Nico Gonzalez has become the latest Manchester City midfielder to commit his future to the club. The Spaniard has had a difficult first 18 months at City and last season went from the most valuable player for Pep Guardiola in the first half of the campaign to somebody who was barely used in the final months.

That opened doubts over his future as City look to refresh their midfield given the departure of Bernardo Silva and the possible exit of Rodri. With Enzo Maresca taking charge, Gonzalez was one of a number of players whose place in the squad for this season was not secure.

However, the former Porto player has followed Mateo Kovacic in declaring his intention to stay while on the summer tour. Speaking after the 3-1 win over K-League All Stars, he told reporters that he is happy to be a member of the group even if he doesn’t play every match.

Keyshawn Davis pulled out of his mandated fight with WBO welterweight world champion Devin Haney, and now two-division conqueror Tim Bradley has offered his thoughts on the situation.

Davis knocked out Denys Berinchyk to claim the WBO lightweight world title last year, but he went on to lose the belt on the scales when he missed weight ahead of a subsequently cancelled first defence against Edwin De Los Santos.

The Norfolk contender then moved up to super-lightweight for two outings against Jamaine Ortiz and Nahir Albright before announcing a move up to the welterweight scene in hot pursuit of Haney and the WBO crown.

Yet, after the fight was ordered by the WBO and went to purse bids won by his promoter Top Rank, ‘The Businessman’ decided to turn down a multimillion-dollar purse and pull out of the contest.

On his YouTube channel, Bradley branded it a ‘duck’, criticising Davis for wasting Haney’s time and telling him that he has not done enough in the sport to warrant more than the purse that he was set to make.

“This is [the] damn duck of all ducks from Keyshawn Davis. This doesn’t look good, at all – saying no to this particular fight right here, when you think about everything that he did.”

“[After] everything that he did to put himself in this position and then to all of a sudden say, ‘oh, it ain’t enough money on the table’. Are you kidding me? You are going to take ‘Deebo’ [Haney] through all of this and then you are going to back out of the fight because it ain’t enough money for you?

“Keyshawn, what have you done? You have got to understand, what have you done in the sport, bro? You had a belt for a few months, that is it. I understand that you have got elite skill, I get that, but you haven’t done anything to acquire anything more than what you just got [offered].”

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Haney seems set to move on from the bout and the Californian is believed to be in talks for a potential unification with newly-crowned IBF welterweight world champion, Liam Paro, according to Fox Sports Australia.

Praised as one of the most intelligent fighters, Shakur Stevenson is fast-becoming a candidate for the position as pound-for-pound number one. Although, when it came to naming his top five fighters of all time, one of the best minds in boxing omitted Muhammad Ali from his list.

Stevenson became the third-youngest four-division world champion when he dominated Teofimo Lopez at the beginning of the year to get his hands on the WBO super-lightweight world title, rising up the pound-for-pound ratings as a result.

However, despite his skills, Stevenson seems to have a different outlook on boxing, going against the grain and refusing to place Muhammad Ali, deemed by many to be the greatest fighter of all time, into a list of his top five boxers in history, in an interview with ATS Boxing.

“I thought that Ali was a great fighter, in all-time he is one of the greatest. I wouldn’t have him in my top five but, all-time, he is one of the greatest. They think that I am trolling, but my top five is my opinion though.”

Instead, Stevenson opted for three fighters who retired with an undefeated record in; Floyd Mayweather, who boasted a 50-0 record and conquered five weight divisions, Andre Ward, who hung up the gloves at the age of just 33 and never lost in his 32 bouts and finally, his good friend, Terence Crawford, who ruled as an undisputed champion in three divisions without suffering defeat.

Additionally, Stevenson threw fan-favourite five-division ruler Sugar Ray Leonard into the mix, as well as Pernell Whitaker – credited as being one of the best defensive fighters of all time and someone that Mayweather compared Stevenson to.

“Top five, I’mma say Floyd [Mayweather]. This is who I came up with, you [Andre Ward], ‘Sweet Pea’ [Pernell Whittaker], ‘Bud’ [Terence Crawford] and I like Sugar Ray Leonard. 

“This is what I watched in my era, that I came up on, see y’all came up in a different kind of era.”

