Romeo’s Choice has been competing in excellent form this winter, leading trainer Richard Litt to extend his preparation while the gelding remains race-fit and in good condition.

The gelding, a dual acceptor at Rosehill on Saturday, has been withdrawn from the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) to compete in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m). This decision comes despite Romeo’s Choice having never won over this distance in five prior attempts.

However, the seven-year-old has placed twice at the 1400m journey, most notably a second behind the stakes-performed mare Firestorm. Litt feels the time is right to take a chance over this distance again.

“We haven’t had a lot of luck at the 1400, but we want to give it a go,” Litt commented.

“He’s going wonderful, and he’s a lovely horse.”

“It is tempting, and it opens up a lot more races going forward next ‘prep’ if we know he can run a strong 14.”

A winner over 1300m at Rosehill two starts prior, Romeo’s Choice experienced a checkered run in the straight when finishing fifth to Carbonados over the same distance on August 1.

He is set to face a smart field this weekend, featuring Group 1 winner Attica and Epsom Handicap runner-up Fully Lit. However, both are resuming from a break and have historically performed better over longer races.

Romeo’s Choice will have the benefit of race fitness. If he can receive some luck from his outside draw in barrier 12, Litt expects the horse to run his typical honest race.

“He was solid last time. He was in a tricky spot and didn’t get a great crack at them, so I just hope there’s good speed, he can relax, and he’ll finish off well,” he said.

Barber will represent the stable in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m). Litt believes the 2025 Takeover Target Stakes (1100m) winner will be a strong contender, provided the track doesn’t deteriorate from its soft 5 rating on Friday.

“He’s a big chance,” Litt stated.

“He’s got Tyler (Schiller) back on him. We’ve been trying to get Tyler back on him for a while. He won a Takeover Target on him.”

“All sorts of stuff has happened to him this prep, but this is his race, and the competition probably isn’t as strong as it has been.”

“I’d be very disappointed if he wasn’t fighting out the finish.”

Veteran galloper Huon completes Litt’s Rosehill team in the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m). With the assistance of apprentice jockey Siena Grima’s claim, Litt is optimistic about his prospects.

“If he has an ounce of luck – he’s got barrier one, a two kilo claim from Siena, he loves hugging that fence – he’ll be right there,” he said.

The news has been less encouraging for Litt’s stakes-winning mare Caffe Florian. Her future remains uncertain after sustaining a “pretty significant injury” when finishing fifth in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) in April.

She is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and Litt anticipates receiving a prognosis towards the end of the year.

“We’re very hopeful we’ll get her back. We’re going to give her every opportunity to race again but if she doesn’t, she’ll make a beautiful broodmare,” he stated.

For those interested in the main race, consider exploring the betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.

It is another packed weekend of live sport on Irish television, with European Athletics, European Swimming, international rugby, hockey, golf, Formula E and a huge programme of club GAA all available from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.

RTÉ2 carries extensive coverage of the European Athletics and Swimming Championships, while TG4 has women’s rugby and Waterford hurling, Sky Sports has golf and international rugby, and Virgin Media Two has Formula E from London.

There is also a massive weekend of club GAA action, with more than 100 matches available across Clubber and StreamSport.

Friday 14 August – Live Sport on TV

Saturday 15 August – Live Sport on TV

Sunday 16 August – Live Sport on TV

Irish Athletes in Action at the European Athletics Championships

There is a major Irish presence across the final three days of the European Athletics Championships, with Kate O’Connor continuing her heptathlon campaign, Sarah Healy and Sophie O’Sullivan involved in the 1500m, and a number of Irish relay teams also in action.

Friday 14 August

Morning Session

• 10:35 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – 100m Hurdles
• 11:05 – Men’s 4x400m Relay – Round One
• 11:25 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – High Jump
• 11:35 – Women’s 4x400m Relay – Round One
• 12:05 – Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 1500m – Round One
• 12:05 – Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m – Round One

Evening Session

• 19:35 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – Shot Put
• 19:45 – Niamh Allen – Women’s 10,000m Final
• 19:45 – Fiona Everard – Women’s 10,000m Final
• 20:55 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – 200m
• 21:25 – Sean Aigboboh – Men’s 200m Final*
• 21:25 – Marcus Lawlor – Men’s 200m Final*

Saturday 15 August

Morning Session

• 07:30 – David Kenny – Half Marathon Race Walk Final
• 07:30 – Oisin Lane – Half Marathon Race Walk Final
• 10:25 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – Long Jump
• 11:55 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – Javelin Throw
• 12:15 – Sarah Healy – Women’s 1500m Round One
• 12:15 – Sophie O’Sullivan – Women’s 1500m Round One
• 12:15 – Jodie McCann – Women’s 1500m Round One
• 21:33 – Women’s 4x100m Relay – Round One
• 21:33 – Men’s 4x100m Relay – Round One

