating officer, your fellow board members, something of consequence that you’re even considering — let alone proposing — that’s fatal, should be fatal and you lose confidence in that individual.

“They (FIFA) have their own procedures for making those determinations, but certainly I don’t have confidence in Mr. Infantino after this point given what transpired and given the nature of what transpired.”

‘Offensive’ investment plan sparks backlash

Carney’s comments referred to the ongoing backlash over Infantino’s now-scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which was made public last week with a plan to create a commercial subsidiary to run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup tournaments.

The proposal was based on the premise that FIFA could raise more than $4 billion by selling off a 20% stake in the enterprise based on a valuation of $20 billion with Thrive Eternal – a subsidiary of Thrive Capital, which is owned by the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner – expected to spearhead private investment.

FIFA received immediate backlash over the proposal with soccer governing bodies and world leaders among those expressing their displeasure. UEFA, Europe’s powerful soccer governing body, vowed to boycott future events and member nations also threatened to pull their support for Infantino, who is seeking a fourth and final term as president in 2027.

Even after FIFA discarded the plan, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that Infantino was not the “right man to lead football forward on the world stage.

“The plan that was put forward was offensive to many people, football people around the world, and it can’t be the case that we just move on and forget that,” Burnham said.

‘Full support’ for Infantino at FIFA meetings?

Despite the backlash, FIFA issued a statement on Wednesday saying secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and members of the management board attending meetings in Rabat, Morocco, had expressed “full support” for Infantino’s leadership.

The reference to Grafstrom was notable as an internal email sent by him to FIFA staff seemed to distance himself from Infantino, AFP reported, while calling the FFE fiasco a “sad and reproachable series of events.”

The statement from FIFA said the FFE proposal was discussed at the meetings, mistakes “were acknowledged” and apologized for and a commitment was made to “ensure they do not happen again.

“It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA council and FIFA member associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently,” the statement said, vowing a review of the events. “It was further acknowledged that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.”

There was no mention, however, of a report from The Athletic that said U.S. World Cup host cities were chasing FIFA for alleged “legacy” payments of $1 million that had been promised to them privately in addition to similar benefits paid out from the 2025 Club World Cup.

The U.S. cities that hosted matches this year included Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.

Toronto and Vancouver also hosted games, but a statement from the City of Toronto said they were “not eligible” for the payments.

- Jordan Ercit

LA LIGA PRESIDENT ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT FIFA BOSS GIANNI INFANTINO AFTER 2026 WORLDNCUP RANT

 La Liga president Javier Tebas has issued a stinging statement in response to Gianni Infantino’s 2026 World Cup rant.

Infantino has been accused of going ‘full Donald Trump’ with an unexpected statement posted on FIFA’s official website and across 15 slides on his Instagram account.

The under-fire FIFA president blasted critics of the 2026 World Cup, claiming they’ve been “consumed by hate” and urging them to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” in order to “find peace”.

Infantino claimed this summer’s tournament in North America featured “no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security” - ignoring the fact four supporters tragically died during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City.

He defended the treatment of Iran’s national football team, issues over visas, and even the hugely controversial Folarin Balogun red card situation.

“Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees' decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” Infantino wrote. “It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”

La Liga President Responds to Infantino's World Cup Statement

REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Rather than convince people that the 2026 World Cup was a tournament without any downsides, Infantino’s statement appears to have had the opposite effect.

The “lame-duck FIFA president” now finds himself under even more scrutiny, with La Liga president Tebas tweeting:

"Today Gianni Infantino has written a pathetic message on his Instagram account and on the accounts of FIFA.

"No one disputes that football is emotion and unity. But transparency, good governance, and accountability are never hate; they are an obligation. Strong institutions do not discredit those who ask questions; they answer the questions.

"And a reflection Gianni: when a leader dedicates an entire message to disqualifying those who exercise legitimate scrutiny, it's inevitable to wonder... why precisely now? Is there something that explains such a defensive tone? Is something happening that we don't know about?"

Infantino Called to Appear Before Congress Over Trump Ties

Reuters/Mark J Rebilas

Meanwhile, Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee, has launched an investigation into Infantino, seeking documents that would detail the ties between FIFA and US President Donald Trump and his administration, per The Guardian.

“[Y]our election as FIFA president was supposed to mark a red-card break from a decades-long culture of corruption and scandals that dressed down world soccer’s reputation,” Raskin wrote to Infantino in the letter.

“Instead, at the start of your tenure, you dismantled FIFA’s ethical guardrails and disabled the organization’s ethics committee by pushing out most of its members. This lack of transparency and oversight has since paved the way for you to ingratiate yourself with the Trump administration via tactics that a New York University law professor and one of your former ethics committeemen described as ‘legal bribery’.”