Stevenson has recently signed with Zuffa Boxing and is expected to debut under Dana White’s promotional outfit before the end of the year, with Jose ‘El Rayo’ Valenzuela being continuously linked to the Newark southpaw, despite the proposal being publicly refused. 

Isaac Newton and Ethical Diamond won the Group 3 races at Leopardstown on Thursday evening’s seven-race card.

Isaac Newton (10/1) won the Bahrain Turf Club Desmond Stakes, part of an Aidan O’Brien-trained double, and the first part of a Ryan Moore double.

A three-year-old son of Camelot, the bay, who won a Listed race over one mile and one furlong at Navan in June, ran out a one-and-a-quarter length winner in the Group 3 contest.

The runner-up Needle Match (13/2), prepared in England by William Haggas, had the assistance of Tom Marquand in the saddle, while the other cross-channel horse, Audience, trained in England by Fermoy, Co Cork-born David O’Meara (13/2), was the same distance again back in third for Colin Keane.

A big price for one riden by Ryan Moore and trained by Aidan O’Brien…

Isaac Newton strikes at 10/1 in the Group 3 @BahrainTurfClub Desmond Stakes at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/esWl8mFLGM

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 6, 2026

Sparán Nua, the 6/4 favourite following a third place finish recently behind the impressive Johanna Walsh in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at The Curragh, was a half-length back in fourth for Declan McDonagh and Jim Bolger.

Ethical Diamond brings up Ryan Moore double

Ryan Moore completed a Group 3 double with the victory of Ethical Diamond in the Ballyroan Stakes. The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old had disappointed in June in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, and prior to that had been fifth behind Calandagan at Meydan.

Ethical Diamond an 11/10 favourite this evening had only a short-head to spare over Jessica Harrington’s Green Impact (9/2), the mount of Shane Foley. Gaucher, also from Mullins’ Closutton base, who had been prominent throughout the 1m 4 furlong contest, claimed third spot for jockey Declan McDonagh, a length behind the Marcstown Farms SC runner-up Green Impact.

Though the victory gives Ethical Diamond an automatic ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne later in the year, the winning handler confirmed that his immediate aim for Ethical Diamond is a $1m race at Kentucky Downs in September.

Back to winning ways!

Ethical Diamond strikes for the first time since @BreedersCup glory with victory in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes for Ryan Moore and Willie Mullins @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/wBcdAmJkry

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 6, 2026

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1m guineas colt Wall Street wins on debut

Wall Street (7/1), a one million guineas Sea The Stars colt, won the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden.

The British-bred juvenile, carrying the colours of Derrick Smith and trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien, was the stable’s second choice on jockey bookings, as Ryan Moore opted to ride the Wootton Bassett colt, Drumbeat, a sixth-place finisher on debut at The Curragh last month.

Wall Street was a half-length winner at the line over the Joseph O’Brien-prepared Jesus Green (9/1) and Dylan Browne McMonagle, with Drumbeat and Ryan Moore running on well for third place at 100/30 – the Barronstown Stud-bred colt was a half-length behind the runner-up.

👀

1,000,000gns buy Wall Street (Sea The Stars) overcomes a tardy start to strike on debut and looks another exciting one to reckon with for Aidan O’Brien and Ballydoyle @LeopardstownRC | @waynemlordan pic.twitter.com/HQu31VTRyb

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— Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 6, 2026

Oliver and Hughes in winner’s enclosure

Andy Oliver’s Hard Promises (5/4 favourite) lost his maiden tag after two third-place finishes, the most recent being behind South Island at Navan on 11 July. This evening, the Ben Coen-ridden chestnut stretched clear inside the final furlong for a two-and-three-quarter length victory over the eye-catching Dermot Weld-handled Handani (7/2), who hadn’t run since finishing runner-up on his racecourse debut at Naas on 11 October last. Let’s Smash It (10/1) was a length-and-a-quarter further back in third place for Robson De Aguiar and Donogh O’Connor.

Launch Time (7/2) gave Dublin-based trainer Cian Hughes a winner in The Carnival de Leop Handicap. The 0-60 rated race saw the four-year-old bay gelded son of Time Test (15/2), in the hands of Colin Keane, come home half-a-length ahead of Jazzitt (15/2) and Sadhbh Tormey. Draíocht (18/1) and Wayne Lordan were a neck further back in third.

