FIFA’s leadership on Wednesday apologized for President Gianni Infantino’s plan to open the World Cup to private investment, in a crisis meeting held after growing outrage at the plan and Infantino.

In a statement, the FIFA management board acknowledged “that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.” Infantino has since scrapped the plan.

The football body stressed it supported Infantino in staying on as president.

What did FIFA say?

“Following a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations,” the statement added.

FIFA added that a separate letter had been sent to FIFA Council members and the 211 member associations apologizing and promising a review.

But the football body stressed it would  “no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, ‌good governance and due process” with the plan now withdrawn, vowing to take all necessary measures to protect its reputation.

Calls for Infantino to step down have grown since he abandoned the controversial plan on Saturday.

Please refresh for updates

Don’t let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the “star” or “preferred” button, so you’ll always see our verified news first.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Matt McLain homered, Rhett Lowder won for the first time since April and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Athletics 3-2 on Wednesday night.

The Reds are 12-6 since the All-Star break to improve to 55-58. The Athletics have lost seven straight to fall to 45-69. They have dropped 12 series in a row.

Advertisement

Lowder (4-7) allowed two earned runs on four hits in sixth innings. It was his first win since April 20, spanning 11 starts and three relief appearances.

Emilio Pagán pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his 13th save.

Sal Stewart reached on an infield single and scored on Marte’s sacrifice fly to give Cincinnati a 3-2 lead in the sixth.

Lawrence Butler hit his seventh home run of the season on the fourth pitch of the game off Lowder. It was his eighth career leadoff homer, first this season.

Athletics starter Jacob Lopez struck out the first four batters before Noelvi Marte singled, stole second, and scored on Jose Trevino‘s single.

Advertisement

Lopez allowed two earned runs on four hits through five innings with a walk and finished with nine strikeouts, one shy of his career high.

McLain put the Reds ahead 2-1 in the fifth with his ninth home run of the season, and the first since June 7 when he homered twice at St. Lous. The A’s tied it at 2 in the sixth when Tyler Soderstrom singled and scored on Jonah Heim‘s double.

Hayden Juenger (0-1) was the loser.

Up next

RHP Mason Barnett (1-1, 4.85 ERA) was set to start for the A’s on Thursday in the series finale. The Reds hadn’t announced a starter.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

A beloved Kansas college basketball coach and former Jayhawks standout is in the hospital with serious injuries after a highway crash Tuesday night.

Washburn University head coach Brett Ballard, 46, was behind the wheel of his 2024 Ford F-150 when the crash occurred.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Ballard was traveling westbound on Interstate 470 in Topeka just after 8:15 p.m. when his pickup truck veered off the left side of the roadway.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Brett Ballard of Kansas walks off the court as Maryland players celebrate in the background after the semifinal round of the NCAA Men’s Final Four at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on March 30, 2002. Maryland defeated Kansas 97-88 and advanced to the championship game. (Getty Images)

The truck struck a delineator post, traveled into a steep embankment, and then collided with a concrete bridge pillar. The impact left the vehicle heavily damaged. Ballard was the only person inside the truck. First responders transported the injured coach to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment. Authorities confirmed he was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek asked the close-knit community to keep Ballard and his family in their thoughts.

“We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car accident last evening,” Mazachek said in a statement. “Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men’s basketball program and all who are affected during this difficult time.”

Ballard has long been one of the most recognizable figures in Kansas basketball. The Hutchinson native played guard for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2000 to 2002 under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams before spending seven seasons as an assistant on Bill Self’s coaching staff.

A Kansas cheerleader waves the school flag as the team enters the court before the start of the game during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., on March 24, 2002. Kansas beat Oregon 104-86 to advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, Ga. (Getty Images)

Head coach Roy Williams celebrates as Kansas players cut down the net after beating Oregon during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The Jayhawks won 104-86 to advance to the Final Four in Atlanta, Ga. (Getty Images)

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

For the past nine seasons, Ballard has led the Washburn Ichabods, building one of Division II’s most consistent programs.

Ballard has compiled a 198-81 overall record while guiding Washburn to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and helping establish the Ichabods as a perennial contender in the MIAA.

Before taking over at Washburn, Ballard also gained head coaching experience at Baker University, where he led the Wildcats to a Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship and an NAIA national tournament appearance.