Trump, who has close ties with Infantino, has reportedly lined up a potential new job for the under-pressure FIFA president.

- Rob Swan

GIANNI INFANTINO'S OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM IN 'LEAKED' LETTER TO ARGENTINA AFTER WORLD CUP DISGRACE

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote a letter to the president of the Argentinian Football Association praising their "professionalism" after the World Cup final, despite the violent scenes which followed Spain's 1-0 victory

Gianni Infantino penned a letter to Argentina(Image: MB Media, Getty Images)

Gianni Infantino wrote a gushing letter to the president of the Argentinian Football Association lauding their 'professionalism' despite their thuggish behaviour following defeat in the World Cup final.

The FIFA president has done himself no favours this tournament with his public image nearing an all-time low, and his leaked correspondence has been exposed in Argentina. FIFA launched a probe into the violent chaos that erupted after Spain's 1-0 triumph over the South Americans and for a provocative political banner incorrectly claiming the Falkland Islands following semi-final victory over England.

The footballing world was left disgusted when Leandro Parades, Nahuel Molina and even Argentinian assistant coach Roberto Ayala punched and attacked Spain players while they attempted to celebrate winning the country's second World Cup.

Argentina FA President Claudio Tapia received a gushing letter from the FIFA boss(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)

FIFA released a statement confirming they were examining "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play" by the Argentines.

Despite this, Infantino wrote a letter to Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentina FA, gushing over the "professionalism" of the South Americans.

The letter read: "Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.

Leandro Paredes picked a fight with Gavi, one of Spain's smallest players

"The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.

"The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.

"Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.

Argentina players celebrated with the banner following the win over England. (Image: MB Media, Getty Images)

"These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.

"I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino."

FIFA have yet to determine whether Argentina's players will be hit with punishments over the post-match altercation. In a statement issued shortly after the final whistle, FIFA declared: "Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents.

"Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."

- Patrick Austen-Hardy and Cameron Winstanley

DONALD TRUMP TO JOINTLY PRESENT FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 TROPHY TO WINNERS

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday stated that he and U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup Final together, where they will watch the match and jointly present the trophy to the winning team.

Donald Trump had already been informed that FIFA would like him to present the trophy.© AFP

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday stated that he and U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup Final together, where they will watch the match and jointly present the trophy to the winning team. Earlier, talkSPORT reported that FIFA has no objection to Trump handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain and remaining on the podium during celebrations. "We're going to be together with US President Donald Trump, enjoying the World Cup Final and handing the trophy to the winner together," Infantino said as per Fox News.

The US president had already been informed that FIFA would like him to present the trophy to the tournament winners. Officials from Mexico and Canada are also expected to be invited to attend the closing ceremony.

Trump drew attention at the Club World Cup when he remained on the podium beside Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy.

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer appeared visibly puzzled, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino initially appeared to guide Trump away before later encouraging him to stay.

Under standard FIFA protocol, the World Cup trophy is typically placed on a plinth and carried by the winning team onto the stage for the presentation ceremony.

Trump did not attend the USMNT's opening victory over Paraguay due to a scheduling conflict, but is expected to be present at the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

- ANI

GIANNI INFANTINO'S OLD BOSS FILES CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST FIFA PRESIDENT

Former UEFA president Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and two other officials, alleging malicious prosecution and influence peddling

Former UEFA President Michel Platini (R) is set to launch legal action against former UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino(L).(Image: Getty Images)

Former UEFA president Michel Platini is reportedly taking legal action against FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, alleging that he and two others conspired to ruin his chances of landing football's top job.

City AM reports that Platini's legal team have confirmed they are initiating proceedings in Paris against Infantino and two former FIFA officials, legal director Marco Villiger and audit chair Domenico Scala.

Infantino, Villiger and Scala are accused of malicious prosecution and influence peddling in relation to a scandal that ultimately ended Platini's career in football administration.

Platini was the favourite to take over from Sepp Blatter as FIFA president until 2015, when Blatter was effectively charged with bribing Platini for votes for a fourth term.

Platini and Blatter were given suspensions by FIFA's ethics committee over the two million Swiss francs "disloyal payment," but both have since been exonerated by the Swiss courts.

Michel Platini and Sepp Blatter(Image: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP)

The ex-France captain is also suing FIFA for financial damages in Switzerland for what his lawyers allege was a deliberate attempt to block his succession of Blatter, reports the Mirror.

Infantino, who served as UEFA general secretary under Platini, was elected to succeed Blatter in 2016 and has held the position ever since, strengthening his grip on power throughout.

The timing of the legal proceedings becoming public will cause Infantino and FIFA considerable embarrassment just before the World Cup kicks off in the US, Mexico and Canada on Thursday.

