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

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

JORDANIAN FA PRESIDENT ACCUSES FIFA OF 'BLACKMAIL'

Jordan FA president Ali Bin Al Hussein

FIFA has been accused of "blackmailing" Jordan over World Cup money in return for their support for Gianni Infantino to stay on as president.

Infantino is under mounting pressure amid the fallout from a plan to seek private investors in a company to run FIFA's tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

The support of national associations in Asia could prove critical to his survival but the president of the Jordanian Football Association, Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, wrote on X that his organisation "certainly" would not endorse Infantino after alleging FIFA sought to secure his support by promising it would help with the recovery of money he said was owed to the JFA.

Prince Ali, who stood for the FIFA presidency in 2015 against Sepp Blatter and against Infantino the following year, hit out at the difficulties faced by Jordanian fans seeking to enter the United States for this summer’s World Cup and the "exorbitant" price of tickets, and detailed the "huge costs" in taxes his association faced due to being based in the US rather than Canada or Mexico for the finals.

He then revealed Jordan was still awaiting prize money from last year’s Arab Cup, which is organised by FIFA, "while at the same time FIFA brags about how many billions they have in reserve".

"It is clear the problem really is with leadership," Prince Ali added.

"For months, FIFA has been refusing to help us on any of these or other matters – until it was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that if I endorsed Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out.

"We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that."

FIFA declined to respond to Prince Ali’s remarks.

Asia is seen as the key continent in any presidential contest that may yet be forced, with Europe and nations from North America, Central America and the Caribbean expected to want Infantino out while Africa, South America and Oceania are expected to back him.

- PA 

FIFA MEME 😂

 

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

UEFA VOTES TO BOYCOTT WORLD CUP AHEAD OF PRIVATE INVESTOR FUND

The core investor would be a US investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner

US President Donald Trump (right) and Fifa president Gianni Infantino get ready to present the World Cup to Spain in New Jersey. Photo: dpa

Uefa member federations agreed on Thursday to boycott all Fifa competitions in protest of Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors.

“Uefa and its national associations will not participate in Fifa competitions,” the European football body said after an urgent online meeting of the 55 members.

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

The strategy meeting was called to counter Fifa president Infantino’s offer of US$20 million to each of Fifa’s 211 global members that has to be accepted by mid-September.

Infantino’s secret proposal was revealed on Tuesday to spin off its commercial operations in a new US$20 billion subsidiary 20 per cent owned by private investors. The core investor would be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has presented the private equity offer as a chance to “turbocharge” funding development of football. Photo: Reuters

“This is not merely a profound failure of leadership, but an abdication of Fifa’s duty as the custodian of world football,” said Uefa, where Infantino was a long-time staffer and its CEO-like general secretary when he was first elected to lead Fifa in 2016.

- Associated Press

FURTHER UEFA STATEMENT ON FIFA PLANS

 

LA LIGA PRESIDENT BRANDS INFANTINO'S FIFA DEFENCE 'PATHETIC '

President Donald Trump (left) and Fifa President Gianni Infantino watch confetti fall at the conclusion of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, July 19, 2026

GIANNI INFANTINO’S extraordinary Instagram post accusing Fifa’s critics of spreading “hate” has been dismissed as “pathetic” by La Liga president Javier Tebas.

The Fifa president’s 15-page message came before confirmation on Monday that Democrats in the US Congress were investigating him amid what they described as “mounting evidence of potential corruption and a possible quid pro quo between Fifa and the Trump administration.”

Infantino’s social media post had advised those “spending their time and energy hating us” to “meditate, pray, or watch a football match,” drawing a scathing response from Tebas.

“Gianni Infantino has written a pathetic message on his Instagram account and on the accounts of @FIFAcom,” Tebas wrote on his own X account.

“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?”

The US house judiciary committee has called Infantino before it to examine what it describes as “Fifa’s sustained campaign to secure special favours from President Trump – including the dismissal of high-profile corruption cases involving hundreds of millions of dollars tied to Fifa – while American consumers were gouged by exorbitant World Cup ticket prices.”

