Sports
Argentina Confirm Gianni Infantino Stance Amid FIFA Investigation
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) have published open letter to under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is clinging to his job following the scuppered FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term in charge but some of FIFA’s 211 member associations have lost faith in the 56-year-old’s ability to lead world football’s governing body following his hugely controversial attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup.
While Infantino’s FFE plan is currently dead in the water, UEFA’s 55 member associations are keen to see a change of leadership amid their threats to boycott FIFA competitions, including future World Cups.
“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions,” European football’s governing body said in a statement on Thursday. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.
“These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.
“Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA President (and whose careers depend on his favour) agree with him changes nothing.”
More Countries Now Backing Infantino
However, Infantino has support from other countries and governing bodies. Six countries pledging their support for Infantino were named earlier this week, and more have subsequently followed.
The executive committee of the African confederation (CAF) have unanimously confirmed its support for Infantino.
Mexico, co-hosts of the recently-concluded 2026 World Cup finals, have also backed Infantino despite its own regional confederation CONCACAF calling for a “comprehensive reckoning” with his presidency, per Reuters.
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Argentine FA Throw Support Behind Infantino
And now, in a major boost for Infantino, Argentina’s FA, led by president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, have thrown their full support behind the current FIFA president.
The AFA’s open letter, translated from Spanish to English, reads: “On behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and by your worthy intermediary to the FIFA board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its major axes the development of football around the world and institutional solidity based on a clear, stable and transparent governance model.
“In this sense, in relation to the recent events that are public knowledge, we must recognise the decision of the Administration to withdraw a project that generated, within the football family and since its inception, many more uncertainties than certainties.
“That is why it is worth highlighting the assumption of the mistakes made in this process and the apology expressed in the heartfelt message deployed to the 211 FIFA member federations. Prioritising governance standards is a fundamental pillar for strengthening good relations between FIFA, its member associations and confederations.
“In the same way, and as we have already expressed, you are leading a management that led to a profound transformation of FIFA; that opened the doors of the organisation to all member associations and confederations, so that with a frank and direct dialogue, we can, together, continue to promote football at all its levels and disciplines.
“From our vision, this transformation was based on a model of transparent governance, respect for statutory structures and the follow-up of democratic procedures, essential principles for the football family to be united, firm and working to continue generating improvements in sports and institutional, which have an impact on a better quality of life for millions of human beings who practice our beloved sport.
“Consequently, by virtue of the proximity of the next FIFA Congress, the Association that I proudly preside firmly believes and reaffirms that the way is to continue working under its leadership, in order to be able to continue developing a better and, even more inclusive football.”
Argentina’s players and coaching staff are currently under investigation by FIFA following the post-match altercations that marred Spain’s World Cup final triumph on July 19.
FIFA are yet to announce whether Argentina were guilty of violating its disciplinary code at the New York New Jersey Stadium last month.
Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the game as Spain were crowned world champions for the second time in their history.
Arsenal have reportedly made contact to sign Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in the summer transfer window.
It’s been a slow start to the window for the Gunners, who have signed Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier so far.
Tzolis is likely to make an impact on the first team and push to become a potential starter, whereas Meslier is only likely to be a backup.
The North London club were interested in signing Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior in the summer transfer window, but the Brazilian has now signed a new deal with the La Liga giants.
It remains to be seen where Arsenal will turn to next in terms of signing a new winger, but they also appear to be in the market for a new defender.
Arsenal eye Tottenham star
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have made contact over a potential move to sign Tottenham defender Cristian Romero. Unfortunately for Arsenal, Spurs would understandably rather sell abroad.
Romero, described as ‘one of the best centre-backs in the world’ by Roberto De Zerbi, looks set to leave the club this summer, with Atletico Madrid pushing to secure his signature.
The Gunners could be in the market for a new centre-back this summer after William Saliba suffered a back injury after the World Cup.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal have plenty of defensive cover
Even with the injury to Saliba, Arsenal still have plenty of defensive cover at the back.
Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes are all options for the Gunners in defence.
Signing a new defender in the summer transfer window is only going to mean they have too many options when everyone is fit.
A short-term free agent signing would have been a smart move, but investing heavily in a player like Romero doesn’t make too much sense.
The Gunners will be hoping Saliba isn’t out for too long and he can return to action before the end of the year.
West Ham start life in the Championship this weekend with a first round EFL Cup tie at home to Portsmouth.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men then begin their league campaign eight days later with an away trip to fellow relegated Premier League side Burnley.
The Hammers are red-hot favourites to lift the Championship title come May but that will be easier said than done with so many other teams pushing for promotion.
