FIFA warned against what it calls a “concerted and ongoing effort” to “undermine” the organization and its president, Gianni Infantino.

The statement, issued late on Saturday, comes amid a growing dispute over Infantino’s leadership after the failed plan to create a subsidiary to run the men’s World Cup and other events, with up to a 20% stake offered to external investors.

The proposal drew criticism from European governing body UEFA, which threatened to boycott future World Cups, as well as several national associations and senior FIFA officials, and prompted calls for Infantino to resign.

Amid the growing criticism Infantino persuaded FIFA’s Board of Management to express its full support for him at a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday. 

FIFA accused of blackmail in exchange for Infantino support

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Report raises new questions over Infantino

The pressure on Infantino intensified on Friday when British newspaper the Daily Telegraph reported a six-figure sum was paid to a female employee alleged to have been in a relationship with him during his time as UEFA general secretary.

UEFA confirmed a departure payment and said it also funded her MBA course, stating both were in line with regulations at the time.

A FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph on Friday: “FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue.”

Responding to the latest scrutiny, FIFA said on Saturday, without directly mentioning the Telegraph report, “recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President.”

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Investment plan dispute deepens leadership crisis

The fallout over the shelved private investment plan has overshadowed Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president.

After this week’s crisis meeting, UEFA said it no longer has confidence in him, and Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness called for his resignation.

Despite the controversy, Infantino retains strong backing among FIFA members, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously supporting his leadership and South American governing body CONMEBOL opposing any attempt to remove him without a vote of all member associations.

FIFA said that those who lacked the support of its member associations should not seek to achieve “allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”

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Edited by: Emmy Sasipornkarn

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South Africa’s Banyana Banyana have been knocked out of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening.

Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanan Ait El Haj scored for Morocco, while Thembi Kgatlana pulled one back for South Africa.

The match was a repeat of the 2022 WAFCON final, with both sides also fighting for a place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Morocco started the brighter of the two teams, with Sanaa Mssoudy heading just wide after meeting a cross from the right.

South Africa responded as Kgatlana created space outside the box, but her effort went narrowly over the target.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 31st minute. Ouzraoui met a dangerous cross from the right and lifted the ball over South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart to make it 1-0.

Morocco doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half after Noxolo Cesane was penalised for a foul inside the box. A penalty was awarded, and Ait El Haj calmly converted to put the hosts 2-0 ahead.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis responded by making a change, bringing on Amogelang Motau for Robyn Moodaly-Salgado as South Africa searched for a way back into the game.

The visitors reduced the deficit in the 67th minute through Kgatlana. The forward beat the offside trap and finished from a tight angle, with the goal awarded after a VAR review.

Motau almost equalised moments later, but Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi produced an excellent save to keep her side in front.

South Africa pushed forward in the closing stages and committed more players to attack, but Morocco held firm to secure a 2-1 victory.

The defeat ends Banyana Banyana’s hopes of defending their WAFCON title, while Morocco advance to the semi-finals and secure their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In the semifinals, Morocco will face the winner of Sunday’s quarterfinals between Nigeria and Cameroon .

Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu says his players understand what is at stake as Nigeria prepare to face Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Nigeria, the defending champions, will meet the Indomitable Lionesses at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, with a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.

Madugu said the Super Falcons are fully prepared for the important encounter and determined to continue their title defence.

“It’s an important match because we all know what is at stake, the ticket for the World Cup. After the World Cup ticket, you have the semi-finals, which will also enable you to continue your quest for retaining the trophy,” Madugu said.

“We’ll go in there fully prepared, give it our best and ensure that we carry the day.”

Nigeria have faced Cameroon twice in recent friendly matches, but Madugu believes those games will have little bearing on Sunday’s quarter-final.

He noted that both teams have changed since those meetings, with some players who featured previously no longer in the squads.

“The last two games we played against Cameroon were preparatory games, and a lot of things went into those matches,” he said.

“There were players that were not involved then who are here now for both teams, so we’re not using those games to assess the current team.”

The Super Falcons conceded goals during the group stage, but Madugu remains confident that his team can improve defensively while maintaining their attacking strength.

“We have been working to ensure that those mistakes and loopholes that caused those goals are corrected. Yes, we conceded goals, but we equally score goals, so it’s still positive for us,” he said.

The coach also confirmed that there are some injury concerns in the squad, with the medical team working to get the affected players ready for the match.

