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Argentina Scandal ‘One of Biggest FIFA Has Covered Up’

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A damning new report has revealed the shocking full extent of the FBI’s investigation into the Argentina FA, with allegations of money laundering reportedly just the tip of the iceberg in a scandal labelled as “one of the biggest FIFA has ever covered up”. During this year’s World Cup, claims that the tournament has been ‘rigged’ have certainly not been in short supply.

Indeed, after Lionel Messi and co. staged a stunning comeback from two goals down against Egypt, scoring three times in 14 minutes to win their Round of 16 clash 3-2, both players and their manager began pointing the finger at football’s governing body, accusing it of “favouring” the reigning champions for “marketing purposes”.

While much of that criticism has so far been based on speculation and claims from one side, investigative journalist Romain Molina has now released an in-depth report containing several explosive allegations against the Argentina FA. The findings are likely to add fuel to suggestions that corruption may have played a role in this summer’s showpiece competition.

New Report Makes Explosive Allegations Against Argentina & FIFA

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reacts during South Korea v Czech Republic Gianni Infantino via REUTERS/Paul Childs

One of the allegations made by Molina that would raise the loudest alarm bells of corruption is that FIFA provided protection to AFA, despite cases related to money laundering and embezzlement, in addition to US investigations exceeding $300 million. This comes after Donald Trump had already managed to persuade Gianni Infantino into overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card so he could play in USMNT’s 4-1 loss to Belgium.

What’s more, just nine days before Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup, AFA granted all its international commercial rights to a newly founded company in Miami with no experience in football. FIFA transferred prize money funds directly to that private company, rather than sending them to AFA’s accounts. See Molina’s full findings from his investigation in the video below:

The company received a fixed 30% commission on all of AFA’s external revenue, a rate that Molina described as “illogical” and “unprecedented.” Investigations also revealed transfers of millions of dollars to shell companies, some owned by ordinary people who were bankrupt, in debt, or living in public housing.

After receiving these transfers, these individuals vanished from their cities, changed their phone numbers, while neighbors noticed a sudden change in their lifestyle and wealth. Part of the funds, according to Molina, were used to purchase luxury properties, private planes, yachts, and even to finance activities unrelated to football, such as karting cars.

The justice system also suspects that AFA officials personally benefited from these funds, including a luxury palace registered in the names of other people. All of this happened with FIFA’s knowledge of such dealings, with Molina accusing FIFA’s legal director, Emilio Garcia, of having close ties to AFA officials, and questioning the impact on the course of the investigations.

Infantino’s Time As FIFA Top Dog Is Progressively Finite

Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump Evelyn Hockstein via Reuters

When all is said and done on the 2026 World Cup, it will be remembered for some brilliant moments off the pitch, but some uncomfortable ones away from it as well. In particular, the actions of FIFA president Infantino, who is expected to be investigated himself by European Lawmakers.

In the build-up to the tournament, despite Mexico and Canada also hosting the competition, Infantino only seemed interested in cosying up to United States president Donald Trump. Some within FIFA were said to have been left feeling ‘deep embarrassment’ after watching their boss hand Trump the inaugural peace prize, while the Swiss football administrator was also accused of breaking FIFA rules by wearing a MAGA-style red hat in February.

During the World Cup, his relationship with Trump has sparked even more debate, as the US president appeared to lean on Infantino as FIFA decided to allow USMNT striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite his red card in the previous game. With all of these suggestions of corruption, it seems only a matter of time before his web of lies close in on him, with more explosive details perhaps yet to come to light.

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Everton ‘Keen’ on Signing ‘Ultimate’ Newcastle United star Jacob Murphy

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Everton are said to be considering a deal for one of Newcastle United’s most reliable players as they look to build on last season’s momentum. The Toffees had a very different feel about them last season, and while they did miss out on Europe when all was said and done, they showed signs of being capable to achieve the feat in the near future.

But David Moyes, armed with decades of experience, will know that a strong transfer window will be required to ensure Everton are back in the mix next season. The Toffees want Jack Grealish back after his impressive loan spell, but their business will not stop there, and it seems Moyes is in the market for experience.

Everton could move for Jacob Murphy

Jacob Murphy Newcastle latest news

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Everton could move for Newcastle United’s veteran winger Jacob Murphy this summer. He posted on X: “Excl: Everton are keen on signing Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy. The 31-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his #NUFC contract and could leave this summer. Murphy signed for Newcastle NINE years ago and has been a brilliant player for the club.

“He is one of a number of players Everton are considering, as they look to strengthen the forward line, including a return for Jack Grealish. No #EFC offer for Murphy yet, but interest is there. Newcastle have signed winger Bazou Toure from Hoffenheim, but missed out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool.”

Murphy, who has more than 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, is a much-loved figure at Newcastle, and even with his veteran status, he managed to feature in 33 of Newcastle’s 38 games last season.

But he will know the Magpies are likely to want to upgrade those wide positions after missing out on Europe, and a move could be his best option to maintain regular minutes.