Third win of season for Bella Colombia

Bella Colombia (6/1) won for the third time this season when giving Wille McCreery and Sam Coen a win in the Renault Ireland Handicap over 1 mile 1 furlong. The five-year-old just had a head advantage over Michael O’Callaghan’s Darkdeserthighway, the 9/2 favourite for Dylan Browne McMonagle. The top weight, Tachos (11/2), with Paddy Harnett taking five pounds off the Gleneagles filly, was third.

The finale, the Fegentri World Championship (Q.R.) Handicap over one mile and seven furlongs, went to 7/4 favourite, Boxing Great, in the hands of Paul Cawley for Dublin-based trainer Karl Thornton.

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⁠Mohamed Salah ​has signed a two-year deal with Trabzonspor, under which the Egypt ​forward will receive 17 million euros ($19.6 million) a season, the Turkish club said on Thursday.

The announcement came as Trabzon’s fans prepared to head ​for the ‌club’s stadium in the eastern Black Sea ⁠city for a ceremony to mark the 34-year-old’s former Liverpool player’s signing on a free ‌transfer the day after a smiling Salah arrived in ⁠Istanbul in the team’s burgundy and blue kit.

Read moreSalah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season after ‘illustrious’ nine-year stretch

The club’s statement to the Turkish stock exchange said Salah will receive ​a 20 percent share from products sold under his ‌name, plus conditional bonuses each season.

The statement did not say how high the bonuses could go and what the bonuses are tied to.

Salah ‌left Liverpool in the close season after nine years, having scored 257 goals in 442 ​appearances and having won the Premier League twice and the Champions League.

His output waned last season and he was left on the ​bench in Champions League games, leading to a public spat ​with Liverpool’s then-manager Arne Slot.

Salah started his career ​in Europe at Swiss side Basel in 2012 and later joined Chelsea. He also had ​stints at Fiorentina and AS Roma between 2015 and 2017 before joining Liverpool.

Trabzonspor – generally considered to be the fourth-biggest team in Turkey after Istanbul sides Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas – finished third in the ⁠Super Lig last season to qualify for the Europa League playoff round.

The club’s ⁠last domestic league ​championship was in the 2021-22 season.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

For Moroccan fans, one thing is certain: The national team’s 1-1 draw against Brazil in its opening 2026 World Cup match was just the beginning. They hope that their team will make history once again after its historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup. However, while attention is currently focused on this month’s tournament, Morocco is already looking ahead to 2030. Along with Spain and Portugal, the kingdom will host the World Cup that year.

For Morocco, hosting the World Cup means more than just having a global sporting event in the country. The North African country had unsuccessfully put in five bids to host the tournament before FIFA finally awarded the contract in December 2024.

Observers say that the World Cup is regarded as one of King Mohammed VI’s most important prestige projects and considered part of a comprehensive modernization strategy. At the heart of this strategy is the country’s successful national soccer team.

“The World Cup serves as a catalyst for Morocco’s economic development,” Steven Hoefner, director of the German political Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s office in Rabat, told DW. The country is undergoing profound structural change, he said. In the face of climate change and drought, agriculture is losing importance, while industry, services and tourism are expanding.

Isabelle Werenfels of the Berlin-based German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) also agrees that the significance of the World Cup extends far beyond sports. “The World Cup has multiple dimensions,” she told DW. The government is using the tournament “to boost its modernization policy and legitimize major domestic investments.” 

Moroccan ‘soft power’

Morocco is currently investing billions in stadiums, airports, rail lines and roads. A study by the Spanish think tank Real Instituto Elcano described the 2030 World Cup as an instrument of Moroccan “soft power.” The tournament is intended to improve the country’s international image, attract new investment, and strengthen Morocco’s position in Africa, the authors wrote, detailing that “the goal is to create an appealing image of an open, tolerant, and up-and-coming country capable of managing projects at the highest level.”

Another goal is international visibility, which Hoefner described as “a central objective of the Moroccan leadership.” As Morocco has neither large oil nor gas reserves, it is increasingly relying on its political and cultural influence. The World Cup is intended to present the kingdom as a modern economic and investment hub, said Hoefner, who recently authored a study on Moroccan soccer policy.

Protests by Gen Z

However, there is also controversy surrounding these investments. Thousands of members of the generation born around the turn of the millennium, known as Gen Z, protested against the World Cup plans last year. “These protests were directed specifically against large-scale infrastructure projects,” Werenfels recalled. The critics argued that money spent on stadiums and prestige projects was being diverted from other areas such as education and healthcare, she added.