Meanwhile, midfielder Toni Payne said the Super Falcons remain determined to qualify for the World Cup and continue their pursuit of another WAFCON title.

“Everyone in the team, including myself and the staff, are really confident going into this game,” Payne said.

“We know it’s going to be a physical game, but that’s something that we’re always prepared for.”

Payne also insisted that Nigeria’s hunger for success has not reduced despite their long history of winning the competition.

“I don’t think anyone gets tired of winning. We appreciate all the accomplishments we’ve made, but we’re just as hungry as ever,” she said.

The Super Falcons will secure a place in the semi-finals and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup if they defeat Cameroon on Sunday.

The match is scheduled to kick off at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

Eight-year-old galloper Eliyass has rolled back the clock with a tenacious all-the-way victory at Randwick, providing apprentice jockey Shannen Llewllyn with a significant early success as she prepares to shift her indentures to trainer Ciaron Maher.

Llewllyn, based in Newcastle, is scheduled to join Maher’s stable for a three-month loan period starting August 17. She wasted no time in making a favourable impression for her new mentor, executing a well-judged frontrunning ride on Eliyass.

The former Tulloch Lodge gelding had not celebrated a win since taking out the 2024 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m). He missed a substantial part of the previous season after undergoing surgery with screws inserted into both fetlocks.

Saturday’s Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) was just the second start for Eliyass on his comeback journey, following an unplaced performance in last month’s Civic Stakes (1400m). Maher’s assistant trainer, Jo Gerard-Dubord, indicated that the horse had rediscovered his winning form ahead of expectations.

“We knew the horse was going very well. We thought he was probably still a run away, especially with such a big weight,” Gerard-Dubord said.

“But he’s one of those horses. When they like winning and they’ve got a bit of class like him, it takes them a long way. He is back on track.

“It’s only his second run in over a year, so he will improve again, and he’ll be right at the right time of year.”

Gerard-Dubord confirmed that Eliyass is likely to be pointed towards the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick in a fortnight. He also mentioned the Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) on October 10 as a potential long-term spring target.

“We’re very grateful to be sent a horse like him,” he stated.

“He’s had his issues, but look at his record. He’s a winner, and hopefully we’ll have a lot more fun with him.

“There’s a lot more to come in terms of fitness. In time, a race like the Hill Stakes is a good prizemoney race.”

Eliyass was settled towards the rear of the field in his first-up run over a shorter distance. However, with the step up in distance on Saturday, Llewllyn was instructed to ride him more positively.

The 25-year-old apprentice followed instructions precisely, with Eliyass ($26) setting the pace and holding on for a neck victory over Matusalem ($16). Chris Waller’s charge Tazima ($2.15 favourite), a stablemate of the runner-up, finished a short head behind in third.

“He was travelling really keenly out in front, and I didn’t have to ask much of him until the three hundred (metres),” Llewllyn reported.

“I thought he would tough it out. I know he keeps sticking his head out, and that’s what he did.”

Australian betting sites will be closely monitoring Eliyass’s campaign following this impressive return to winning form.

Aaron McKenna produced a composed and dominant performance against previously unbeaten Etinosa Oliha to claim the IBF world middleweight title in his first professional fight on Irish soil at Dublin’s 3Arena.

The Monaghan fighter extended his perfect professional record to 21-0 after controlling much of the 12-round contest to claim a unanimous decision victory at Zuffa Boxing 10.

McKenna earned scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112 on the judges’ scorecards to hand the now 22-1 Italian his first professional defeat.

Afterwards, McKenna reflected on fulfilling a childhood ambition after nine years as a professional without fighting in Ireland.

“A new world champion. I said it for years,” McKenna told Sky Sports.

“Since I was six years old, I thought about this moment my whole life, so for it to finally happen at 27, it goes to show everyone, don’t give up, always stay true to yourself, and you can do anything.”

McKenna admitted Oliha provided a sterner challenge than expected and welcomed all challengers.

“Oliha was definitely strong. I made it harder than it should have been, but I got the job done.

“It doesn’t matter [who’s next], anyone. I’m easy to find now that I have a belt. I want to collect every belt in boxing. I’m the best middleweight in the world, and super-middleweight; I don’t mind jumping up either.”

Oliha began positively and applied pressure during the cagey opening rounds, enjoying particular success in the second as McKenna looked to establish his jab from the back foot.

McKenna, known as ‘The Silencer’ gradually found his rhythm, repeatedly landing his jab and uppercut while using his range effectively to avoid Oliha’s heavier attacks.