Evening Session

• 19:45 – Kate O’Connor – Women’s Heptathlon – 800m
• 20:10 – Sophie Becker – Women’s 400m Final*
• 20:25 – Jack O’Leary – Men’s 10,000m Final
• 21:07 – Andrew Coscoran – Men’s 1500m Final*
• 21:07 – Cathal Doyle – Men’s 1500m Final*
• 21:33 – Men’s 4x100m Relay Final*
• 21:48 – Women’s 4x100m Relay Final*

Sunday 16 August

Morning Session

• 07:30 – Fionnuala McCormack – Women’s Marathon Final
• 08:10 – Paul O’Donnell – Men’s Marathon Final
• 08:10 – Ryan Creech – Men’s Marathon Final
• 08:10 – David McGlynn – Men’s Marathon Final

Evening Session

• 21:13 – Sarah Healy – Women’s 1500m Final*
• 21:13 – Sophie O’Sullivan – Women’s 1500m Final*
• 21:13 – Jodie McCann – Women’s 1500m Final*
• 21:33 – Women’s 4x400m Relay Final*
• 21:48 – Men’s 4x400m Relay Final*

*Subject to qualification.

Huge Weekend of Club GAA

For GAA supporters, there is also an enormous programme of club championship action available online throughout the weekend.

More than 100 club GAA matches are set to be streamed across Clubber and StreamSport, covering football, hurling and camogie championships around the country.

Clubber Picks

• Friday, 8:00pm: Pádraig Pearses v Boyle – Roscommon SFC Round 2
• Saturday, 3:30pm: Tullaroan v Ballyhale Shamrocks – Kilkenny SHC Round 3
• Saturday, 6:00pm: Naomh Moling v Bagenalstown Gaels – Carlow SHC Round 5
• Saturday, 7:00pm: Drom & Inch v Knockavilla Kickhams – Tipperary Camogie SCC Round 1
• Sunday, 3:30pm: Dingle v Dr Crokes – Kerry SFC Round 2
• Sunday, 3:30pm: Clonakilty v Castlehaven – Cork PSFC Round 2
• Sunday, 3:45pm: De La Salle v Mount Sion – Waterford SHC Quarter-Final

With more than 100 games available across the two streaming services, it is one of the busiest weekends of the year for club GAA coverage.

What to Watch This Weekend

If you are looking for the standout events, the European Athletics Championships should provide plenty of Irish interest, while Ireland’s Hockey World Cup games against Australia and Spain give supporters another chance to follow the national team live on RTÉ2.

The Saturday rugby programme is also worth watching, with Australia v Japan early in the morning, Munster v Ulster and Leinster v Connacht in the afternoon, followed by Bulls v New Zealand on Sky Sports Mix.

Meanwhile, the huge programme of club GAA means there should be something live for supporters in almost every county across Ireland.

SportsNewsIreland will have the latest sports news, fixtures, results and live television information throughout the weekend.

One of the most promising prospects currently in the Chelsea Academy, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen is embarking on his first loan adventure. And it will be quite a challenging adventure, with the 17-year-old (17!) winger joining Championship side Portsmouth FC for the season.

With the Blues since the U8 level, Kavuma-McQueen was named to his first senior matchday squad at age 16, and made his senior debut for the club last season as a substitute in our FA Cup quarterfinal win over lower-league Port Vale. He was included in the preseason tour that just finished, starting the first match of the tour, even.

“Ryan is a very talented young player with bags of potential and we’re delighted to have him at Pompey this season. He is quick, direct and can play off both sides. He’s someone who is very highly rated – both by us and Chelsea. […] It will be a challenge for him to be away from home and in a first team environment for a sustained period, but he’s an exciting addition to our squad.”

-John Mousinho, manager; source: Portsmouth FC

As always with that guy, it Mousinho with an “S”, not an “R”. Mousinho has been with Pompey since 2023 (along with assistant, and former Chelsea player Jon Harley), bringing them up from League One and then keeping them in the Championship the last couple seasons. They once had Tino Anjorin on loan from us and gave him regular opportunities (when not injured), so hopefully that will be the case for Kavuma-McQueen as well. (In fact, Mousinho wanted Anjorin for a second season as well, but the youngster would decide to leave Chelsea completely and head to Italy instead. Tino’s currently with Torino, though injuries continue to haunt him.)

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In any case, good luck, Ryan! Make us proud.

Portsmouth, who also count former Chelsea prospects John Swift (Swifty!) and Ben Killip (that’s a deep cut) among their number, start their season this weekend, against QPR. (Swifty, now 31, notched his 400th senior professional appearance last season. He was always one of my favorites to watch in the Academy back in the day.)