Hoefner views the protests by Gen Z as less directed against the World Cup itself than against the question of whether stadium projects should take priority over investments in education and healthcare. He predicts that long-term acceptance will depend on whether the population actually benefits from the investments.

This highlights the World Cup’s connection to one of the country’s central challenges: According to an analysis by the American think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Morocco has indeed made significant progress over the past 25 years. Life expectancy, income and educational attainment have risen; the country has invested heavily in infrastructure and is now Africa’s largest automotive exporter. At the same time, however, the authors pointed to high youth unemployment, regional inequalities and shortcomings in the education system. “Morocco’s successes to date are undeniable, but the road ahead will be fraught with obstacles,” the study stated.

Sustainability concerns

These mixed feelings are also reflected in Moroccan society. “Many people complain about the rising cost of living, but are also proud of the visible changes in their cities,” said Werenfels. New transportation links, sports facilities and public amenities are viewed positively. At the same time, resettlements and demolitions for new construction projects have also entailed social consequences.

The question of whether the World Cup will leave behind sustainable development or expensive prestige projects is therefore the subject of intense debate. “When it comes to infrastructure for sports alone, there are certainly questions about its long-term use,” said Hoefner. The planned Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, which, with about 115,000 seats, is set to become the world’s largest soccer stadium, will have to prove it can sustain long-term use, he said.

Environmental concerns

There are also environmental concerns. “Morocco is facing significant water problems,” noted Werenfels. This raises the question of how much tourism is sustainable in the long-term and whether certain developments might come at the expense of other economic sectors, particularly agriculture, she said.

Notwithstanding, many people hope that hosting the World Cup could trigger a development boom. The Real Instituto Elcano even drew a historical parallel: Just as the 1992 Olympic Games repositioned Spain on the international stage, the 2030 World Cup could be a similar turning point for Morocco.

Whether these expectations will be met, however, depends on more than just new stadiums and successful soccer matches. The real test will be whether Morocco can combine economic modernization, social development and prestigious national projects. The 2030 World Cup is thus not just a major sporting event. It is a test of the country’s future development path, and of the royal family’s political vision.

This article was originally published in German.

It’s been a big week for NFL running backs who have been stuffing their bank accounts with one big contract after another. And, true to the idiom, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs saved the best for last.

Gibbs agreed on Thursday evening to a three-year deal worth $67.5 million that includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money. The deal was announced by agent Todd France, who represents Gibbs, on his Instagram account.

Gibbs will be averaging an NFL-high $22.5 million per season on an annual average basis.

FALCONS’ BIJAN ROBINSON BECOMES HIGHEST-PAID RUNNING BACK IN NFL HISTORY WITH MASSIVE CONTRACT: REPORT

That’s understandable because he has turned the running back spot into a playmaking position at heights not really seen in Detroit since Barry Sanders did his thing back in the 1990s.

Gibbs has scored 39 rushing touchdowns in his first three seasons. He also scored 10 more receiving touchdowns. He led the NFL with 20 total TDs from scrimmage in 2024.

Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions and running back Jahmyr Gibbs look on prior to an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sept. 7, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

The Gibbs deal comes hours after Jonathan Taylor agreed to a two-year extension with the Indianapolis Colts that averages $22 million per season.

The Gibbs deal also comes days after Bijan Robinson signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons that averages $22.25 million per season.

Yes, big week for NFL running backs, as all of those players surpassed the Saquon Barkley contract that averages $20.6 million per season and stood as the benchmark for the position since the 2025 offseason.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

DETROIT LIONS GREAT FRANK RAGNOW DETAILS HIS ABRUPT RETIREMENT, FAILED COMEBACK ATTEMPT

So, is there any downside from any of this?

Well, for the Detroit Lions it signals them doing something very familiar in that they draft well and pay to keep their own players.

They have now extended Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Jameson Williams, Alim McNeill and Kerby Joseph — all good players the team selected in the draft.

And the Lions have used that expensive talent to win the NFC North in 2023, ending a 32-year playoff victory drought, advance to the NFC Championship Game that postseason, win a franchise-record 15 games in 2024 and reach the playoffs again last season.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs past Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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But you know what’s missing?

A Super Bowl berth.

