The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made its final decision on its investigation into Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA president is an IOC member but has come under heavy criticism for several of his decisions throughout football’s biggest event.
Heading into the tournament, which was co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, there were already question marks surrounding Infantino’s close relationship with the US president. He had controversially presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA ‘Peace Prize’ award and welcomed the world to America, only for widespread visa issues to severely impact supporters, coaches, and even some players hoping to travel stateside during the early stages of the tournament.
Ultimately, it made little difference as the hosts were thumped 4-1, but the decision raised fresh concerns over what other influence Infantino may have had and the potential damage it could do to the integrity of the tournament.
IOC Make Final Decision Amid Calls to Punish Gianni Infantino After World Cup
REUTERS/Henry Romero
The IOC will not investigate Infantino over allegations that the FIFA President breached Olympic rules on political neutrality when dealing with US President Trump. Human rights group FairSquare said they had submitted a complaint to the IOC about Infantino, citing the rescission of Balogun’s red card after Trump asked Infantino to review it.
Infantino is an IOC member, but a spokesperson for the group explained that due to the complaint being focused on FIFA decisions, its ethics commission did not have grounds to investigate. A spokesperson said: “The IOC ethics commission thoroughly analysed the complaint by FairSquare.
“The commission noticed that, pursuant to the Olympic Charter, each international federation (IF) maintains its independence and autonomy in its governance. The IOC Code of Ethics’ scope of application vis-a-vis the international federations and their officials is specifically limited to their relations with the IOC.
“The IOC ethics commission noted that the current complaint, including with regard to the FIFA president, refers only to the IF’s decisions on its governance and its management, including its relations with Government, and to the IF’s implementation of the rules of its sport, which are both outside the scope of application of the IOC code of ethics.”
The statement continued: “Separately from this complaint, as reaffirmed at the recent IOC Session, the IOC will continue its efforts to strengthen good governance across the Olympic Movement and to promote greater clarity regarding the respective roles, responsibilities and accountability of its constituent organisations.”
Infantino was in attendance for the World Cup final with Trump, who came out to boos when stepping out onto the MetLife Stadium. The US President was full of praise for the event following its conclusion on Sunday, describing it as a “spectacular success”.
Trump and Infantino Refuse To Distance Themselves Despite Clear Backlash
REUTERS/Leah Millis
Everyone would have thought two of the most powerful men in the world would have been smart enough to realise that their close relationship is tarnishing their already-shaky reputations, thus prompting them to distance themselves from each other a bit. However, in light of all the controversy, Trump has even tipped Infantino for a role in the United Nations.
The next secretary-general will be elected later this year to replace the retiring Antonio Guterres of Portugal, who is poised to step down in December.
Infantino would need to win the endorsement of the 15-member Security Council – where the five permanent members hold vetoes – followed by confirmation by the General Assembly, in order to secure the position of high-power. It’s highly unlikely, given most leaders – especially in Europe – are opposed to him even continuign as FIFA’s top dog.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua won his final fight before his planned showdown with Tyson Fury later this year with a victory over unheralded Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.
Fury competed in a warm-up bout of his own on Friday night, stopping 46-year-old veteran Mariusz Wach. Joshua got the job done quicker, as he ended his fight in the second round, but he had to survive a huge scare.
Joshua was floored within the first 30 seconds after being caught flush with a right uppercut and would find himself on the canvas again before the end of the session.
Joshua bounced back in the second, securing the win with a devastating left hand that separated Prenga from his senses.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Newcastle United are interested in signing Rangers full-back James Tavernier, although Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC have now emerged as the frontrunners in the race to land the defender, according to TEAMtalk.
Tavernier left Rangers at the end of last season when his contract expired, having made 565 appearances for the Gers, netting 143 times in the process. The Englishman developed a reputation for contributing to goals at a prolific rate from full-back, and thus, it’s no surprise that several clubs are looking to secure his services on a free transfer.
Interest from England, Turkey and the United States has emerged, and Charlotte FC are now deemed the favourites to seal the deal. Newcastle lost Kieran Trippier this summer and are subsequently in the market for a right-back, identifying Tavernier as a potential option.