Gianni Infantino is facing a battle to stay afloat as Fifa president after his botched bid to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors resulted in a significant loss in support.

The Republic of Ireland and New Zealand have become the latest to officially pull their support for Infantino, joining England, Wales and other European nations have led the charge in withdrawing their endorsement of the Swiss-Italian for re-election in March 2027, while Uefa asserted that its boycott of Fifa competitions still stands in a bid to oust him from power.

The global players union, Fifpro, have also turned on Infantino, accusing him of a “profound abuse of presidential power” in an explosive statement.

However, Infantino’s allies are beginning to surface, with the likes of Mexico and Argentina joining Caf, the African football governing body, in reaffirming support for the under-fire president.

As dominoes continue to fall, here is every country and confederation to have expressed their opposition or support for Infantino:

Who has withdrawn its support for Infantino?

Uefa 🇪🇺

Uefa, the governing body for Europe, has staunchly opposed Infantino’s leadership, insisting that its boycott of Fifa competitions still stands despite the sell-off scheme being scrapped.

It points to how there have not been “assurances” that attempts like the privatisation of the World Cup “to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again”.

The French Football Federation, however, have indicated to BBC Sport that they still intend to compete at next month’s U20 Women’s World Cup despite the confederation-wide boycott.

England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The English FA are one of many European member associations to send a letter to Fifa withdrawing its support for Infantino’s re-election in 2027.

Infantino’s apology letter that was sent around on Wednesday night changed nothing for the FA, who was “deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance” surrounding his sell-off scheme.

Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

The Football Association of Wales were one of the first to send its letter withdrawing support for Infantino.

“The ‌recent failures in good governance, processes, ‌leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgment ​have led us to a position ‌where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to ‌remain at the helm of world football,” a statement read. “Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has followed in withdrawing its support for Infantino while backing Uefa’s stance.

“Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year,” it confirmed. “It has since written to Fifa to explain its reasoning. The Association is grateful for the support that Fifa provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.”

Finland 🇫🇮

Finland kickstarted this process, with it being revealed that the Scandinavian member association was the first to send a letter officially withdrawing support for Infantino.

Serbia 🇷🇸

The Football Association of Serbia then sent a similar letter to Fifa.

“We would like to remind you that we provided our support to Mr Infantino in writing on 25 May of this year, but after carefully considering the events that have seriously damaged the image and reputation of both Fifa and its president in the past period, this is the only logical and rational course of action,” a statement read.

Sweden 🇸🇪

Sweden’s federation (SvFF) followed suit: “At an extraordinary board meeting on Monday, SvFF has chosen not to support Fifa President Gianni Infantino ​in the upcoming re-election.

“This is after a long-term assessment of the development within Fifa and the organization’s leadership. The decision is based on recurring shortcomings in governance, transparency and management, which means that trust in Gianni Infantino’s leadership no longer exists.”

Croatia 🇭🇷

As did the Croatian Football Federation (HNS): “The Croatian Football Federation has informed Fifa of its decision to withdraw the support previously expressed for Mr Gianni Infantino’s candidature for another term as Fifa president.

“This decision followed a thorough reassessment within the federation in light of recent developments surrounding the Fifa World Cup 2026 and discussions within our governing bodies. We consider our position to be clearly communicated to Fifa and have no further comment to add at this time.”

Albania 🇦🇱

The Albanian Football Federation also took the same stance, aligning with Uefa.

“The Albanian Football Association has sent an official letter to Fifa Secretary General Mattias Grafström, informing him that it has withdrawn its support for Mr Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for another four-year term as Fifa President,” the statement confirmed.

Greece 🇬🇷

The Greek federation similarly sent their withdrawal of support Fifa’s way.

New Zealand 🇳🇿

New Zealand have broken rank with Oceania’s confederation by withdrawing their support for Infantino.

“After careful consideration, NZF has formed the view that decisions and actions within Fifa have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football, and that an independent review is required to restore confidence and trust,” a statement read.

Who is also opposing Infantino?

Concacaf (Confederation for North America and the Caribbean) 🌎

Concacaf have come out in opposition of Infantino after being left stunned at the lack of consultation during the Fifa sell-off plan, which they went on to reject.

After the plan was aborted, the confederation said: “This recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour. A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative.”

It also wrote a joint statement with Uefa and the AFC which intended to give Infantino the opportunity to resign with dignity.

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is widely being seen as a front-runner to challenge Infantino in next March’s election.

AFC (Asian Football Confederation) 🌏

The AFC was similarly aggrieved by the non-existent consultation from Fifa regarding the Infantino’s scheme, rejecting the proposal before calling on Fifa to undertake an “urgent review of its governance”.