A Super Bowl win.

Dan Campbell’s team has been outstanding with its drafting, with the developing of that young talent and in winning.

But that drafted and developed talent is playing at a much steeper price now. We’re talking over $800 million in total contract commitments for those picks now with the Gibbs deal.

The Lions should be expected to get the Super Bowl championship they are most definitely paying for.

FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO

So far, the Vikings’ injury concerns haven’t been too concerning. That is excellent news.

Some of the credit belongs to…luck. Every so often, teams do everything well before seeing things fall apart (shout out to W.B. Yeats). Other times, though, teams do things well and get rewarded accordingly. I don’t lack for Kevin O’Connell criticism — run the ball! — but the skipper tends to take care of his players. The effort has been paying off.

The Vikings’ Injury Concerns at Training Camp

Corner James Pierre had to step away, albeit on a short-term basis.

“Yeah, it sounds like it’s a short-term thing,” DC Brian Flores explained. “He was out at the walk through today. He’ll be part of individuals today. We’ll see if we can get him a couple snaps here and there.” Sidelining Pierre for a time isn’t ideal but it does create more work for guys such as Chuck Demmings and Zemaiah Vaughn.

Minnesota’s WR2 — Jordan Addison — has had to step back. He, too, appears to have avoided major injury as he fixes up his thumb injury. The 2026 season should be the one where he clears 1,000 yards.

DT Domonique Orange took a day off earlier in the week, but a source told VT that the rookie was dealing with some bumps and bruises. Essentially, the kid had a maintenance day to chase away soreness. Nobody ever claimed being an NFL nose tackle was for the faint of heart.

— READ MORE: Christian Darrisaw’s Claim Would Be a Boost for Vikings —
— READ MORE: Vikings Draftee Lands Gig to Catch Passes for Lions —
— READ MORE: Young Vikings Trenchman Breaks into Starting Lineup —

Getting DT Caleb Banks back onto the field wasn’t a sure thing. Getting him at No. 18 was deemed a reach due to him having multiple foot injuries that sidelined him in 2025 and the early months of 2026. Some saw a bad choice while Minnesota saw huge upside. Getting (and staying) healthy is obviously key.

Rookie runner Demond Claiborne needed some time away from the field. He has since come back and had some struggles. Give the kid a chance. He’ll turn it around before long.

Coming into training camp, there was a small update about Blake Cashman having a nagging issue. He hasn’t been hindered, though. He’s in a contract year.

Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw has seen great news arrive. He can become elite. Only health holds him back.

As a rookie, Gavin Bartholomew couldn’t get onto the field due to his back injury. He has since grown healthy and been really good, leading to no shortage of praise from training camp onlookers.

Guys such as T.J. Hockenson and Will Fries aren’t directly coming off injury. They are, though, getting further away from really tough injuries. Minnesota’s belief is that they’ll be better as a result.

Above all, the passers are healthy and able to compete. Some think that Kyler Murray is locked into the starting spot. Maybe that’s true, but J.J. McCarthy doesn’t appear to be interested in just rolling over. Mercifully, Carson Wentz is no longer in excruciating pain due to his shoulder injury. Can somebody from within that trio be a strong quarterback?

The Vikings get back onto the practice field tomorrow.

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

Despite strong pressure for him to resign, particularly from UEFA, Gianni Infantino convinced FIFA’s Board of Management to express their full support for him following a crisis meeting in Rabat on Wednesday. It was the latest development in a crisis that began with news last week of a FIFA plan to create a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to run the men’s World Cup and its other events, with a stake of up to 20% to be offered to external investors.

Where did Gianni Infantino come from?

Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino was born on March 23, 1970, in the southwestern Swiss town of Brig to Italian parents. Many years later, as FIFA president, he would speak of the discrimination he said he experienced as he grew up for being of Italian heritage in Switzerland. Infantino studied law at the University of Fribourg, before becoming the general secretary of the International Centre for Sports Studies at the University of Neuchatel in 1997. The independent center had been founded two years earlier by FIFA in partnership with the university and the city and canton of Neuchatel.

What did Infantino do before FIFA?

Infantino, who speaks six languages, first gained notoriety beyond Switzerland after joining UEFA, football’s European governing body, in 2000. There, he would climb the corporate ladder to become the organization’s general secretary in 2009. Serving under former UEFA President Michel Platini, Infantino’s position kept him largely out of the public eye, but during this time his face became a familiar one to European football fans, as one of his roles was hosting the Champions League and Euros draws, broadcast live on TV. 

