FIFA boss Gianni Infantino could find himself in even more hot water this week after a third scandal since the World Cup’s conclusion emerged. The first, of course, was his failed money-making plan to sell stakes in the major tournament, with fierce backlash – particularly from UEFA – forcing him into a swift U-turn.

It was then revealed that the 56-year-old has yet to pay clubs the full amount owed for their contributions to the 2025 Club World Cup, which Chelsea won last summer. But those issues could prove to be just the tip of the iceberg for the Swiss millionaire, who is now under threat of either being forced to resign or losing his grip on power at March’s election.

Just a few weeks ago, that would have seemed almost unthinkable. Remarkable World Cup profits, coupled with the fact he faced no genuine rivals for his office, were the two key reasons more than 200 nations had put their support for his re-election in writing.

Now, however, he appears to be on the back foot. The likes of England have withdrawn that backing, while a damning report over a broken promise to the USA is only likely to heap more pressure on the FIFA president and add to the growing uncertainty surrounding his future.

Third FIFA Scandal Emerges As Gianni Infantino Breaks USA Promise

REUTERS/Mark J Rebilas

As per the Daily Express, a number of World Cup host cities in the United States are chasing FIFA over millions of dollars in unpaid funding. Ahead of the Club World Cup, which was held in the USA last summer, Infantino announced that FIFA would make a contribution of $1million (£743,955) to each of the 11 host cities.

This was described as a “legacy contribution” and it was explained that the funds would be used to build football pitches and support various social projects, contributing to the rise in prominence of soccer.

Following that announcement, the World Cup host cities in the USA asked FIFA if they would receive the same amount of money for the more substantial and expensive role of staging matches during football’s biggest tournament.

The report alleges those cities were privately promised an identical $1m payout, despite no public statement ever being made by the governing body. This pledge was reportedly made verbally by members of FIFA’s senior management, but so far the money has gone unpaid.

FIFA’s Greed Rears Its Ugly Head Yet Again

REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Ahead of the tournament, FIFA promoted a report claiming the competition would inject around $30.5 billion (£22.68bn) into the US economy.

The host cities across the country were Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey, Miami and Boston – meaning they’d be the main beneficiaries of such revenue.

However, they had to pay for transportation, safety and security. This reportedly extended beyond stadiums to official fan parks, airports and vehicles, suggesting that the Trump-led nation never received the money it trulyl deserved from the most profitable football tournament in sporting history.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas this summer, although they’ll face competition from Manchester United for the player’s services, according to AS.

Salinas broke into Racing’s first team last season, making 34 appearances across all competitions, providing seven assists in the process. This form has sparked interest from several clubs, including the Magpies, United, Atletico Madrid and Porto.

Newcastle have long been mentioned in the conversation for the left-back, as they look for someone who can provide immediate cover for, and eventually succeed, Lewis Hall.

However, United have now emerged as potential suitors for Salinas, who they view as an alternative to Hall and who is reportedly available for just €16 million (£14 million).

Newcastle Eyeing Move for Salinas

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United have been heavily linked with Hall this summer, although Newcastle have reportedly informed the Red Devils that they won’t sanction the Englishman’s departure for a fee that isn’t astronomical.

The Tynesiders have already lost their manager, Eddie Howe, this summer, as well as the likes of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, while Bruno Guimaraes is on the verge of joining Arsenal. They aren’t prepared to make this mass exodus even more damaging by selling yet another key player.

However, the St. James’ Park hierarchy are chasing a new left-back to compete with Hall. Salinas has been identified as a top target after the 19-year-old made waves in Spain with his performances in Racing Santander’s promotion-winning campaign last term.

AS report that Salinas had an €8 million (£7 million) release clause that expired at the end of June, and that this clause has now doubled to €16 million (£14 million).

This modest fee, in the midst of a summer of overly inflated fees, makes the prospective deal extremely attractive to Newcastle, although competition from Champions League clubs means the Premier League outfit may find it difficult to convince the ‘complete’ teenager to move to the north-east of England.

Newcastle Are in a Difficult Situation in Salinas Saga

With such a minimal release clause, it’s likely several clubs will want to sign Salinas, and the reporting reflects that. United and Atletico, both mooted as suitors, have the financial capacity to trigger the clause and can offer the player European football.

If it’s a straight fight between the Magpies and the Red Devils, the latter are likely to come out on top and land Salinas.

However, in the case that Newcastle fend off competition on the continent and secure the youngster, United would then be well-placed to sign Hall.

The England international may feel he’s more within his rights to push for an exit if he has Salinas pushing him for minutes, opening up the chance he agitates for a move to Old Trafford.

Ultimately, the reported interest from United in Salinas has put Newcastle in something of a lose-lose situation.

Tottenham Hotspur are now considering making a move for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto after adding him to their summer transfer shortlist, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham‘s progress in adding to their attack has been slow, especially compared to the six signings they made in relatively quick succession at the beginning of the summer transfer window.

Spurs have identified Manchester City winger Savinho as their top target, like he was last summer, but they are yet to reach a breakthrough in talks with the former Premier League winners over a deal.

Indeed, City appear to want to land the Brazilian’s replacement before they consider doing a deal with the north London outfit for the 22-year-old forward.

Tottenham are being heavily linked with other players too, with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo emerging in recent weeks as a key target for Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian wants to add the Netherlands international to his squad for next season, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting that the interest in him and Savinho is separate.

Spurs are also being linked with strikers too, including Victor Osimhen and Nicolas Jackson, although Alasdair Gold has played down speculation linking them with the latter.

Meanwhile, City are considering Chelsea attacker Pedro Neto as a replacement for Savinho, but they aren’t the only Premier League club keen.

Tottenham Keen on Pedro Neto

via Reuters

Romano revealed on Tuesday evening, via his X account, that City have now made direct contact with Neto’s representatives as talks start over a potential move to the Etihad for the Portugal international.

However, the Italian journalist confirmed at the same time that Spurs have also added the ‘world-class’ winger, as described by ex-Blues boss Liam Rosenior, to their transfer shortlist too, as they step up their bid to add to their attack ahead of the Premier League season getting underway later this month.

Chelsea signed Neto for £54m from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2024, and it remains to be seen how much they would demand to sell him now.

Tottenham Eyeing Another Premier League Winger

Daniel Dunn/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Tottenham are clearly lining up alternatives if they don’t land their preferred targets, seemingly Savinho and Gakpo right now, after links to yet another Premier League forward.

We know that De Zerbi clearly favours Premier League experience after Spurs’ summer business so far, with all six of their summer additions having played in the English top flight before.

It is a pattern that doesn’t seem set to change with the new attackers the Italian brings in either, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye the latest player mentioned alongside Tottenham, as well as interest from a number of their Premier League rivals.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa are also being linked with the Senegal international, who is also the subject of interest from Saudi club Al-Hilal.