The confederation’s part in a joint statement with Uefa and Concacaf confirms their desire to see Infantino ousted from power.

Germany 🇩🇪

The German federation (DFB) already opted against endorsing Infantino earlier in the year so has not had to send a letter withdrawing support to take an opposing stance.

“The DFB has not signed a letter of support for the re-election of Gianni Infantino,” the governing body stated in July. “Further steps will be discussed in the DFB presidential board.”

Denmark 🇩🇰

Denmark are in a similar position to Germany, having not endorsed Infantino’s re-election bid prior to the scheme’s reveal.

There is also a precedent for their opposition to Infantino, with federation president Jesper Moller not supporting his re-election efforts back in 2022: “There is only one candidate … but Denmark will not be supporting the current president.”

Norway 🇳🇴

The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) have been one of the most vocal bodies to call for Infantino’s resignation, and while they have not yet officially sent a letter to withdraw their support in him, such action is expected in the coming days.

NFF president Lise Klaveness told the Guardian: “We decided that there is no trust in Infantino now. We have been worried consistently and there has been one more step in worrying direction every year, every part of the year. The trust is now gone for us, there is no way back for Infantino.

“We’re left in a very polarised cooperation globally and, I would say, chaos. So we will ask him to resign immediately so that the global football community can look ahead and cooperate going into the future.”

Netherlands 🇳🇱

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is also yet to officially withdraw its support but is among the many to have confirmed it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

“The way this process has unfolded has resulted in a fundamental loss of confidence in the leadership of Fifa President Gianni Infantino. The KNVB no longer has confidence in his leadership,” a statement read.

Romania 🇷🇴

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) were among the countries to resolutely reject the sell-off proposal, calling it “a dangerous initiative to turn football into a private asset.

As a result, the FRF will withold support for Infantino’s re-election for the time being, with a statement reading: “FRF is suspending the discussion regarding the support of Fifa President Gianni Infantino for a new term, until further clarifications.”

Northern Ireland ☘️

The Northern Irish football association (IFA) has expressed “concerns” over Infantino’s leadership but has not officially withdrawn its support yet, unlike neighbours Ireland.

“We take our responsibilities as a member association of both Uefa and Fifa seriously,” said an IFA spokesperson. “We support the current Uefa position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance. We are of course aware of the recent developments and wider concerns within the football community. We are considering these matters carefully and will continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures and channels.”

Jordan 🇯🇴

Jordan are so far the only non-Uefa member association to publicly oppose Infantino after federation president Prince Ali bin Hussein levelled accusations of blackmail against Fifa.

Prince Ali alleged the organisation offered assistance with the kingdom’s issues in exchange for his endorsement, following Infantino’s withdrawal from a World Cup stake sale proposal. Among the problems cited was the association’s eight-month wait for prize money, due since December for reaching the Arab Cup final in Qatar.

After taking to X to reveal the outstanding payments, the Jordan Football Association received the prize money two days later – but Prince Ali has not changed his stance over not endorsing Infantino: “It does not change my clear position concerning the leadership of Fifa: my FA and I will not endorse president Infantino, nor will we vote for him.”

Sierra Leone 🇸🇱

Former Sierra Leone FA president and ex-Fifa Council member Isha Johansen has indicated that Africa’s support of Infantino is not unanimous across the continent after emerging as one of the African voices opposing the privatisation project.

He urged African football chiefs to think carefully about the game’s future, saying: “What price does one have to pay in order to get to this elevated development for football in Africa?”

Canada 🇨🇦

Canada prime minister Mark Carney joined his UK counterpart Andy Burnham in calling for Infantino to be ousted from his position as president.

“It should be fatal,” Carney said, whose country co-hosted this summer’s World Cup. “Certainly I don’t have confidence in Mr Infantino.”

However, the country has confirmed it will not boycott Fifa competitions and participate in the U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Guyana 🇬🇾

The Guyanese Football Federation, a South American nation under Concacaf but surrounded by Conmebol’s Infantino allies, has “fully endorsed” Concacaf’s statement condemning Infantino’s leadership.

“Good governance, transparency, accountability and institutional integrity remain fundamental principles that guide the work of the Guyanese Football Federation,” a statement read.

Who is supporting Infantino?

Caf (African Football Confederation) 🌍

Caf, the governing body for African football, has become the first confederation to unanimously back Infantino. Its 54 member associations account more than a quarter of Fifa’s 211 members.

“We are committed to continue working together with Fifa, its member associations, other football confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide,” Caf president Patrice Motsepe said.

Motsepe later added thar the position of embattled president Infantino can only be decided by Fifa elections.