Murphy the ‘ultimate professional’

Newcastle's Jacob Murphy

Speaking back in late 2023, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described what makes Murphy such a valuable player. He said: “He’s someone who is the ultimate professional. He’s reliable, plays multiple positions and has never let me down. Now, you’re going to have some good days and you’re going to have some bad days. I always say that the key response is how you handle the bad days.

“Before I came here, Jacob had some difficult moments, but you have to keep coming back. You have to be really resilient, you have to keep turning up, and I believe that if you do the right things off the pitch, then eventually you’ll show the right things on the pitch.

“For me, he’s just been that model of consistency in his approach and attitude.

“It’s great to see someone who puts that work in rewarded with an opportunity, and then it’s all about taking that opportunity. He’s done that, and it’s great to see.”

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Liverpool Prepare Offer To Sign Gilberto Mora

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Liverpool are preparing a move to sign Mexico World Cup star Gilberto Mora, according to Football Insider.

Mora shone for El Tricolor during this summer’s prestigious international tournament, helping lead the host nation to the last 16 of the competition. This follows a number of impressive displays for his club, Tijuana, sparking interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Premier League giants Liverpool are said to have opened talks to sign the 17-year-old, and the Reds are now understood to be preparing a formal offer for the starlet.

Andoni Iraola is keen to bolster the attacking options in his squad, and there is a belief at Anfield that Mora could help do so, given his pedigree as one of the most highly-rated youngsters on the planet.

Liverpool preparing formal move for Gilberto Mora

Gilberto Mora Obed Vargas Mexico World Cup 2026 REUTERS/Raquel Cunha via Action Images

Football Insider journalist Peter O’Rourke reports that Liverpool will make a formal offer for Mora if they receive any indication that the player is ready to move on this summer.

The Merseysiders are eager to get ahead of their rivals and sign the creative midfielder before other top clubs express serious interest. While the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are believed to admire the Mexican’s talent, there is little indication as of yet that any of these European heavyweights are prepared to make a move to sign him.

O’Rourke describes the race for Mora as ‘open’, although Liverpool are seemingly in the front seat as it stands, as they carry out their due diligence on the player.

After struggling for creativity last season, despite splashing £100million on playmaker Florian Wirtz, addressing this issue is a primary concern for Iraola.

The Anfield hierarchy believe Mora can alleviate some of these creative problems, even if his impact comes in the long-term rather than the immediate short-term.

Liverpool need more experienced attacking options than Mora

Gilberto Mora (Mexico) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While it’s likely that Mora would be one of a number of attacking reinforcements to arrive at Liverpool this summer, it’s not impossible that they place too much emphasis on this particular signing.

Mora is an exciting young talent, seen as one of the best young players in world football, but he’s arguably not ready to take the burden left by Mohamed Salah and excel in the physically intense Premier League right away. While he may be ready for a squad role, Liverpool need more senior players to take the mantle their famous Egyptian left behind.

Bradley Barcola is being linked with a switch to Merseyside, and this is exactly the sort of high-profile acquisition Iraola’s ensemble needs to reignite what became a flailing attack at the end of last season.

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Rangers Want to Hijack £9.5m Premier League Deal for ‘Effervescent’ Braga

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Rangers could be about to gatecrash a Premier League transfer as Derek McInnes looks to add to his early transfer haul at Ibrox. The Gers have made a quick start to the transfer window, splashing out £6million on goalkeeper Ivor Pandur alone, while the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey and others have also been snapped up.

Cammy Devlin is the latest to link back up with McInnes, and there could be another reunion in the offing, with Rangers now reportedly in the mix to spoil the plans of new Premier League club Ipswich Town, who are back in the big time after winning promotion at the first time of asking.

Rangers in the mix to sign Ipswich Town target Claudio Braga

Hearts manager Derek McInnes looks on via Reuters

According to Portuguese outlet Jogo, Rangers are now showing an interest in snapping up Scottish Premiership Player of the Season Claudio Braga, who is expected to leave Hearts this summer. Braga played a key role in Hearts coming within a whisker of the Premiership title last season, and he is expected to move on for between £8million and £10million. Braga scored 17 and provided three assists last season under McInnes.

The report claims Ipswich have already lodged a £9.5million offer, and while they wait to find out whether they can press ahead with the deal, it’s reported Rangers could hijack the deal, with McInnes understandably interested in the player who played such a big role in last season’s relative success.

The big obstacle for Rangers is the fee. The Gers have not been shy in spending this summer, but that would be a big investment for them, and it will be interesting to see if they climb that far.

McInnes described Braga as ‘effervescent’

Claudio Braga via Reuters

It’s no secret that McInnes is a big fan of Braga’s, and the thought of getting his dangerous Hearts attack over to Rangers will only excite him, given how rare that is to pull off.

Speaking last season, McInnes said of his dynamic duo: “I wouldn’t change the two of them for anything. Shankland’s only going to get better. Braga is just effervescent. He feeds off this crowd. He doesn’t give defenders a minute. He’s on a mission to get as many goals as well. That gives us all real comfort and a bit of optimism.”

Rangers could do with those goals, but they are going to have to decide whether they want to spend that kind of money to further improve their attack this summer.

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