Mirror Sport have contacted FIFA regarding the allegations but have not yet received a response to the latest developments, with Infantino set to face the media on Wednesday on the eve of the largest edition of the tournament ever staged.

This follows nine months after the acquittal of Platini, now 70, and Blatter, 90, on fraud and forgery charges by a Swiss federal criminal appeals court in September that year.

Since assuming office, Infantino has implemented sweeping changes to FIFA's operations and substantially increased its revenue, and last week he topped City AM's inaugural Football Power List.

FIFA president GIanni Infantino shows off World Cup to Donald Trump in the Oval Office last year(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The news marks the latest controversy in a series of events that have overshadowed the build-up to this summer's World Cup. The United States conflict with Iran has been a major talking point.

Iran threatened to withdraw from the tournament following airstrikes that claimed the life of their leader Ayatollah Khamenei. With Italy put forward as possible replacements, it was later mooted that Iran's fixtures could be relocated at short notice to Mexico.

Despite the uncertainty, Infantino consistently assured that Iran would take part and everything would be fine, while Trump issued a threatening statement, asserting: "I really don't believe it ⁠is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."

The US President eventually gave his tepid endorsement. In recent hours, Somalian referee Omar Artan has been refused entry into the United States and Iranian fans have had their tickets revoked.

- Matty Hewitt  and Frank Dalleres

WHEN FIFA PLAYS POLITICS: PEACE MEDAL FOR WAR-TAINTED HANDS

TEHRAN, Dec. 06 (MNA) – As Trump draped the FIFA Peace Medal over his own neck last night, the world watched in disbelief: a self-proclaimed peacemaker being honored while his record tells a very different story.

Last night, what should have been a routine spectacle celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup turned into a global talking point for all the wrong reasons. At the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., FIFA President Gianni  Infantino awarded US President Donald J. Trump the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize.” The ceremony, attended by football officials, diplomats, and media from around the world, saw Trump personally receive a golden medal while Infantino hailed him as a true promoter of "peace and unity around the world”.

The announcement immediately sparked widespread criticism from international observers. Awarding a peace prize to a leader whose administration repeatedly engaged in military interventions, supported allied regimes in conflicts, and enacted policies often criticized as aggressive and self-serving raises fundamental questions about the criteria, neutrality, and ethics behind FIFA’s new award.

The spectacle: Last night’s ceremony

The 2026 World Cup draw was intended to be a celebration of football’s ability to unite people across borders. Yet last night, in a dramatic moment, Infantino stepped forward, praising Trump as a figure who “brings nations together through dialogue, diplomacy, and respect.”

Trump, in his brief acceptance speech, described the medal as “one of the greatest honors of my life” and claimed that “we have saved millions of lives” through his policies. The spectacle, broadcast live globally, saw the former president placing the medal around his own neck—a theatrical gesture meant to reinforce his image as a global peacemaker.

Yet, the applause from some corners of the stadium did little to mask the glaring contradiction that critics quickly seized upon. While Trump donned the medal in front of cameras, a vast record of policies and actions paints a different story.

Peace in words, war in action: Trump’s contradictions

In his tenure and post-presidency period, Trump has cultivated an image of himself as a mediator and negotiator, sometimes intervening publicly in international disputes and often claiming credit for peace initiatives. Notably, his last speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025) included calls to end hostilities in Gaza and to resolve conflicts diplomatically. However, during the same period, his administration vetoed critical resolutions aimed at ceasing hostilities, while the US continued to provide military, financial, and logistical support to allies engaged in armed conflict.

This duality—“peace in rhetoric, war in action”—has been a recurring theme in Trump’s political narrative. From covert operations in regions like the Middle East and South America to the continuation of drone strikes and military build-ups, critics argue that his hands have rarely been free of war, despite public claims of peacemaking.

There are a vast number of documented instances where US policies under Trump contributed indirectly to civilian casualties, displacement, and the escalation of regional tensions. In light of this, awarding him a peace prize appears not only ironic but deeply problematic.

FIFA’s controversial leap into politics

FIFA, historically committed to maintaining political neutrality in football, now finds itself at the center of an international controversy. The awarding of a peace prize to a figure as polarizing as Trump raises urgent questions: What are the selection criteria? Who serves on the committee? Was this decision influenced by political connections or public relations considerations rather than genuine contributions to peace?

No official documentation has been released to clarify these questions. In contrast, transparency and merit are core principles expected of organizations granting symbolic international awards. FIFA’s move may set a dangerous precedent where sporting prestige can be leveraged to whitewash political reputations.

Instead of a unifying celebration of sport, last night's ceremony highlighted the clash between symbolic gestures and the stark realities of global power politics.

Trump’s love of awards and the “peace-maker” image

Donald Trump has long shown an almost obsessive enthusiasm for receiving awards and public recognition. Throughout his business and political career, he has consistently sought trophies, honors, and titles that reinforce a narrative of success and global importance. 