West Ham’s transfer business this summer has so far revolved around outgoings, with Mateus Fernandes and Crysencio Summerville bringing in a total of £140m following their respective moves to Tottenham and Al Hilal.
Transfer incomings may well happen over the coming weeks to further boost their squad for a big year in the Championship.
Hammers making Parrott move
West Ham are making a ‘big play’ for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott, according to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook.
The Republic of Ireland international has thrived in the Eredivisie ever since first linking up with Excelsior Rotterdam on loan during the 2023/24 season.
Following a return of 17 goals in 32 games for Excelsior, AZ paid £6.7m to Tottenham to sign Parrott on a permanent deal.
The Dutch club now look set to make a big profit on the Irishman, who is valued between £20-30m, if he is to depart after plundering 51 goals and also helping them win the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield during his time in Alkmaar.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Parrott’s exploits for the Republic of Ireland on the international stage have also brought him to the attention of clubs, with the likes of Fulham, Ajax, PSV, Real Betis and Como all reportedly showing interest.
The addition of the ‘top, top striker’ would undoubtedly give West Ham some more firepower and strengthen their chances of making an immediate return to the Premier League.
Parrott’s return to England
Parrott has always looked destined to return to England at some point in his career following his goalscoring heroics in the Netherlands for Excelsior and AZ.
Featuring in four games for Tottenham in the 2019/20 season, the Dublin-born player needed loan moves to help aid his development but they didn’t always go to plan, as was the case at Millwall and Ipswich Town.
Following an impressive spell in League One with MK Dons and a decent year with Preston in the Championship, a temporary move to Excelsior was the start of what has been three incredible years for him.
His move to the Netherlands has proved to be the making of him and he will deservedly get a big-money transfer to a club in the not too distant future.
Parrott’s ability to find the net on a regular basis for club and country will stand him in good stead, with West Ham possibly the team set to benefit if he returns to London from AZ prior to the summer transfer deadline.
It is now one month ago since Tottenham confirmed the £100m signing of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
Since then, the club’s transfer business has centered around outgoings with players needing to be moved on to help reshape Roberto De Zerbi’s playing squad.
Transfer incomings still need to happen, though, with the north London club requiring further options in the final third as they attempt to challenge for a top-four finish once again after back-to-back 17th place finishes.
Many fans have called for a new striker to be brought in by the club and the same goes for an additional option on the left wing.
Some have also pointed to a new No.10 due to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski’s injury struggles in recent seasons.
Potential three-way transfer battle
Tottenham are one of three Premier League clubs targeting a move for VfB Stuttgart ace Bilal El Khannouss this summer.
Previously linked with a move to Spurs 12 months ago, the Moroccan instead headed to the Bundesliga club on loan from Leicester City prior to the summer transfer deadline closing for business.
The attacking midfielder enjoyed a strong debut season for Stuttgart last term, contributing nine goals in 41 appearances, and his temporary move was made permanent in May as he penned a long-term contract until June 2029 at the club.
However, a possible exit from the MHPArena is a possibility this summer with Tottenham, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace all interested in the 22-year-old, described as being ‘incredible’.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
According to FußballDaten.de, Spurs have made initial contact with the player’s agent and Stuttgart officials to determine the conditions and structure of a potential transfer.
The report states that Spurs are ready to submit a €30m (£25.7m) offer plus add-ons for El Khannouss as they target a new attacking midfielder.
Due to the player’s form and his contract length, Stuttgart are in a good position when it comes to El Khannouss, and it is reported that the club’s leadership would demand a fee between €40-50m (£34.3m-£42.9m) for the ex-Leicester man.
Loans or purchase options below the figure are not to be considered, with a direct payment or binding purchase obligation something that would be deliberated.
El Khannouss competition
El Khannouss would give De Zerbi options in the final third due to his ability to play as an attacking midfielder or on either flank.
Tottenham do have some excellent options in the No.10 role in Maddison, Kulusevski and Xavi Simons but injury has restricted their playing time over the past 12 months.
De Zerbi took no chances with Maddison on the club’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia after suffering an ACL injury on tour 12 months earlier.
The 29-year-old did feature in the matchday squad for De Zerbi towards the end of last season but only managed three appearances off the bench.
Kulusevski has yet to feature for Spurs since sustaining an injury to his right patella in May 2025.
However, there has been some positive news this week regarding the Swede after stepping up his rehabilitation at the club’s training base with a running session and some ball work alongside Mohammed Kudus.
In terms of Simons, it will be later in the 2026/27 campaign when he returns after suffering an ACL injury himself back in April.
El Khannouss would strengthen De Zerbi’s options at No.10 and also give him further choice on either wing if he joins from Stuttgart.
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