Conmebol (Confederation for South America) 🌎

Conmebol, the governing body for South America, expressed “concern about the repeated unilateral actions taken” and welcomed the decision to withdraw the plans, affirming it will “not support any action” that “ignores or deviates” from the “democratic procedures that represent the 211 Fifa member associations”.

However, as a long-time ally of Infantino, it has endorsed him to get elected for a third term, with Conmebol eager for his 64-team World Cup plans to go through for the 2030 edition.

Argentina 🇦🇷

Argentina became the first member from South America to voice its support for Infantino, on the same day that confederation Conmebol – which had thus far only expressed support of Infantino – expressed concern over Fifa’s procedures.

“Of our highest consideration, on behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and through your worthy intermediary the Fifa board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main axes the development of football throughout the world and institutional solidity based on a clear governance model, stable and transparent,” a statement read.

Mexico 🇲🇽

Mexico joined Argentina from the Americas, breaking rank from the United States, Canada and the rest of Concacaf that had condemned Infantino’s plan and aligned itself against his leadership.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) stated: “The FMF will neither recognise nor approve any process convened outside of that institutional framework, and it joins the call made… by President Infantino to collectively continue developing football for the benefit of the 211 member associations.”

Grenada 🇬🇩

Grenada’s federation (GFA) has also broken away from the Concacaf block and reaffirmed its support for Infantino.

“The GFA reaffirms its support for Fifa President Gianni Infantino and expresses its sincere appreciation for his continued support for football development in Grenada and across the Caribbean over his period of service in office and for the years to come,” a statement read.

Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳

Like Grenada, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) has welcomed Infantino’s decision to scrap the plan, called for respect of Fifa’s institutional processes and backed the president to continue.

It said: “The SKNFA concluded by reaffirming its support for Infantino’s leadership and vision, and said it looks forward to supporting him as he completes his current constitutional mandate and continues efforts to advance football development across Fifa’s 211 Member Associations.”

Paraguay 🇵🇾

Paraguay has also followed suit as Infantino’s Conmebol support base begins to surface.

Their federation published a letter of support addressed to Infantino, writing that it “reaffirms its commitment to continue working alongside Fifa”.

Qatar 🇶🇦

Qatar was the first football association to publicly back Infantino, even though they later welcomed the decision to scrap the plan.

“While the proposal had merit, we applaud the wisdom behind prioritising unity among member associations. The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino’s efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally,” a statement read.

Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Like Qatar, Sri Lanka welcomed the decision to scrap the investment plan and has since reaffirmed its support for Infantino.

“One of President Infantino’s defining leadership qualities has always been his willingness to listen to the views and concerns of Member Associations. This decision is a clear reflection of his inclusive leadership style, built on dialogue, mutual respect, and a genuine commitment to serving the global football community,” its statement read.

Kuwait 🇰🇼

Like others, Kuwait welcomed the decision to halt the plans but Sheikh Ahmed Yusuf Al-Sabah, the president of the Kuwait Football Association, affirmed his support for Infantino.

A statement read: “He concluded by affirming the Kuwait Football Association’s confidence in the leadership of Fifa President Gianni Infantino, and its support for efforts aimed at developing the game and enhancing its opportunities for growth in a way that serves all national associations and achieves the shared interests of global football.”

Lebanon 🇱🇧

Lebanon, who granted Infantino citizenship last year, have backed the Swiss-Italian, with FA president Hashim Haidar all but echoing the same sentiments as Kuwait.

“Haidar reaffirms the Lebanese Football Association’s support for Fifa President Gianni Infantino and his confidence in the decisions he makes in the best interests of global football, as well as in his efforts and initiatives aimed at developing the game,” he said, while also asserting that Infantino’s proposal “could be re-examined … in a away that serves the greater good of the sport and preserves its unity”.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

The president of the Indonesian FA supported Infantino’s sell-off plan and has now backed him for another term.

Hailing Fifa as a “strategic partner that is truly present” in its football development, Erick Thohir said: “This is proof of President Infantino’s vision that football development must not be centered on a single region; it must proceed worldwide.”

Philippines 🇵🇭

Philippines have also backed Infantino and backed for co-operation among confederations.

“We stand behind President Gianni Infantino’s leadership, and trust that continued dialogue among all confederations and member associations will keep the global game moving forward together,” the Philippines confirmed.

Mongolia 🇲🇳

Joining the Philippines, the Mongolian Football Federation has put out a statement in support of Infantino.

Bhutan 🇧🇹

The Bhutan Football Federation has published a letter that extends its “sincere appreciation” to Infantino for scrapping the plans, hailing him for demonstrating “true leadership” by “prioritising consensus over commerce”.