The 27-year-old increasingly took control, forcing Oliha onto the ropes and landing combinations to the head and body.

Oliha continued to march forward, but McKenna’s movement and defence largely nullified the Italian’s pressure as he continued to land the cleaner shots.

A clash of heads left McKenna bleeding in the 11th, but he remained composed and landed several clean shots in response.

Oliha pushed forward in search of a dramatic finish in the final round, but McKenna continued to frustrate him with his jab before the final bell prompted celebrations from the Dublin crowd.

Also in this edition: Gary Hunt’s bronze medal in high diving, Léon Marchand’s withdrawal from the individual medley events, Paris Saint-Germain’s draw against Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup and its agreement with Ferran Torres, Chelsea and Real Madrid’s wins in their respective pre-season friendlies, the elimination of the Lebrun brothers at the WTT Champions in Yokohama, the end of Arthur Rinderknech’s run in Montreal and the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father.

Trainer Jason Warren is contemplating another Stakes race engagement for Flyer before she retires to pursue her stud career.

Flyer secured an unexpected, long-priced victory in the MSC Signs Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield Heath on Saturday. Warren confirmed that the mare is slated to be served by Toronado during the upcoming breeding season.

The win, which marked a double for jockey Jye McNeil, saw Flyer ($21) claim victory by a head over Welcometotheshow ($41), with the strong favourite Custom ($1.75) finishing a short neck behind in third. This outcome represented one of the day’s most significant upsets for punters.

“We thought she was a terrific chance today,” Warren commented.

“Her price was good and I hope the team at Rosemont had something on.

“She’s a stable favourite and she’s heading to the breeding barn this year.

“I think we’ll be looking for an early cover, but in saying that, she’s probably earned herself another run before she goes to stud.

“She’s got a date with Toronado, I believe. She’s going to make a terrific broodmare, just like her mother (Miss Toorak Flyer) did.”

Flyer made a winning debut as a two-year-old and subsequently won the Group 3 David Coles Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in her juvenile season.

After a two-year drought, she returned to winning form at Caulfield on May 30.

Warren attributed Flyer’s previous run, a midfield finish over 1200m at Flemington on July 18, to specific circumstances.

“She likes soft tracks and things didn’t work out for her last start,” Warren explained.

“She began too well at Flemington on the big, wide-open track and she needed to come back here around a bend.

“It’s nice to get another winner for Rosemont as they support our stable so well and she’s been a terrific horse for them.”

Warren operates dual facilities, with a stable at Mornington and a country setting at Bass on Westernport Bay, noting that the Bass property has been conducive to Flyer’s well-being.

“We take them all down to Bass after they race and she had her final gallop at Mornington on Tuesday,” Warren stated.

“She spends time in the paddock between runs, and you can see your reflection in her coat, she’s that healthy.

“She’s a happy mare and it’s all about keeping her happy.”

For those keen to get involved in the action, exploring the available online bookmakers can provide opportunities to bet on the upcoming races.

Tottenham Transfer Plans Hinge on Cody Gakpo and Savinho Developments

Tottenham are pushing to strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes, with Cody Gakpo and Savinho firmly in focus as work continues behind the scenes. The situation around both players remains fluid, but current indications suggest any meaningful progress may depend on movement elsewhere in the market.

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Roberto De Zerbi has made attacking additions a priority and Spurs are understood to want at least two more signings before the September 1st deadline. Within that search, Gakpo has emerged as one of the leading options. Tottenham’s interest is genuine and long-standing, yet there is little expectation of an immediate breakthrough.

Photo: IMAGO

Cody Gakpo Situation Depends on Liverpool Business

Liverpool’s current position is clear. They would prefer to retain Gakpo and, as things stand, there is no encouragement for clubs attempting to test that resolve. The Netherlands international is admired in North London and there is a belief he could be open to the move given uncertainty surrounding how he fits under Andoni Iraola, especially if Liverpool add further attacking competition this month.

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That said, any deal is likely to require patience. Liverpool are not actively looking to sell and their valuation is thought to be in the region of £72m, a figure designed to reflect both the player’s quality and the difficulty of replacing him late in the window.

As one update put it: “Liverpool’s preference is to keep (hold of Gakpo), that won’t change unless they add one if not two attack-minded players. Then possibly towards the middle or the end of the window… Cody Gakpo’s position could change a little bit.”

