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Infantino Apologises, Stays FIFA President

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Gianni Infantino has apologised for mistakes linked to FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in major tournaments to private investors. After an emergency meeting in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA’s management board reaffirmed its full support for Infantino, allowing him to remain president despite growing criticism.

The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan faced backlash from UEFA and several football officials, who criticised the lack of transparency. FIFA acknowledged errors in handling the proposal and its communication after the plans were leaked, while insisting all actions complied with its regulations and promising stronger governance.

Although Infantino retains strong backing from many member associations in Asia and Africa, opposition from UEFA continues to grow ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. Critics, including former Portugal star Luis Figo, have called for his resignation, while FIFA says reforms will help restore confidence in the organisation.

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Thousands Bid Farewell to AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi

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Thousands of mourners lined the streets of Milan on Tuesday to pay their final respects to football legend Franco Baresi, whose funeral was held at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. The former AC Milan and Italy captain passed away at the age of 66 after a period of ill health, leaving behind one of the greatest legacies in football history.

Baresi spent his entire 20-year professional career with AC Milan, making 719 appearances and captaining the club for 15 seasons. He won 18 major trophies, including six Serie A titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns, while also helping Italy win the 1982 FIFA World Cup and leading the national team to the 1994 World Cup final.

Football icons including Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio, Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Costacurta and Dida attended the funeral to honour the legendary defender. AC Milan, which retired Baresi’s iconic number six shirt, will also pay tribute to their former captain ahead of their pre-season friendly against Inter.

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UEFA Opposes FIFA Investment Plan

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UEFA Opposes FIFA Investment Plan

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UEFA and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham have strongly criticised FIFA’s proposal to allow private investors to take a minority stake in a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). FIFA says the move aims to expand global football development funding to more than $10 billion, while retaining full control over governance, competitions, and regulations. The proposal will require approval from FIFA’s 211 member associations.

FIFA expects an investor group led by American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal to support the initiative, with member associations potentially receiving up to $20 million each for football development. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the plan would help ensure football’s commercial success benefits every nation and supports the sport’s long-term global growth.

However, UEFA warned the proposal “crosses a line,” arguing that football’s governance should never become a commercial asset. Critics also fear private investment could increase pressure to expand the World Cup or hold it more frequently to boost revenues, placing greater strain on the international football calendar. The proposal is expected to be discussed later this year before a possible vote at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March.

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Spain Crowned World Champions

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Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Dominating possession, creating more chances, and conceding just one goal throughout the tournament, Spain capped off an outstanding campaign with a deserved victory. Captain Rodri lifted the trophy after a performance widely praised as one of the finest in recent World Cup history.

The Spanish side controlled the final from start to finish, recording 65% possession, 20 shots, and keeping Argentina without a shot on target during normal time. Goalkeeper Unai Simón claimed the Golden Glove after keeping his seventh clean sheet of the tournament, while young stars Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal continued to showcase Spain’s bright future on the world stage.

Argentina struggled to match Spain’s quality and finished the match with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off late in normal time. Tempers flared after the final whistle, with clashes between players overshadowing the closing moments. Despite the disappointment, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team and deserved to be crowned world champions.

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Mbappe and Lamine Yamal Set for World Cup Semi-Final Showdown

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Two of football’s biggest stars, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, will take center stage as France and Spain meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on the line. France are chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, while Spain hope to add the World Cup title to their recent European Championship triumph. The clash also renews one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, with the winner becoming the favorite to lift the trophy.

Mbappe has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and playing a crucial role in France’s campaign. The Real Madrid forward has already established himself among the greatest World Cup players, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer and continuing to chase more international records. His experience and clinical finishing make him the biggest threat in the semi-final.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, is looking to deliver his defining World Cup performance after a quieter tournament by his high standards. Despite scoring only once so far, the Barcelona winger has remained influential with his creativity, dribbling, and work rate. Having helped Spain defeat France in recent international competitions, Yamal will once again look to inspire his team as both nations battle for a place in the World Cup final.

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Germany’s World Cup Exit Sparks Doubts Over Nagelsmann’s Future

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Germany’s FIFA World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32, intensifying pressure on head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Germany were held to a 1-1 draw after extra time before losing 4-3 on penalties. The defeat marked another early World Cup exit for the four-time champions and extended a worrying run of disappointing performances in major tournaments.