Ballard’s success at every stop has made him a respected figure throughout the state’s basketball community. As word of the crash spread, supporters across Kansas and beyond shared messages of encouragement while hoping for positive news regarding his recovery.

Authorities have not released additional details about what caused the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

New Orleans Saints rookie guard Jeremiah Wright suffered an apparent shoulder injury during Wednesday’s practice, causing him to make an early exit.

While the severity of the injury has yet to be determined, Wright’s departure is noteworthy because of the role he was expected to play this season. Selected in the fourth round of the recent NFL Draft out of Auburn, the versatile interior lineman entered camp as one of the team’s most intriguing young depth pieces.

Advertisement

His absence is magnified by the uncertainty surrounding starting right guard Cesar Ruiz. After showing flashes of being a dependable starter throughout his NFL career, Ruiz’s consistency has remained an issue. Injuries have also interrupted his development in recent seasons, making reliable depth behind him an important priority for New Orleans.

That’s where Wright entered the picture. At Auburn, Wright developed a reputation as a physical, technically sound blocker capable of handling multiple responsibilities along the interior offensive line. Those traits made him an ideal developmental prospect and someone who could compete for playing time while serving as insurance if injuries struck the starting lineup.

If Wright is forced to miss time, the Saints could lose valuable developmental reps for a rookie who was expected to push for a role throughout training camp and the preseason. Just as importantly, it would leave the team’s interior depth a bit thinner behind Ruiz at a position where durability has already been a concern.

The Saints are undoubtedly hoping Wright’s shoulder injury proves to be nothing more than a minor setback. But until more is disclosed, his exit from practice serves as a reminder of how quickly depth can become a pressing issue along the offensive line.

Welsh Fire captain Phil Salt would ideally like The Hundred to be a week longer after his side played three matches in five days.

His second-placed side won at Birmingham Phoenix on Saturday afternoon and defeated Southern Brave in Cardiff on Monday evening, before losing to Manchester Super Giants on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s been a little bit hectic the last few days,” Salt told BBC Sport.

“Birmingham, back to Cardiff, up here. It’s a lot to be honest with you in five days and managing bodies through.

“From a player’s point of view I’d like this competition to be probably a week longer.”

The Hundred group stage takes place over 23 days with teams playing eight games in that period.

In comparison, Indian Premier League sides each play 14 group games in a 56-day period, while in last season’s men’s Big Bash League in Australia teams played 10 group games each in a 36-day window.

Since its introduction in 2021, The Hundred has further complicated a packed English summer schedule, with the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) continuing to raise concerns about the impact on player welfare.

In their response to the 2026 schedule, which saw the T20 Blast reduced by two matches, PCA chief executive Daryl Mitchell said, external the unchanged County Championship season “does raise concerns with player burnout with mental and physical dangers attached to an overly intense end to the season following the conclusion of The Hundred”.

Salt acknowledged the difficulties of finding more time in the schedule, while noting the impact the current scheduling had on his squad.

“We import the best stars in the game for this. We’ve got on our side [the 6ft 8in tall] Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson,” he added.

“They’ve done a lot of time on the bus in the last three days! A bus that’s not built for lads that size.

“I’d like a bit more time in between to be honest with you, but I understand we’re working with a pretty tight schedule already as it is.

“I’m not the man for the answer on the schedule, I just like to magic another week of the year somewhere!”

Welsh Fire return to action at Headingley on Sunday (14:30 BST) against Sunrisers Leeds, before playing their final group game at home to London Spirit next Wednesday.

Ashton Daniels took his first reps inside Doak Campbell Stadium during Florida State football’s scrimmage on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and the Seminoles’ coaching staff liked what the fifth-year put on tape.

Both head coach Mike Norvell and offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr were complimentary of Daniels’ growth from spring practice to preseason. The duo said the transfer signal-caller made some big throws in timely situations during the scrimmage.

Advertisement

“He was completely locked in. We had some big third-down situations and him just being comfortable in the pocket, going through his progressions and putting the ball where it needed to be,” Harris said in a press conference a day after the scrimmage.

“There were times when our defense gave us certain looks, and he had to slow things down to get us the right play. And he did that flawlessly.”