Last night’s FIFA Peace Prize may be one of the most striking examples of how global institutions can bend to satisfy this obsession. By awarding Trump the inaugural Peace Prize, FIFA did more than recognize a figure—it staged a theatrical act of subservience. Infantino’s praise and the ceremonial moment of Trump draping the medal over his own neck, sent a clear message: the world’s most influential football body was willing to abase itself for a photo-op, sacrificing credibility and neutrality in the process.

In this spectacle, the medal became less an honor and more a symbol of FIFA’s willingness to kowtow. The global stage, intended to celebrate sport and unity, instead highlighted the extent to which a powerful individual can bend international institutions to serve personal vanity. In short, FIFA did not simply award a prize—it performed a choreographed act of subservience, reinforcing Trump’s desired image while undermining its own integrity.

The international reaction

Within hours of the ceremony, media outlets around the world ran critical pieces highlighting the contradictions. Al Jazeera described the award as “raising questions about FIFA’s neutrality,” emphasizing the incongruity between Trump’s record and the ideals of peace.

Human Rights Watch and other organizations issued statements underscoring the dissonance between the medal and his documented support for military interventions.

On social media, global audiences expressed widespread skepticism and criticism, with many commenting on the stark irony of awarding a peace prize to a leader associated with conflict and military interventions.

The broader implications for FIFA

FIFA’s decision carries significant implications for the organization’s credibility. For decades, it has sought to uphold the principle that football transcends politics. By awarding a peace prize to a politically divisive figure, it risks:

Undermining its longstanding commitment to neutrality in sports.

Damaging public trust in its governance and decision-making processes.

Setting a precedent where symbolic recognition can be granted based on political relationships rather than verifiable contributions to global peace.

In effect, the move turns what should be an apolitical sporting celebration into a platform for political theater, highlighting the dangers of blending diplomacy and entertainment at the expense of ethical considerations.

Conclusion: Symbolism vs. reality

The image of Donald Trump draping a golden peace medal around his neck is striking, yet deeply ironic. It captures a fundamental tension between symbolism and reality—a theatrical celebration of peace awarded to a figure whose policies have repeatedly been linked to war and conflict.

For the international audience, the controversy serves as a cautionary tale about the power of image management in global institutions. While FIFA may have intended to celebrate unity, the unintended message is clear: power and public perception can override historical and factual accountability.

The long-term impact of this ceremony on FIFA’s reputation remains to be seen. If the organization continues to mix sport and political spectacle, it risks alienating fans, partners, and global audiences who expect football to remain a force for unity rather than political maneuvering.

Ultimately, last night’s ceremony may be remembered less as a moment of celebration and more as a lesson in the dangers of conflating image with reality—and in the high stakes of awarding peace where little peace exists.

- Mohaddeseh Pakravan

SWISS PROSECUTORS END PROCEEDINGS AGAINST FIFA BOSS INFANTINO

Reuters

Criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his dealings with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber have been closed, Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday, a decision Infantino hailed as a vindication of "the new FIFA".

Infantino was elected in 2016 to clean up world soccer body FIFA after it became embroiled in corruption scandals.

However, Swiss authorities launched proceedings against Infantino himself in 2020 on suspicions of secrecy violations, abuse of office and aiding and abetting related to meetings he held with Lauber.

In ending the proceedings, prosecutors said their investigations had "invalidated" such suspicions.

Swiss-Italian Infantino, who had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said the decision was a "a full and clear victory for me, for the new FIFA and for justice."

WHAT IS THE AFRICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE?

IMAGO

The first edition of the African Football League will kick off on Friday with the opening game taking place in Tanzania.

It is a new elite club tournament and the brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Speaking in February 2020, Infantino declared that African club soccer needed a new continental competition.

Infantino said that the continent had lacked "proper competition infrastructure" and that existing tournaments - such as the African Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup - were "30 to 40 times less successful than Europe".

He later claimed that the AFL "is set to change the future of club football on the continent".

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is backing the African Football League to "change the future of club football on the continent"

The AFL will be organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in partnership with FIFA.

But what is the African Football League?

FIFA PRESIDENT INFANTINO OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO IN LETTER TO ISRAEL AND PALESTINE FA'S

Reuters 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote to the Israel and Palestine Football Associations on Friday, offering his condolences over the "horrendous violence" in the past week in a conflict that has taken over 2,700 lives so far.

Hamas militants killed more than 1,300 Israelis in their attack on Saturday. In response, Israeli air strikes have killed more than 1,400 people in Gaza so far, authorities there said.

GIANNI INFANTINO AFTER BEING RE-ELECTED AS FIFA PRESIDENT