“We stand united with Fifa and President Infantino in their ongoing efforts to serve the global football community,” wrote federation president Dasho Ugen Tsechup.

Morocco 🇲🇦

The location of Infantino’s crisis meeting on Wednesday, Morocco have stuck by the Swiss-Italian as one of his most loyal allies.

“What has been achieved in recent years through Fifa’s development programmes, particularly in Africa, represents an important accomplishment that must be preserved, to the benefit of all member associations,” said the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s president Fouzi Lekjaa.

Egypt 🇪🇬

Similar to their north African counterpart, Egypt have maintained their endorsement of Infantino.

“The Egyptian Football Association reiterates its full trust in President Gianni Infantino’s leadership and its continuous support for any initiatives that benefit Fifa member associations and the future of world football,” a statement read.

Mauritania 🇲🇷

Ahmed Yahya, the country’s representative on the Fifa Council, was one of a number of African football leaders to say he was backing Infantino early on, pledging his support before Caf took its stance.

Niger 🇳🇪

Same as above, with Hamidou Djibrilla from Niger coming out quickly in support of Infantino.

Sudan 🇸🇩

Sudan’s federation joined five other Arab nations – Qatar, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt and Mauritania – in writing a joint statement backing Infantino.

“Recognising the important role of Arab football in bringing people together and strengthening co-operation among football associations across the Arab world, we … express our full support for Mr Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa, and reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to the development of football worldwide,” the statement read.

“We deeply appreciate Mr Infantino’s sustained efforts to advance football globally, expand opportunities across all regions and strengthen the game’s role in bringing people and communities together. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him towards a stronger and more prosperous future for world ‌football, expanding opportunities and further enhancing Arab football’s contribution to ​the global game.”

DR Congo 🇨🇩

DR Congo’s federation (Fecofa) president Veron Mosengo-Omba, who was only elected in May, spoke out in “full support”. of Infantino. The two studied at university in Switzerland together.

Fecofa said it had “greatly benefited” from Fifa’s programmes, citing investment in development and infrastructure.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has largely aligned itself towards a supportive stance for Infantino’s leadership, with former NFF president and deputy chairman of Fifa’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick, backing his initial sell-off plan.

Comoros 🇰🇲

The president of the Comoros Football Federation, Said Ali Athouman, also backed Infantino’s scheme due to the financial benefits to smaller nations.

“Our problem is how to obtain money,” he said. “Right now, we have no sponsors. So how do we compete? The richest nations can train players, have infrastructure and equipment, and it’s no coincidence that they then achieve results. Most European countries don’t have ​these problems.”

Malawi 🇲🇼

Fleetwood Haiya, Malawi’s football chief, echoed the same concerns in his support for Infantino.

He told BBC Sport: “Our government is not able to make sure that they have medical supplies in hospitals and at the same time to look at football. Malawi needs money.”

Uganda 🇺🇬

The Ugandan federation are said to have echoed Malawi’s sentiments, with football officials from the federation telling BBC Sport that Fifa investment has transformed their game both on and off the pitch.

Gambia 🇬🇲

Lamin Kaba Bajo told BBC Sport that his federation not just stood by Infantino, but would do “everything within our means” to get him re-elected.

“That’s my personal opinion as president of the federation, and a good number of African memberships also stand on that line. He is here to stay,” he said.

Djibouti 🇩🇯

The Djiboutian Football Federation has similarly welcomed the decision to withdraw the sell-off proposal, with president Souleiman Hassan Waberi saying the climbdown “demonstrates a firm commitment to preserving the unity, solidarity and cohesion that define the football family”.

He said in a statement: “I reaffirm my full support for Fifa President Mr Gianni Infantino and for all initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable, transparent and inclusive development of football around the world.”

South Africa 🇿🇦

While not an official statement from the federation, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, posted on X saying that Infantino had been “very good to African football”.

“Africa should be cautious in joining the public lynching of Infantino,” he warned. “He has been very good to African football. We can debate his ideas but let’s not forget who has been a friend to us. Many of those calling for his head want the old status quo back too.”

Who is yet to take a stance?

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) stopped short from pulling its support for Infantino in their statement after welcoming the scrapping of the sell-off plan, very much staying on the fence as it called for a “review”.

A statement read: “The OFC recognises the progress achieved over the last decade in advancing football development in Oceania under Fifa’s leadership and encourages Fifa to use the review as an opportunity to identify and implement any changes that may be necessary.”

Teddy Bridgewater got chosen at the beginning of the Mike Zimmer era. The 1st-Round Vikings passer was supposed to be the long-awaited savior under center but a knee injury robbed him of his ability to prove capable of doing so.

What followed has been a winding NFL journey that has now ended.