The pre-snap reads and adjustments are an area both Harris and Norvell noted, and it’s a positive for Daniels. Turnovers have been an issue for him in his career, with 22 interceptions and 16 fumbles, so if he’s recognizing what the defense is throwing at him quicker, that could keep turnover numbers down and get the ball in the hands of FSU’s playmakers.

1 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

2 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

3 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

4 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

5 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

6 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

7 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

8 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

9 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

10 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

11 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

12 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

13 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

14 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

15 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

16 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

17 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

18 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

19 / 19

Take a look at FSU football practice during 2026 fall camp 2026

Daniels needs to have a career year for the Seminoles to improve on a 7-17 record in the last two seasons, which includes no road wins. While preseason is the time for every coaching staff in the country to be optimistic, FSU’s staff has been consistent in their praise of Daniels’ growth since arriving in Tallahassee.

Advertisement

An area that Daniels has an advantage is his running ability, which Harris said he was able to showcase in the scrimmage. FSU’s playbook has both zone and power read plays in its playbook, and Harris saw Daniels and the other quarterbacks use their legs to make plays, even with the position group not being live.

“They go through their reads, and when they have to be a runner, they’re running aggressively. All the way up to right before the contact would happen,” Harris said of the quarterbacks, including Daniels.

Daniels’ command of the offense was highlighted by Norvell immediately after the scrimmage, and Harris echoed the point. He said there is room to improve still, but the coaching staff likes where Daniels is right now.

“The excitement we have about where he is right now is very high. We are just continuing to push him. We still got a lot of time before we play someone else, and there is still a lot more getting better to do. But he’s put himself in a good position right now. Very proud of him.”

Advertisement

• vs. New Mexico State | Aug. 29

• vs. Central Arkansas | Sept. 26

Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FSU coaches see ‘growth’ in transfer QB Ashton Daniels

The ODI World Cup 2027 is still 14 months away. The permutations, combinations, and speculations surrounding the Indian squad for the marquee event have already started taking shape. Since the 2011 edition, India are yet to win the ODI World Cup. The last time the ODI World Cup was held, in 2023, India finished as the runners-up. Being the current T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy winners, expectations will be high from the Shubman Gill-led side in 2027.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra recently analysed a potential squad picked by Sunil Gavaskar.

“Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul – this is the top five. This is the same top five as the Champions Trophy. So it has been continued. Ishan Kishan has been picked in the 15. Currently, he is someone who is scoring runs and is ready for the format. Then Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Almost like-for-like. I like that actually. Maybe you will not be able to play spin-bowling all-rounders. That brings me to Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. Two left-arm spinners, both very experienced. Again, like-for-like replacements. The all-rounders picked by Sunny sir, all four are like-for-like replacements. Makes sense,” Aakash Chopra said in a video.

“Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav. Harshit Rana is one fast bowler who can bat too. He gives an option to the team. Arshdeep Singh too – it’s not bad to have a left-arm fast bowler. It is a solid 8.5 or 9/10 team. I think this is very close to the team that might finally be picked.”

Recently, Ravichandran Ashwin decided to name Bhuvneshwar Kumar in his World Cup squad. However, when it comes to players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami, Ashwin feels the decision could go either way.

Speaking in a video posted on ESPNcricinfo’s YouTube channel, Ashwin said, “Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a yes. I would communicate with him. Get him to play all the tournaments, first-class cricket, Vijay Hazare, everything, and get him primed for South Africa. I think we will need him there.”

He divided the potential picks in three categories – yes, maybe, no.

Yes: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Maybe: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna.

No: Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Shivam Dube, Prince Yadav, Gurnoor Brar.

Featured Video Of The Day

Spain’s World Cup Champions Celebrate Wildly At Cibeles Square

Norris Brown, a tight end on the University of Georgia’s 1980 national championship team, died July 31. He was 65.

Brown never generated the national spotlight that followed teammates Herschel Walker and Buck Belue, but for three seasons in Athens he occupied a vital role on one of the most celebrated teams in college football.

Advertisement

MORE: Former Dodgers All-Star, who coached Mets in his 80s, dies at 89

A native of Laurens, South Carolina, Brown arrived at Georgia in 1979 as head coach Vince Dooley was assembling the foundation of a dynasty. By his sophomore season, the Bulldogs were unbeaten, SEC champions, and on their way to a 12-0 finish.

