A damning report has exposed a new FIFA scandal that Gianni Infantino must contend with after having already been forced to make a U-turn on his plans to sell World Cup stakes this week.

Football’s figurehead has come under serious fire for his proposal of a ‘£15 billion sell-off’ to private investors. In exchange for allowing them the opportunity to pay billions for involvement in the planning of future World Cups, he offered each of FIFA’s 211 member associations the chance to make £15 million ($20 million) instantly if they voted through his plans. A further £50 million ($66 million) would be given to each association before 2038.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is among the 56-year-old’s most passionate opponents, and has urged European nations to withdraw their support for football’s current leader in the hope that he will either resign or lose an election he was once tipped to win by a landslide next March.

CONMEBOL, CONCACAF and the AFC have since joined the chorus of criticism by releasing statements of condemnation of their own. But while all this goes on, a lesser-known scandal is quietly bubbling beneath the surface – one that once again threatens to drag Infantino’s leadership into the gutters.

Report Exposes FIFA’s Club World Cup Scandal That Goes Unsolved

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

The 2025 expansion of the Club World Cup, which Chelsea won last summer in the USA, was the ultimate brainchild of Infantino’s. However, anger continues to materialise as some of the prize money promised to clubs hasn’t been paid out, according to the Daily Express.

The funds earned by competing clubs is said to have been paid, but £185m of the £740 million DAZN and Saudi PIF paid for the broadcast rights, which were set aside for solidarity payments to clubs that did not compete in the 2025 tournament, remains unpaid.

Initially, the idea behind the scheme was to ensure a proportion of the event’s funding was distributed throughout the football pyramid. The original plan was for £50,000 to be given to every top-flight club in the world, but there is no sign of the payments being made.

Why The Tournament Might Be Scrapped As A Result

Further issues could still arise ahead of the 2029 edition, which still doesn’t have a host, as nothing has been agreed between FIFA and leading European clubs on participation in a future tournament.

A number of nations have expressed an interest in registering a bid for the competition, which switched to a four-year format just last year. That means, at present, the already-controversial tournament could be scrapped – especially if either Infantino’s potential successor has different plans, or the payments for the latest tournament continue to go amiss.

Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and England have all hinted at hosting the competition. However, there is a belief that the most likely hosts will be either Qatar, or the United States, with FIFA reportedly considering giving it to the former as a bid to continue the growth of the sport in the North American nation.

Tyrone Marshall has explained where Manchester United stand over making a third midfield signing with one month remaining in the transfer window.

A third midfielder has been widely expected to join the Red Devils and complete INEOS’ midfield overhaul. The player whom most fans are hoping arrives is Aurelien Tchouameni and the Real Madrid star is of interest.

Tchouameni is one of many names still on Michael Carrick’s midfield shortlist and the club have alternatives in mind. There appears to be one major issue preventing them from swooping for the Frenchman.

Tchouameni May Be Out of Man Utd Price Range

via Reuters

United started their summer transfer business with the £50 million signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. This was followed Youri Tielemans’ shock acquisition, arriving from Aston Villa for just £35 million.

While INEOS have watched the likes of Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali move for over £100m, they have been reluctant to spend as much money. And that’s why Marshall feels they will struggle to pull off a deal for Tchouameni and will most likely be looking at less expensive options.

Marshall wrote for Manchester Evening News: “I think it’s very likely to happen (third midfield signing), but the reality is there has been no real movement in the last week. United’s view is that they could even stop at two signings, although I wouldn’t read too much into that right now. They are taking stock of the market after signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and by waiting they can see how situations develop elsewhere, notably Aurelien Tchouameni at Real Madrid.”

He added: “But that still feels a very difficult deal to do and I would expect the third signing to be another player in the £30m to £50m price range, RATHER than a big-name, big-money arrival.”

Tchouameni joined Madrid from AS Monaco in July 2022 for £85 million and is believed to be valued at around that fee. He is the most prominent name on United’s radar but appears to be too expensive.

No Marquee Midfielder For Carrick

Going off Marshall’s claim that United will be looking at spending £30-50m, they might not be considering a midfielder who Carrick will rotate. There had been several names presented as this type of addition to the squad when the transfer window opened.

That said, Tchouameni’s French compatriot Manu Kone has been of interest and the AS Roma star is reportedly valued at around £50m. It seems increasingly likely that a third midfielder will be signed but it might not be the marquee arrival fans had anticipated.

Carrick and the decision-makers are pleased with Santos and have been impressed with his performances during pre-season. Tielemans has proven his worth throughout his Premier League career and could prove to be an absolute bargain.

Tottenham are plotting a move to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window as they continue to look to improve Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.

Plenty of Tottenham’s focus over the last few months in terms of recruitment has been to bring in reinforcements in midfield and defence.

Spurs spent significantly to bring both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali to the club to strengthen their midfield options, and attention could soon turn to their attacking line.

The North London club are yet to make a new addition in attack, but they are being linked with a number of players.

Signing a striker could be one of their priorities, with Richarlison linked with a departure and Dominic Solanke yet to replicate the form he produced while at Bournemouth.

Tottenham make £50m+ approach

REUTERS/Hollie Adams

According to a report from Caught Offside, Tottenham have made a £50 million-plus approach to sign Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue for Spurs, and they have received approval to begin formal negotiations for the centre-forward.

There’s been no official approach between Tottenham and Galatasaray, with Spurs clearly just expressing their interest in making an offer in the region of £50 million.

Tottenham are in the market for a dependable goal scorer, with Richarlison’s future uncertain, and De Zerbi looking to bring in a number 9 before the end of the window.

Osimhen one of the best in the world

Despite making the move to Turkey, Osimhen is still regarded as one of the best strikers in world football.

His former teammate, Przemyslaw Frankowski, regarded him as a world-class striker who is in the top five in world football.

Osimhen has also been previously labelled the best striker in the world. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if he made his way back to a top-five league soon.

Osimhen would certainly solve some problems for Spurs when it comes to their attack, but it remains to be seen whether Spurs will be willing to pay enough to secure his signature.