Mr. Bridgewater has decided to call it quits, doing so after a dozen seasons as a pro quarterback. The news got covered over on ESPN, a spot that offered up some what the passer had to say on social media about his decision. “It’s so crazy 10 years ago around this time, I suffered one of the most gruesome knee injuries the game itself, it’s players and some doctors had ever seen. Everything football related since 2016 had been fueled by the ‘experts’ predicting that I would never play football again. We really showed them by playing 10 more seasons!”

1st-Round Vikings Passer Calls it a Career

Truth be told, Bridgewater wasn’t a particularly impressive athlete. Nor, for that matter, did he have the world’s best arm.

Where he could shine was due to his intangibles. Nobody questioned his compete or toughness. A well-liked teammate, Bridgewater was a natural at forming strong relationships with coaches, teammates, and fans. Quite possibly, he could have been a game-manager at QB1 for the Minnesota Vikings for a long time had things gone differently with his knee injury.

Bridgewater’s motivation for retiring has much to do with that knee.

The QB in his own words: “this wheel of mine can no longer deal with something so simple as standing around on the turf field. This thing just doesn’t recover the same way it did years ago so I rather officially hang it up. It’s finally run its course and when the body speaks to me, I have to listen so that I can be in one piece and available for my children as they grow up. The game of football was beyond great to me and owes me nothing at all.”

— READ MORE: A Single Vikings Rookie Gets Listed as a Starter in Depth Chart —
— READ MORE: 3 Quick Updates for Vikings Players Earning Praise at Camp —

As a Viking, Teddy Bridgewater‘s best season arrived in 2015. He led the Vikings to an 11-5 record behind a healthy completion rate coming in at 65.3%. His then boasted 3,231 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. The sophomore’s passer rating finished off at 88.7.

For context, J.J. McCarthy had a 72.6 passer rating in 2025 while Kirk Cousins has a career passer rating sitting at 96.8. Bridgewater, at least per a specific metric, was a decent bit better than the 2025 version of McCarthy but not as good as the average Cousins season.

He was, essentially, a strong game manager who could have been plugged into Mike Zimmer’s vision for the Minnesota Vikings. Be a magnetic leader who can elevate in the clutch but seldom be asked to overcome the world. Elite defense, elite running, and solid quarterbacking: that was what was coming for the Vikings.

Oddly enough, the most recent version of the Vikings hoped that J.J. McCarthy — himself a 1st-Round Vikings passer — could put together a 2025 season that mirrored what Bridgewater did. Oddly enough, injury played a starring role in undermining that ambition for McCarthy.

Teddy Bridgewater’s career involved 83 career NFL games (and many more from the sidelines as a backup). He went 33-32 within his 65 starts. Added together, the former 1st-Round Vikings passer tossed for 15,182 yards, 75 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. He’ll go out with a very healthy 66.3% completion rate.

Bridgewater is 33.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Kate O’Connor got her heptathlon challenge off to a good start on Friday morning.

With two events down for decision in the morning session, O’Connor set a PB in the 100m hurdles and equalled her PB in the high jump.

The Newry-born woman began by taking fourth place in a PB time of 13.30 seconds in the 100m hurdles.

Then she turned up the heat on her competitors in the high jump. Coming in to the event at 1.68m, she cleared on her first attempt at 1.68m, 1.71m, 1.74m and 1.80m.

She then went for a season’s best clearance of 1.83m, which she duly jumped, to earn 1,1016 points and move into the overall lead.

O’Connor then failed on her first two attempts at 1.86m, but with Poland’s Adrianna Sulek-Schumbert clearing the height on her first attempt, she moved ahead of O’Connor and into the heptathlon lead.

Kate O’Connor admitted to being ‘so nervous’ ahead of her participation in the heptathlon, acknowledging that European milti-events are ‘insane’ #rtesport #EuropeanAthletics pic.twitter.com/ueiTlC2k1v

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 14, 2026

The Dundalk resident then equalled her personal best when clearing 1.86m on the third attempt, before going in search of a new PB when the bar was raised to 1.89m.

With both O’Connor and the Polish heptathlete attempting the 1.89m height, both failed on their respective three attempts to end the morning session with Sulek-Schumbert one point ahead of O’Connor.

The heptathlon shot put will begin at 5.35pm, and the 200m will be the final event of the day for O’Connor – that will be at 8.55pm.

Men’s 1500m

A fourth place finish in heat 2 of the men’s 1500m, in a time of 3:41.86, saw Andrew Coscoran qualify for the final. His team mate, Cathal Doyle, didn’t have as much luck, as he came down in the first heat, finally competing the course in 4:36.28.

