World Cup 2026

[seafoid]

.
   https://www.ft.com/content/ddb7c0d4-c156-48a0-b30f-d03f605a1a9c?syn-25a6b1a6=1

   European football's governing body has threatened legal action over Fifa president Gianni Infantino's failed plan to carve out a $20bn commercial entity from the Swiss non-profit and sell a 20 per cent stake to private investors.

In a letter addressed to Infantino, Uefa warned it was "actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints" in relation to the world's governing body's proposal to raise more than $4bn from selling shares in a new entity that would have housed Fifa's commercial rights.

The stake-sale plan, first revealed by the FT on Tuesday, rocked football and provoked a wave of criticism before Infantino backed down on Friday and said the proposal "will not proceed".

The climbdown followed days of mounting pressure from across football and beyond, with Uefa joined by other football federations, politicians and fans in their rejection of the venture. The about-turn also leaves the Fifa president vulnerable ahead of an election next year. 

[JoG2]

Don't forget, 'everything Trump touches dies'

[Capt Pat]

For me Infantino was in charge of fifa when the European playoffs were unfairly rigged. Ireland had to play the Czechs in a one off playoff in Prague. The game should have been over 2 legs home and away or a one off game at a neutral venue. Other teams had similar gripes.

[Baile Brigín 2]

For me Infantino was in charge of fifa when the European playoffs were unfairly rigged. Ireland had to play the Czechs in a one off playoff in Prague. The game should have been over 2 legs home and away or a one off game at a neutral venue. Other teams had similar gripes.

Good for him, that is a UEFA decision though.

[seafoid]

Scooby Doo where are you?

https://www.ft.com/content/7729314c-4928-485e-bfe8-5d6749d65cd2?syn-25a6b1a6=1

European football's governing body Uefa said it is preparing a criminal complaint against Gianni Infantino over the Fifa president's failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. In US court filings, Uefa said it was seeking to recover documents from Joshua Kushner, his investment firm Thrive Capital and Fifa's Americas arm, as it presses ahead with efforts to oust Infantino from his role at world football's governing body. Thrive Eternal, an associated investment vehicle, had been lined up as the lead investor in a new commercial entity called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE). Joshua Kushner, founder of both Thrive firms, is the brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. Infantino's plan sought to raise $4bn by selling a 20 per cent stake in Fifa's commercial rights, but the implied $20bn valuation of the proposed entity was "absurdly low", Uefa said in the documents seen by the FT. Uefa was "preparing to bring criminal claims in Switzerland against Infantino and possibly other Fifa officials and advisers for criminal mismanagement", the documents said. Thrive and Fifa did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

[Blowitupref]

Lionel Messi has retired from international duty.

His statement

"After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the National Team.

"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all: not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team. I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

"Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I'll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad, especially the bad).

"Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey, so beautiful, yet so difficult. Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I've shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

"I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, alongside my teammates, moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!

"Thank you, God, for making me Argentine.

"Let's go, Argentina!

"I wrote these words on July 21st, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."