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US World Cup host cities seek millions in unpaid FIFA funding: report

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Multiple US cities that hosted World Cup matches are seeking millions of dollars they believe world soccer’s governing body FIFA promised them, The Athletic reported on Tuesday.

Four executives from World Cup cities, speaking anonymously, told the outlet that FIFA management told them they would each receive $1 million in “legacy” funds to build football-related infrastructure and support “social projects”.

The Athletic reported that officials from the cities had requested the payments after Gianni Infantino, head of global football’s governing body, announced such payments to host cities of the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.

“According to four executives at US host city committees, all of whom asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, FIFA management repeatedly assured the cities they would receive the same $1 million contribution towards legacy, despite no public statement ever being made by the organization,” The Athletic wrote.

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“The four executives said this promise was made verbally by members of FIFA’s senior management, and reiterated to cities in meetings, but it has not been paid, meaning several cities are now asking FIFA staff for updates on the payments.”

The US cities of Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston and New York/New Jersey were among the host venues for the World Cup held in the US, Canada and Mexico.

The 39-day tournament, expanded to 48 teams for the first time, has contributed to record FIFA revenues reportedly hitting $15 billion for the revenue cycle of 2023-26.

The report is the latest black mark for Infantino, who is under fire from European confederation UEFA and some of its counterparts, as well as some within FIFA, over his since-abandoned proposal to open the World Cup to private investment.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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Tarik Skubal takes loss in Dodgers debut as Los Angeles' season-long losing streak continues

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Skubal had a solid first outing in a Dodgers uniform but didn’t get much run support from his new teammates

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Who is George Lombard Jr.’s brother? Meet Jacob, a shortstop in the Marlins organization who stole the show on his brother’s Yankees debut

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Born in Miami, George Lombard Jr. developed a passion for baseball from an early age. He was drafted by the Yankees in 2026, and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the organization’s top prospects.

He made his much-anticpated MLB debut on Tuesday, hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to make himself an instant favorite in the Bronx.

George Lombard Jr. in action for the New York Yankees - Source: GettyGeorge Lombard Jr. in action for the New York Yankees - Source: Getty
George Lombard Jr. in action for the New York Yankees – Source: Getty

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Though fans following the Yankees’ top prospects will know a lot about Lombard Jr., a lesser known fact about him is that he also has a younger brother, Jacob, who is currently in the Miami Marlins organization.

Growing up, Jacob Lombard was a multi-sport athlete, showing talent for soccer, baseball, football and gymastics. He claims his favorite sport was soccer, but he began to gravitate more towards baseball after watching his older brother excel at it.

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Just like George, Jacob also attended the Gulliver Preparatory School in Pinecrest, Florida. In his sophomore year, he was second-team Class 5A-2A All-Dade, boasting a .328 batting average. As a junior, he batted .306 with four home runs.

Jacob Lombard’s fine performances at the high school level even earned him a call up to the United States under-18 baseball team, and he played in the 2025 U-18 Baseball World Cup, helping his nation win the championship.

Born in 2007, Jacob is also a shorstop, and he was drafted by the Marlins in 2026. He currently plays for the Single-A Jupiter Hammerheads.

Coincidentally, Jacob Lombard also enjoyed a dream debut on Tuesday. Playing his first game at Single-A level, he hit a home run, just like his older brother did in the Pinstripes.

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It appears both Jacob and George have taken after their father, George Lombard Sr., who spent six seasons in the major leagues, representing the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Washington Nationals. Now, he is a bench coach for the Tigers.


“I don’t think it will really settle in for a couple days ” – George Lombard Jr. talks about being called up to the Yankees’ major league roster

Speaking to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch and Jared Greenspan on Tuesday, George Lombard Jr. explained his feelings after being called up the Yankees‘ major league roster.

“I don’t think it will really settle in for a couple days,” George Lombard Jr. said. “Being around it gives you that level of comfort, like, OK, you know what some stuff will be like. But being in it and actually doing it is different. It becomes real for the first time.

“It’s a hard game. You’re going to struggle. There will be ups and downs. Who knows what the future’s going to look like.The biggest thing is taking everything day by day, being the same person. Being the same teammate. Play the same way. Play to win. Play hard every single day. Play with my hair on fire.”

George Lombard Jr. in action during a New York Yankees workout - Source: GettyGeorge Lombard Jr. in action during a New York Yankees workout - Source: Getty
George Lombard Jr. in action during a New York Yankees workout – Source: Getty

After a dream debut, Yankees fans will hope to see Lombard continue impressing at the top level.