Andrew Coscoran on the importance of keeping your cool as he ran a clever race to reach the 1,500m final #rtesport #EuropeanAthletics pic.twitter.com/BYuPEDNsBh

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 14, 2026

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Relay Teams

In Heat 1 of the Women’s 4 x 400m Relay, the Ireland team of Sophie Becker, Jenna Breen, Clíodhna Manning and Arlene Crossan came home in eighth place in a time of 3:32.56.

The men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Andrew Egan, Jack Raftery, Joe Doody and Seán Doggett were fifth in their heat, and 10th overall, in a season’s best time of 3:01.76.

The Irish men’s 4x400m relay team reflect on the European Championships experience, saying that their season’s best effort in their heat ‘exceded their expectations’ #rtesport #EuropeanAthletics pic.twitter.com/odpO956m9B

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 14, 2026

Neither of the Irish relay teams advanced to their respective finals.

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

Marcus Rashford looks increasingly likely to stay at Man Utd beyond the summer transfer window.

Marcus Rashford is smiling in almost every photo in this week’s Manchester United training gallery.

Rashford did not expect to be in this situation when he signed for Barcelona on loan, which included an option to buy. Nor did United, who hoped Barcelona would exercise their option to sign him for £26million.

Barcelona, however, might have done United a favour if Rashford can play at his best under Michael Carrick, which seems possible given their history. “He’s a very good player. Marcus can offer us so much,” said Carrick this week.

Everyone will be smiling if Rashford can perform consistently. But it’s a big ‘if’. Rashford was consistently inconsistent in the years leading up to his departure from United, but the concerns around his potential reintegration are more centred on his discipline.

Rashford had plenty of chances before Ruben Amorim finally decided he’d seen enough. There was the trip to a nightclub after an embarrassing defeat against Manchester City, which Erik ten Hag branded “unacceptable”, and the boozy jaunt to Belfast, for which Ten Hag wanted to exile Rashford before deciding it would be detrimental to the team’s success.

Ten Hag was privately furious with Rashford for that particular incident. Rashford soon ran out of chances as Amorim decided enough was enough. But there has been another twist.

Carrick is probably the only United boss who would have considered reintergating Rashford. He appears to have happily thrown the academy graduate a lifeline at a time when it’s a risk to do so.

Carrick is building a good thing at Old Trafford. He won more points than any other manager in the Premier League during his interim stint, and wants to improve again in a season in which United will return to the Champions League.

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There is optimism about where Carrick could take this team – hopefully to a first league triumph since 2013 – but welcoming back a player whose commitment wasn’t good enough threatens to damage the spirit in the dressing room.

Everything has been fine since Rashford’s return, and Carrick has been pleased with his application in training, while his teammates clearly seem happy about him being part of the squad again.

Noussair Mazraoui was asked about United’s new signings by ITV after the Leeds pre-season friendly on Wednesday night, and he said Rashford would be a “big one”. Rashford was not mentioned in the question, but it spoke volumes that Mazraoui namechecked Rashford in his answer.

Mazraoui looked sheepish as he realised his quote would make headlines. “Of course, he could leave,” he clarified, but it looks increasingly likely that Rashford will stay.

Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions for Barcelona, and he looked sharp for England during the World Cup, so United will be boosted if he can perform to those levels.

It almost seems inevitable that Rashford will do well this season, but it will be difficult to say whether reintegrating him, if it happens, was the right decision, as history has shown he can get embroiled in disciplinary issues at any moment.

Hopefully Rashford has turned a corner and wants to make the most of an unexpected second chance at his boyhood club. Hopefully there will be no discipline issues. Hopefully he bangs in the goals and all is forgotten.

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There is one good reason to think that’s possible, and it’s down to the environment Carrick has created since his return to United. He exudes calmness, the team feels settled and there are no signs of turbulence ahead.

That is important context when analysing Rashford’s situation, as he put some of his struggles down to being in an “inconsistent environment for a very, very long time” when he spoke about his career last year.

“So it’s even more difficult to be consistent,” he added. “I think consistency is what I need to bring into my game and I’m looking to do that. Obviously, I want to be at my best, not sometimes, but as often as possible.

“When people talk about consistency, in order to be consistent in anything, not just sports, you need consistent variables like in your life. And in the way you train, and we’ve just had so many changes so far in my career.

“But, like I said, I have to look forward, and that’s definitely one of the things that I’d want to put right and improve on, to be at my best more often. Because when I’m at my best, I really enjoy everything about the sport, so, yeah, being there is a special thing for me.”

Rashford must take responsibility for the chain of events that led to his United departure, but there is undoubtedly blame on both sides, with instability having been rife at United over the last few years.

Everything is different now that Carrick is in charge. He has brought calm back to the club, and his depth of understanding, combined with his personality, might be why the Rashford plan does not go wrong if he stays at the club.