How did Infantino become FIFA president?

The door to the FIFA presidency was knocked open by the 2015 FIFA corruption scandal in which several officials were indicted, seven of whom were arrested at a Zurich hotel. This came just ahead of a FIFA Congress to elect a new president. Although Sepp Blatter won reelection for a fifth term, he announced his resignation just days later. An extraordinary FIFA Congress was called for February 2016.

Infantino looked a rank outsider when he threw his hat into the ring. Platini, his boss at UEFA, was the favorite, but he withdrew his candidacy a month before the election, after both he and Blatter had been banned over ethics violations involving a dubious payment. 

In the days leading up to the vote, Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim al Khalifa of Bahrain emerged as the frontrunner among the seven candidates. However, Infantino, running on a pledge to clean up what was a scandal-ridden organization, won the presidency in the second round of voting. He’d also promised to increase FIFA payments to every member association.

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“We will restore the image of FIFA and the respect of FIFA, and everyone in the world will applaud us and will applaud all of you for what we’ll do in FIFA in the future,” Infantino told the delegates in Zurich’s Hallenstadion.

What has Infantino done in power?

Gianni Infantino has presided over a decade of unprecedented growth in revenue for FIFA, culminating in the 2026 World Cup — the first to feature 48 teams and 104 games — compared to 32 teams and 64 games in Qatar four years earlier. This was bound to generate higher revenue, but it was compounded by the dynamic pricing system FIFA introduced for the tournament. This led to sky-high prices for tickets — and FIFA went one better by getting into the secondary market  and taking a 15% cut from both buyer and seller on every transaction. 

While the final revenue numbers won’t be announced until FIFA publishes its annual report for 2026, the figures are expected to smash the almost $5.8 billion (€5.03 billion) the organization earned in 2022, largely from the Qatar World Cup. Infantino has spoken of a figure around double that. Others believe it could be far higher.

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What controversies has he been involved in?

He says he wasn’t to blame for a major talking point at the World Cup — the suspension of USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban following his sending off against Bosnia in the round of 32. This followed a call by US President Donald Trump to Infantino to request a “review.” Infantino insisted that an independent FIFA body had made the decision.

FIFA under fire for World Cup red card retraction

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The hydration breaks, which effectively split games into four quarters, also didn’t go over well with many football fans. Others were angry at his refusal to step in on rows over visas for traveling fans, officials and a referee from Somalia and the treatment of the Iran team in the US during the tournament.

Prior to the World Cup 2026, Infantino had made the headlines for the wrong reasons on several occasions. Among his more notable controversies were:

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• Ahead of the 2017 FIFA Congress in Bahrain, Infantino removed the chairmen of the Ethics Committee, Hans-Joachim Eckert and Cornel Borbely, without giving reasons.
• A year later he agreed in principle to a deal that would have seen a financial consortium from the Middle East and Asia acquire the rights to the Club World Cup and a global Nations League for a reported $25 billion. The deal never happened.
• In July 2020, the Swiss public prosecutor’s office accused Infantino of inciting abuse of office by meeting secretly with the head of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, Michael Lauber. Three years later the case was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
• In a ceremony at the World Cup draw in December 2025, Infantino presented US President Donald Trump with the newly created FIFA Peace Prize. This could be seen as the culmination of a widely criticized “bromance” between the FIFA boss and Trump.  

Why has Infantino been under such intense pressure to resign?

His problems began with the World Cup sell-off plan. UEFA sharply condemned the news within minutes — before threatening to boycott all FIFA events, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. After Infantino backed off the plan, UEFA doubled down, saying it had lost confidence in the “current FIFA leadership” and the “task of rebuilding trust in FIFA” had just begun. Football’s European governing body also threatened action through its US lawyers over what it termed a “shabby, backroom, opaque deal.”

How did he reassert himself?

The FIFA boss summoned senior staff members to an emergency meeting in Rabat on Wednesday. A statement issued after that meeting conceded that “mistakes made were acknowledged” in connection with the private investment plan and that the “process should have been handled differently.”

It also said those present had “reaffirmed their full support” for the president and stressed that FIFA would “no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation.”

Edited by: Matt Pearson