FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has been accused of corruption after eye-opening footage emerged of some “shameless” comments he made following one of the World Cup’s Round of 32 ties. Football’s top dog has found it difficult to stay away from the limelight for too long this summer, and his latest act could be his most controversial yet.

Indeed, some of the other things he has done that have kicked up a storm include the sycophantic gesture of gifting US President Donald Trump an inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” last December. Meanwhile, he introduced hydration breaks even in stadiums that are air-conditioned or experiencing heavy rainfall, while his organisation also threatened to change the kick-off times for a number of fixtures, including England’s trip to Mexico, before backtracking just two days before the match.

Even with all of the above, it has still been a great spectacle, with Argentina, France and Spain emerging as the favourites for glory up to this point. However, all of that could be in vain if suggestions on social media that Infantino has already made up his mind about who he wants to win turn out to be true.

Gianni Infantino’s Tongue Slip Sees Him Accused of ‘Corruption’

While being interviewed by an Argentine journalist after Lionel Messi and co. required extra-time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday night, Infantino appeared to let slip his secret support of the 2022 winners. He said (watch the full segment below):

The 56-year-old’s realisation that what he said was probably not going to do his already-tarnished reputation any favours, and so prompting him to backtrack on his ‘shameless’ comments, has caused a huge stir on social media.

With many already suspicious over the fact the world champions have been given the easiest route to the final, one X user wrote: “But seriously what can be done to curb this corruption scandal going on?” as a second added: “Incompetent. It’s a disgrace that the FIFA president is this biased. He needs to resign ASAP.”

Another continued: “How do you even convince people that this organization isn’t favoring Messi when the president openly declared his support for Argentina?” Meanwhile, a fourth remarked: “Imagine the outrage if he said this about Portugal”, while a fifth concluded: “Absolutely embarrassing, we should protest and boycott until he resigns.”

Argentina Look Good Value For Back-to-Back World Cup Success

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The supercomputer currently predicts that France have the best chance of winning the World Cup, with Argentina following just behind them.

Given both nations’ route to the final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a repeat of the 2022 Qatar showdown, which saw Messi reach football immortality via a penalty shootout despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a hat-trick in normal time.

After other fans noticed the Inter Miami star, considered the greatest footballer of all time, trying to cheat from a free-kick in a last-gasp win over Cape Verde, there’s growing belief FIFA want Argentina to win again. But when you have Messi in your side, anything’s possible.

Tottenham could be one step closer to landing a pay day as they look to balance their huge summer spending. Spurs have already put together a club-record window, spending more than they every have to land Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, while they have also snapped up others on cheap or free deals.

Roberto De Zerbi is being backed like no other Spurs boss ever has, but his squad overhaul will not be done by recruitment alone. Players are going to have to leave the club, and there are some strong candidates.

One of the main candidates is goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is being linked with a return to Italy this summer, and that eventuality may be one step closer.

Leeds United lead Suzuki race

According to MOT Leeds News, Leeds are currently winning the race to sign Parma and Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who impressed at this summer’s World Cup. It’s reported the keeper is happy to join Leeds, and that a £25million deal is in the offing, as long as the Yorkshire club decide to pay the lofty sum.

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Juventus are interested in signing Suzuki this summer after missing out on Alisson Becker, who is staying at Anfield for another year. Juve, however, are said to clearly understand that Leeds have ‘built up an advantage’ in the race to Suzuki, and it may see them miss out.

Juve could finally pull Vicario trigger

via Reuters

Juventus are said to have Tottenham keeper Vicario and Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez under serious consideration this summer, and they are much more likely to get hold of the former. Spurs are said to be open to a Vicario sale, given the player prefers to return to Italy, while they have thrown their weight behind Antonin Kinsky by handing the young stopper a new contract.

With Martinez still busy at the World Cup, and with Suzuki potentially out of reach, Juventus may finally now pull the trigger on Vicario, who is said to carry an asking price of €15million, which works out at £12.85million.

That could be a boost for Tottenham as they look to, at least somewhat, balance their huge spending this summer. Vicario is one of two major exits Tottenham are expecting this summer, along with Cristian Romero, who will move on to pastures new, and a replacement is already in the building in Van Hecke.

A former Formula 1 world champion has admitted that it has been ‘heartbreaking’ for him to have to watch one particular driver struggle right now.

Heading into the 2026 season, the FIA and Formula One completely revamped the sport’s technical regulations. These changes have affected some teams more than others.

While Mercedes are dominating at the top of both the Drivers’ Championship and Constructors’ Championship, the likes of McLaren and Red Bull have taken a backwards step from their position of competing for both championships during the ground effect era.

Former World Champion Has Been in Dreadful Form in 2026

However, it has been an especially poor campaign for Aston Martin, who have performed well below par, despite their high expectations for the new season, with the Silverstone-based team recruiting Adrian Newey to oversee a new era brand-new engine supplier, Honda.

To date, the 2026 campaign has been nothing short of a disaster for Aston Martin as both drivers have struggled for form and results.

Former two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, has struggled to compete in the AMR26, which has led to many rumours circulating regarding a potential retirement for the 44-year-old star if things don’t improve.

In a recent interview with the official F1 site, former world champion Nigel Mansell pointed out how much of a shame it is to see Alonso fighting at the back of the field.

Heading into the British Grand Prix this weekend, Alonso currently sits in 18th place in the Drivers’ Championship with just a sole point, which he earned at the Monaco GP following a post-race penalty for Cadillac driver Sergio Perez.

‘Heartbreaking’ – Former World Champion Reacts to F1 Driver’s Current Struggles

Mansell remarked that Alonso (and teammate Lance Stroll) deserved far better than they had been given by their team.

“Fernando is such a class act, it’s just a shame that he’s not got the car or the engine to go racing. I have so many compliments for Alonso. He’s been in the job for so long now, so many races.

“He’s a great statesman, a wonderful legend, and an incredible world champion. I look forward to, and will rejoice, when they bring the new car and engine together. I just want to see them racing. Even if they’re only halfway up the grid, it’s better than making the numbers up.

Adrian Newey and Aston Martin are hoping to turn their poor season around heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month with an upgraded B-spec of the AMR26, which many people hope will be the turning point for Alonso and Stroll to deliver some more respectable performances.