Newcastle in Race to Sign James Tavernier
The Magpies will be without veteran full-back Trippier for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign, and Eddie Howe seemingly isn’t willing to begin a new season without a seasoned right-back who can influence the game in the final third.
Tavernier is on Newcastle’s transfer shortlist, and the brother of Bournemouth winger Marcus would replace some of Trippier’s key attributes. The 34-year-old has consistently put up elite numbers at the front end of the pitch, popping up with goals and assists at an unprecedented rate for a defender.
According to TEAMtalk, while Charlotte are in a strong position, the race for Tavernier is far from over. Turkish sides Istanbul Basaksehir, Kasimpasa and Amedspor have all held talks over a potential move and are ‘firmly’ in the race.
However, Newcastle are monitoring the situation and are ready to pounce later in the window, once their squad picture becomes clearer. If signed, they will be bringing a defender who broke the record as the highest-scoring defender in British football history in 2024.
The Tynesiders are undergoing a summer of change regarding their roster, with Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and potentially Bruno Guimaraes all on their way out. The club’s hierarchy are eager to see how their new group of players takes shape over the coming weeks, before committing to a deal for Tavernier.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Newcastle Should Be Able to Attract James Tavernier
The north-east outfit could do with a win, and Tavernier could provide them with this. The competition for the former Rangers star is stiff, but there’s no reason why Howe shouldn’t be capable of convincing him to join Newcastle.
While the likes of Charlotte and those in Turkey might be able to offer him a lucrative contract, they cannot offer the chance to play in the Premier League or to keep the player in his home country, surrounded by family and friends.
Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Gianni Infantino has sent a letter to the Argentinian FA. His message comes after Lionel Scaloni’s men were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the final.
The Argentines drew a lot of criticism for their efforts against the Spanish, as they played a physical game and did little in attack. Enzo Fernandez picked up a red card, while there were unsporting scenes at full-time when Leandro Paredes, among others, clashed with the likes of Gavi and Eric Garcia.
In light of all the drama, FIFA boss Infantino has sent a letter to the President of the Argentine FA, Claudio Tapia.
Infantino’s Strange World Cup Letter
REUTERS/Henry Romero
The contents of Infantino’s letter – as reported by the Daily Mail – are quite strange as he praises them for coming second, insisting ‘Argentina won the silver medal,’ before also applauding their ‘professionalism’.
In full, Infantino wrote: “Dear Mr. President, Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain. I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain in memory as an unforgettable celebration of football, marked by spectacular matches, the irruption of new promises, the presence of the great figures of the sport and the extraordinary atmosphere lived in stadiums full of fans.
“The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.
“Please send my sincere congratulations to all who have contributed to this magnificent result: to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, as well as to the coaching and medical staff and, of course, to the many fans who have accompanied and encouraged the team throughout the competition.
“These victories are always the fruit of constant work, professionalism and attention to detail, but also of passion, commitment and love for this wonderful sport. All this augurs a very promising future and, without a doubt, will pave the way for new and great successes for Argentine football.
“I wish you, dear Mr. President, all the best for the next competitions and I hope to see you again very soon. With all my friendship, Gianni Infantino.”
President of the Argentine FA Speaks Out After World Cup Final Loss
REUTERS/Lee Smith
While it’s not yet emerged what Argentina FA chief Tapia has said in response to Infantino’s letter, he has addressed the public after watching his team lose the World Cup final. The FA president was keen to praise Spain for their triumph, insisting that they were deserving winners.
Some Argentinians had felt unfairly treated in the final, with a petition earning around 100,000 signatures. It alleged that Slovakian referee Slavko Vincic and the officiating team’s decisions forced the outcome of the match.
However, Tapia has played down any such notion, stating: “We were unable to get past Spain. We couldn’t beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to acknowledge that.”
He added: “In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories. Yes, we lost a final. But it’s also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country. Argentina had celebrated a match earlier because this team once again demonstrated why it means so much to our people.”