The loss has sparked widespread criticism of Germany’s display and renewed questions over Nagelsmann’s future. Former players and football analysts argued that the team lacked creativity, physical presence and the winning mentality that once defined German football. While Nagelsmann admitted the elimination was painful and acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, he insisted he was prepared to continue if the German Football Association chooses to keep him in charge.

Germany’s struggles have reignited debate over the country’s football development system, with experts suggesting the national team has lost the aura that once made it one of the world’s most feared sides. Although the squad showed flashes of quality during the tournament, another premature exit has increased calls for significant changes as Germany looks to rebuild ahead of future international competitions.

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Chile-DR Congo Friendly Called Off as Ebola Outbreak Triggers Health Concerns

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A planned international friendly between DR Congo and Chile in Spain has been cancelled after local authorities raised concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo. The mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion signed a decree preventing the match from taking place on 9 June, citing recommendations from regional and municipal health officials as a precautionary measure.

Although DR Congo’s squad is currently training in Belgium and consists largely of players based outside the country, authorities expressed concerns over support staff and fans who have recently travelled from the affected region. The team had already cancelled a planned training camp in Kinshasa due to the outbreak and remains scheduled to play Denmark in a friendly match in Liege.

The Ebola outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has prompted international travel restrictions, including entry bans by the United States for certain travellers from DR Congo and neighbouring countries. Despite the disruption, DR Congo is continuing preparations for its first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, with group-stage matches scheduled in the United States and Mexico later this month.

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Roberto De Zerbi Departs Marseille by Mutual Consent

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Roberto De Zerbi has left his position as Marseille manager by mutual agreement, the French club confirmed on Wednesday. The decision comes after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris St-Germain and Marseille’s recent Champions League exit following a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge. Club officials said the move followed discussions between the owner, president, sporting director and the coach.

De Zerbi joined Marseille in the summer of 2024 after leaving Brighton, where he spent nearly two seasons in charge. In his first campaign, he guided the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1. However, this season has proved more challenging, with Marseille currently sitting fourth in the table, 12 points behind league leaders PSG.

In a statement, Marseille described the departure as a “difficult collective decision” made after careful consideration and in the best interests of the club. The change in leadership, the club added, is aimed at addressing the sporting challenges that lie ahead for the remainder of the season.

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PSG to Pay Mbappe €60 Million in Court Ruling

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Paris Saint-Germain has been ordered by a French court to pay former striker Kylian Mbappe €60 million (£52.5m) in unpaid salary and bonuses. The ruling stems from a long-running contract dispute, with Mbappe initially seeking €263 million in damages while PSG counter-sued for €240 million. The court recognised that PSG failed to pay three months of his salary between April and June 2024, as well as an ethics and signing bonus.

Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after seven seasons at PSG, had claimed ill-treatment and sought to legally modify his contract to an open-ended deal. The awarded sum primarily consists of bonuses rather than base salary, including the third instalment of his signing-on bonus and paid leave allowance. PSG will comply with the ruling, while retaining the option to appeal.

During his time at PSG from 2017 to 2024, Mbappe became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, winning 15 trophies. The dispute arose after Mbappe declined a move to the Saudi Pro League and refused a contract extension, leading to a protracted legal battle. PSG has expressed its intent to move forward, focusing on collective success and the club’s ongoing achievements without the forward.

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Donald Trump Honored with Inaugural Fifa Peace Prize Ahead of 2026 World Cup Draw

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United States President Donald Trump was awarded the first-ever Fifa Peace Prize at a ceremony in Washington DC ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup draw. Introduced by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, the award honors individuals who have taken “exceptional actions for peace” and fostered global unity. Trump received a golden trophy, medal, and certificate before addressing the audience, claiming he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and highlighting record ticket sales for the upcoming World Cup.

The ceremony, held at the Kennedy Center, was attended by football stars, US sports personalities, and the leaders of co-hosting nations Mexico and Canada. Trump, alongside Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, conducted the ceremonial World Cup draw. The event featured a blend of entertainment and politics, including a performance by the Village People and Trump’s commentary on soccer terminology in the United States.

Critics have questioned Fifa’s political neutrality, noting the close relationship between Trump and Infantino and the timing of the award. While some argue that the Peace Prize celebrates extraordinary efforts in a divided world, others view it as an alignment with Trump’s administration. Fifa officials defended the move, emphasizing football’s global influence and its role in recognizing contributions to peace.

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