That same line of thinking was reinforced further: “But, for now, it’s been described to me by sources as a ‘fool’s errand’ to negotiate with Liverpool for Gakpo now because they’re going to reject everything until such a point where they know one if not two players are going to come in.”

Barcola and Mbaye Could Shape Outcome

Liverpool’s own recruitment work could prove decisive. Internal planning is understood to include a strong interest in Bradley Barcola, with Ibrahim Mbaye also among the names being monitored. If one arrives, the picture may soften slightly. If two are secured, Tottenham could find the landscape changes more significantly.

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For now, Spurs are waiting and watching, aware that timing may become as important as finances. The view around the market is that Liverpool will not alter course until incoming business gives them certainty in the same area of the squad.

Savinho Talks Also Need Market Movement

Tottenham’s pursuit of Savinho is developing on a separate track, but there are similar complications. Personal terms are not believed to be the main obstacle. Instead, the key issue is Manchester City‘s need to line up a replacement before sanctioning an exit.

The position was summed up succinctly: “Tottenham are serious about Cody Gakpo, and that would be in addition, according to my information, to Savinho, who Spurs are also working on.” There was also a further clarification on the Brazilian’s case, with the latest view being: “But before that one unlocks, it’s less about the finances and it’s more about Man City lining up a replacement.”

Tottenham remain active on both fronts. Gakpo is a serious target, Savinho remains in play, and the final weeks of the window could yet open doors that currently appear firmly closed.

For Sakshi Chaudhary, the road to Commonwealth Games gold was built on far more than one successful night in the boxing ring.

The 25-year-old Indian boxer had endured injuries, missed major international events and made a significant change in weight category before finally getting her opportunity at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. When that moment arrived, Chaudhary delivered, defeating England’s Ruby White 5-0 in the women’s 51kg final to secure a historic gold medal.

After her triumph, however, Chaudhary was also quick to acknowledge the role played by former India captain Virat Kohli, who supported her career through the Virat Kohli Foundation.

“He has been my sponsor. So I would like to thank him too,” Chaudhary said, while also revealing that Kohli’s advice had helped her deal with the pressure surrounding the Games.

Kohli’s Support Went Beyond Financial Backing

Kohli’s association with Chaudhary dates back several years. According to the information shared by the Virat Kohli Foundation, the boxer was inducted into its athlete support programme in 2019, when she was still working towards establishing herself on the international circuit.

For an athlete competing in a sport that does not command the same commercial ecosystem as cricket, sustained financial support can be crucial. Training, equipment, coaching, travel and participation in international competitions can place considerable demands on athletes and their families.

Chaudhary’s comments suggest that Kohli’s involvement was not limited to sponsorship. She said the former India captain encouraged her to avoid dwelling on the pressure of the occasion and instead concentrate on her performance inside the ring.

A Comeback Built Through Setbacks

Chaudhary’s Commonwealth Games triumph came after a difficult period in her career.

Injuries forced her to miss the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as well as the 2023 Asian Games. She had also narrowly missed out on qualification for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Instead of allowing those setbacks to derail her career, Chaudhary made another major decision. She moved down from the 54kg category to 51kg, beginning another fight to establish herself in a highly competitive weight class.

Her selection for the Commonwealth Games was ultimately secured after she defeated two leading domestic contenders — world champion Nikhat Zareen and Asian champion Minakshi Hooda, in the selection trials.

By the time she reached Glasgow, Chaudhary had already fought through several hurdles simply to earn her place on the Indian team.

The Final That Delivered Gold

The biggest test came in the final against England’s Ruby White.

Chaudhary produced a commanding performance to win the bout unanimously, with all five judges scoring the contest in her favour.

The 5-0 victory gave her her maiden Commonwealth Games gold medal and completed a remarkable turnaround after the injuries and selection disappointments that had defined parts of her career.

Her achievement was also part of a historic performance by India’s boxing contingent, which collected a record seven gold medals at the Games.

For Chaudhary, however, the medal represented something more personal: proof that the setbacks that once threatened to derail her career had not defined it.

The Role of the Virat Kohli Foundation

The Virat Kohli Foundation has supported athletes across disciplines, including sportspersons from boxing, athletics, tennis, swimming and para-sports.

Its stated approach has included supporting promising athletes before they become household names, when access to consistent resources can make a significant difference to their development.

Chaudhary’s association with the foundation began in 2019, years before her Commonwealth Games breakthrough.

That timeline is significant. Support for athletes is often most valuable before they reach the biggest stages, when they are still attempting to establish themselves and may not yet have access to substantial commercial opportunities.