Georgia capped its 1980 season with a Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame, securing the program’s second national championship and first since 1942.

At 6-foot-4 with reliable hands and uncommon athleticism for the era, Brown emerged as one of Belue’s favorite downfield targets.

MORE: Former Blackhawks forward, 10-year NHL veteran, dies at 47

Advertisement

Brown caught 12 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns during the championship season, production that reflected Georgia’s run-heavy offense but understated his importance. Defenses consumed with stopping Walker often paid the price when Brown slipped behind the secondary.

“Heavy heart this weekend hearing about the passing of former UGA teammate TE Norris Brown,” Belue, the Bulldogs’ quarterback and later a popular media personality, wrote on Twitter/X. “Talented & skilled athlete & a wonderful teammate. I will miss him!”

MORE: Former 49ers, Cowboys All-Pro linebacker dies at 36

One of his signature moments came against Auburn in the game that effectively clinched the SEC title, when Brown hauled in a touchdown that remains a cherished memory for Georgia fans.

Advertisement

Brown finished his collegiate career with 44 receptions for 832 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping Georgia win three consecutive SEC championships from 1980-82.

Brown was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft and later played in the USFL, but his enduring legacy was forged between the hedges at Sanford Stadium.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Madrid have reportedly returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer worth around €22 million per season, a notable increase on previous proposals that had stalled talks for almost a year. Yet the Brazilian winger is understood to be seeking closer to €30 million annually, leaving a sizeable gap between both parties.

While the difference appears financial on paper, the negotiations are increasingly becoming a question of status, recognition and where Vinicius fits in Real Madrid’s new hierarchy following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival.

Recognition after years of delivering

Those close to Vinicius believe the current negotiations represent the defining contract of his career.

The Brazilian joined Madrid in 2018 as an exciting teenager before developing into one of the world’s elite forwards. Since then, he has evolved from a raw talent into one of the club’s biggest match winners, scoring in two UEFA Champions League finals and playing a central role in Madrid’s recent domestic and European success.

According to ESPN, Vinicius and his representatives believe Madrid should “appropriately recognise” everything he has contributed to the club over the last eight years.

In that context, the salary request is less about maximising earnings and more about securing the respect that comes with being regarded as one of Real Madrid’s defining figures.

The Mbappe effect

The arrival of Kylian Mbappe has inevitably changed Madrid’s wage structure.

The French superstar occupies the position of the club’s marquee player, both commercially and financially. Vinicius’ reported salary expectations would bring him significantly closer to Mbappe’s earnings, effectively placing both players on a similar pedestal.

That creates a delicate balancing act for Madrid.

Real Madrid’s dilemma

Madrid now face three possible outcomes.

The first is reaching a compromise that rewards Vinicius without completely matching his demands.

The second is allowing the negotiations to continue throughout the season, with the winger entering the final year of his contract and becoming eligible to negotiate with overseas clubs from January.

The third, and most dramatic, would involve sanctioning a sale before losing him for nothing in 2027. ESPN has already reported that Madrid would consider a departure if no agreement can be reached.

That possibility has fuelled links with Arsenal, although the Premier League champions would likely need Madrid to reduce their asking price substantially before any move becomes realistic.

Mourinho offers reassurance

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Vinicius struck a relaxed tone after returning to Real Madrid’s pre-season training.

Speaking through the club’s official channels, the Brazilian praised new head coach José Mourinho and insisted the focus remains on football.

“Mourinho wants me to be as I’ve always been: happy, cheerful, and that I play my football.”

Discussing pre-season preparations, he added: “We have to prepare physically so that during the season we have fewer injuries and we can count on everybody.”

The comments offer little indication about his contractual intentions, but they suggest there is no immediate tension between player and club on the training ground.

More than a pay rise

Modern football contracts are rarely just about salary.

For elite players, wages often represent their standing within the squad as much as their financial value. Vinicius’ current negotiations appear to reflect exactly that.

Having carried Madrid through several successful seasons before Mbappe’s arrival, the Brazilian wants his contract to acknowledge his place among the game’s biggest stars.

Whether Madrid agree may ultimately determine not only Vinicius’ future, but also the balance of power inside one of football’s most star-studded dressing rooms.

File photo of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi© AFP