The letter cited the introduction of the “hilariously fake” Fifa Peace Prize which was awarded to President Trump last December, the renting of office space at Trump Tower as examples of acts designed “to induce President Trump and his administration to make decisions in Fifa’s favour.”

The letter requests documents and information be sent to the Committee by 10pm BST on August 9.

Fifa has been contacted for comment.

- Morning Star

UEFA STATEMENT ON THE TIMES ARTICLE

 

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

FIFA RANKINGS | AFTER WORLD CUP 2026

 

FIFA STATEMENT | NORWAY VS. ENGLAND

 

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 

JUSTIN BIEBER IS JOINING FIRST-EVER WORLD CUP FINAL HALF-TIME SHOW

Bieber is co-headlining the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, joining Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and more

Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

FIFA officially has Bieber fever.

The World Cup governing body and the action platform Global Citizen announced July 8 that Justin Bieber will co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. He'll share the stage with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

The 11-minute show will also feature Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, the Staten Island elementary school choir, performing alongside Coldplay. The show is also set to feature Sesame Street characters, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets, as part of the broadcast's education-focused message. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is curating the performance.

"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can," Bieber said in a statement. "I'm grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it's already helping expand access to education for children around the world."

The halftime show is the first of its kind in FIFA World Cup history. While major soccer events often include opening ceremonies or pre-match performances, FIFA is introducing a halftime performance for this year's final.

The show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to expand access to education and soccer for children worldwide. According to Global Citizen, the fund has already raised more than $50 million. Throughout the tournament, $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is being donated to the fund.

Bieber's addition expands a lineup that already included several major global artists. Madonna, Shakira, and BTS were previously announced as headliners for the show back in May, while Burna Boy brings another connection to the tournament through "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 World Cup, which he performs with Shakira.

"The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together," Burna Boy said in a statement. "To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly."

The announcement has not been universally embraced, especially among soccer fans who already feel this World Cup has been "Americanized," especially with the addition of brand-sponsored hydration breaks that interrupt the usual rhythm of matches. Adding a Super Bowl-style performance in the middle of the New Jersey final feels, to some, like another step in that direction.

- Olivia Tauber

HISTORIC WORLD CUP FUROR AT 'INCOMPREHENCIBLE' FIFA DECISION TO LET U.S. FORWARD BALOGUN PLAY

ILE - FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, awards President Donald Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Dec. 5, 2025.

Chris Carlson/AP

GENEVA — An all-time controversy in the World Cup's 96-year history was raging Monday ahead of the co-host United States and forward Folarin Balogun facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake.

The Belgian soccer federation said it is challenging FIFA's ruling to let Balogun play despite getting a red card in his previous game — a shocking move made Sunday after pressure on the world soccer body's leader Gianni Infantino from his close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.

The "deeply concerned" Belgians' statement just 11 hours before starting their round of 16 game in Seattle showed clear frustration with FIFA at what seemed a lack of good faith in shaping an urgent legal process.

European soccer body UEFA earlier criticized FIFA for an "incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," that it said "crossed a red line" by not enforcing Balogun's mandatory one-game ban for his foul tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday.

FIFA's ruling Sunday — to defer Balogun's ban for one year of probation — deviated from soccer's traditional rule of law and drew stinging criticism globally including from former World Cup stars and coaches at this tournament.

"It's a bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup," Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said Sunday after his team beat Brazil to reach the quarterfinals.

UEFA, whose member federations include Belgium, insisted: "Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not."

"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined," said the European soccer body, which has often clashed with Infantino during his decade in FIFA power.

"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," said UEFA, where Infantino was its CEO-like general secretary from 2009 until being elected to lead FIFA in February 2016.

FIFA was asked Monday to comment on the UEFA criticism.

Infantino's predecessor Sepp Blatter, who was forced from office in 2015 in fallout from corruption scandals, posted Monday on social media: "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies."

Belgium's legal options

Belgian officials had been preparing an appeal in Seattle in the early hours of Monday to challenge the Balogun ruling with a FIFA-appointed appeals judge. They said FIFA had not provided documents key to filing a valid appeal.

The round of 16 game against the U.S. is due to kick off at 5 p.m. local time.