In Chaudhary’s case, that backing came during a period in which she was still building her career. Her eventual Commonwealth Games gold provides a striking example of how long-term athlete support can intersect with talent, coaching, determination and competitive opportunity.

More Than a Celebrity-Athlete Connection

The story of Chaudhary and Kohli also points to a broader issue within Indian sport.

Cricket continues to dominate India’s sporting landscape commercially, while athletes in disciplines such as boxing often have to navigate a very different financial environment. For many of them, support from foundations, sponsors and government-backed programmes can determine how consistently they can train and compete.

Chaudhary’s journey illustrates why such support matters.

Kohli’s backing did not win the Commonwealth Games final for her. The gold medal came after years of training, recovering from injuries, changing weight categories and beating some of India’s leading boxers to earn selection.

But having financial and motivational support during the difficult stages of that journey can give an athlete the space to keep pursuing the goal.

For Chaudhary, that journey has now culminated in a Commonwealth Games gold medal — and she has made sure to acknowledge one of the people who helped her stay on that path.

Her Glasgow triumph is therefore not simply the story of a boxer winning a gold medal. It is the story of an athlete who kept rebuilding after setbacks, found support before achieving mainstream recognition and ultimately reached the biggest stage to deliver when it mattered most.

Ninja proved himself the class act in Sydney’s first stakes race of the 2026 season, the Group 2 $300,000 Missile Stakes (1200m), outclassing a small but select field.

The Michael Freedman-trained sprinter clocked a blistering race record of 1 minute 08.28 seconds, a time that would have been highly competitive in many renewals of The Everest.

Adding intrigue to his Everest prospects, Ninja is part-owned by John Camilleri, who holds a slot in the lucrative race through his Fairway Thoroughbreds banner.

“Any trainer with a half-decent sprinter dreams of going to The Everest at this time of year and why not!” Freedman commented. “He seems to have come back in great order and his form has been so consistent. If he continues to take the next step then we have got to dream big.”

Under jockey Tommy Berry, Ninja ($5) overcame a wide run to settle outside the leader, Way To The Stars, before launching a decisive finishing burst in the straight to defeat Napoleonic ($9) by just over a length. The favourite, Angel Capital ($2.20), finished third.

Berry, who achieved his third Missile Stakes win, equalling the race riding record, expressed his admiration for the horse’s potential.

“I thought he was very impressive today,” Berry said. “I was trying to get cover early but it didn’t quite work out so I sat on him, waited until the speed came out of it and I was able to get across. He relaxed really well, he came back under me, and he was travelling coming up the rise. He’s very talented and he’s in for a good preparation.”

Following the dominant performance, TAB Fixed Odds dramatically shortened Ninja’s price for The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17, moving him from $26 to $15. The current $1.60 favourite is Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising.

The Missile Stakes has a proven track record as an Everest launchpad, notably with Alizee in 2019.

Alizee, a multiple Group 1 winner, took out the Missile Stakes as the $1.30 favourite before running seventh in The Everest behind Yes Yes Yes.

Eduardo captured his first stakes victory in nearly two years in the 2020 Missile Stakes and went on to contest three Everests without success. He finished third to Nature Strip in 2021.

I Am Me, raced by Dean Watt’s Dynamic Syndications, won the Missile Stakes in 2023 but missed an Everest start that spring, instead winning the Sydney Stakes on Everest day.

She later earned an Everest selection the following year after winning the Concorde Stakes and The Shorts, ultimately finishing unplaced in the world’s richest turf race.

Ninja was noticeably blowing after the Missile Stakes, indicating he has significant improvement left in the tank with over two months until The Everest.

Freedman stated that he would assess Ninja’s recovery before considering a run in the Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick in two weeks, where he would likely face the highly-rated Autumn Glow.

“He is having a decent blow after the race but he had to do it a bit harder than what we were anticipating,” Freedman explained. “But to his credit he is a very exciting horse. I told John (Camilleri) early in the week that this horse is going really well. He wasn’t screwed right down for today but he looks to have a good spring ahead. In the back of my mind, depending on how he goes in this race and more importantly how he pulls up, I’ve been thinking of going to the Winx Stakes. I think we can pick our way a little bit now, there’s also a couple of nice races in Melbourne, too.”

With Ninja now firmly in the mix, the betting markets for The Everest are sure to be dynamic, offering exciting opportunities for online bookmakers.