"Regardless of the sporting outcome of the match," the Belgian federation said, "(we are) deeply concerned by the way these events have unfolded and will continue, in the hours, days and months ahead, to pursue every available avenue to uphold the fundamental principles of ethics, sporting fairness and the interests of football as a whole."

Soccer rules require teams ultimately judged to have fielded an ineligible player to default the game as a 3-0 loss. Belgium must first appeal to FIFA and then to the Court of Arbitration for Sport based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Balogun's tackle

Balogun was sent off directly for planting his cleated foot on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic during a 2-0 win for the U.S. in the round of 32.

That kind of challenge has been a routine red card all season in competitions worldwide, and Balogun could have expected a two-game ban for serious foul play under the FIFA disciplinary code.

Still, similar challenges by star players have gone unpunished at this World Cup — by Lionel Messi for Argentina against Algeria and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi vs. Brazil. Bernardo Silva of Portugal got just a yellow card against Congo.

"I think a yellow card would have been fair," Balogun later suggested.

FIFA's interventions

This World Cup has been remarkable for FIFA under Infantino seeming to rewrite the norms of disciplinary action even before the tournament began.

A pattern of pardons opened FIFA to suggestions of executive intervention in the statutory independence of its judicial bodies, including the disciplinary committee that formally reprieved Balogun.

Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in Portugal's opening World Cup game despite getting a red card for serious foul play in a qualifying game against Ireland last November. He struck an opponent with an elbow.

Ronaldo served his mandatory ban in Portugal's final qualifying game but he was reprieved from an expected two-game ban because FIFA introduced the idea of probation. An imposed three-game ban was less meaningful as two games were deferred during a one-year probationary period.

At the opening game on June 11, South Africa's Themba Zwane got a red card against Mexico for a similar offense to Ronaldo's and FIFA imposed a three-game ban with no probation. Zwane did not play again at the World Cup.

Three players sent off in their teams' qualifying games last year were surprisingly told by FIFA in May they could serve their bans in a future competition instead of at the World Cup, which was the long-standing norm.

Ecuador midfielder Moisés Caicedo, Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi and Qatar defender Tarek Salman all had their bans waived for the World Cup.

US exceptionalism

This, FIFA said in May, was to ensure teams "can compete with their strongest possible squads on the biggest stage of men's international football."

The Balogun decision simply took this policy further, though not for other players shown a red card so far who were mandated to miss at least one game.

"It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions," UEFA said, "let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension."

- The Associated Press

FIFA 'CROSSED A LINE' OVER DECISION TO REVERSE STRIKER FOLARIN BALOGUN' ONE-MATCH BAN, SAYS UEFA

 

United States' Folarin Balogun was given a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Credit: AP

Uefa hit back at Fifa’s ruling to suspend a red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun against Bosnia and Herzegovina after reported intervention from Donald Trump, saying it "crossed a red line".

Fifa has allowed Balogun to play against Belgium in the knock-out clash on Monday evening despite receiving a red card and a one-match ban last week, a move that led to a furious response from Uefa and praise from the US president.

If Fifa's decision stands, it will be the first time since 1962 that a red card during a World Cup did not result in a suspension.

The Monaco forward, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was dismissed for his challenge on Tarik Muharemovic during the second half of their 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But his single-match ban has now been suspended for a probationary period of one year.

In response, the European football governing body said on Monday: “Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line."

Trump called Fifa President Gianni Infantino after the Bosnia game, asking the football body to review the red card, according to AP, who spoke to a person familiar with the call who spoke on condition of anonymity.

On Sunday, Trump hailed the decision by Fifa's disciplinary committee to allow Balogun to participate in the World Cup co-hosts' last-16 clash.

Writing on his Truth Social account, President Trump said: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

According to Fifa's disciplinary code, should the 25-year-old commit "another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement".

A Fifa disciplinary committee statement read: “By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.”

The Belgian football federation was preparing an appeal in Seattle in the early hours of Monday to challenge the Balogun ruling before a Fifa-appointed appeals judge.

- itvX

FIFA WORLD CUP REFEREE MEME 🤣