The first European nation has shown support to Gianni Infantino over his hugely-controversial FIFA World Cup stakeholder plan.
The football world has been rocked by FIFA and Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup. Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, is reportedly eyeing a ‘£15 billion sell-off’ to private investors.
In exchange for allowing private investors the opportunity to pay billions for involvement in the planning of future World Cups, Infantino is offering each of FIFA’s 211 member associations the chance to make £15 million ($20 million) instantly if they vote through his plans. A further £50 million ($66 million) will then be given to each association before 2038.
A deadline of September 19 has been set for the 211 member associations to decide if they want to accept the deal.
UEFA accused Infantino of “crossing a line” in a statement released after the plans were revealed by The Times.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” the statement read. “UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
UEFA Member Nation Supports Infantino’s World Cup Proposal
REUTERS/Paul Childs
UEFA, led by its President Aleksander Ceferin, will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday involving all of its 55 member associations.
However, one European nation has rocked the boat by saying it is broadly in agreement with Infantino’s proposals.
The president of Czech Republic’s football association, David Trunda, believes the £15 billion ($20 billion) plot would provide valuable additional funding for grassroots football and infrastructure development in the country.
“I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with [FIFA president] Gianni Infantino and his team,” Mr Trunda told Sky News.
“Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions.”
Despite being an outlier among UEFA’s member nations, Mr Trunda maintains that European football’s governing body remains “a very important partner”.
He added: “I was elected a little more than a year ago, and for me personally all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European football.”
CAF President Also Supports Infantino’s Plan
REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Meanwhile, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has also thrown his support behind Infantino’s plan.
“We took a decision, and I personally support Gianni Infantino,” Motsepe told reporters, per ESPN.
“He’s not just a good friend. He’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa.
“I come from a background where when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back. You never do that.”
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However, the English FA have expressed “deep concern” about the situation, with a spokeswoman commenting: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by Fifa, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”
Further details have been released regarding Anthony Smith’s arrest, as the former UFC fighter faces a trio of felonies, including ‘reportedly threatening to kill’ his wife.
Smith retired from mixed martial arts in 2025 after being defeated by Zhang Mingyang. Since then, however, he has also moved into the bare-knuckle space, with a fight against Chase Sherman in Jorge Masvidal‘s Gamebred MMA promotion.
Despite trying to stay active, Smith is now embroiled in this case and facing serious charges. He was arrested in Sarpy County, Nebraska, on Monday, and the full details of the situation and arrest have now emerged.
Statement Further Explains Anthony Smith’s Arrest
The 38-year-old faces a trio of felonies, which include attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats, and first-degree false imprisonment. Despite being arrested on Monday, he was released on a $500,000 bond.
With the bond agreement, Smith was also ordered to stay away from his wife and have no contact with her while the trial is still pending.
During the bond hearing, more information was revealed by a prosecutor from the Sarpy County Attorney’s Office.
The statement said: “It is alleged that on July 26, 2026, the defendant was involved in an altercation with his wife at a bar in Gretna, Neb, during which he reportedly threatened to kill her if she did not get into his vehicle and go home with him.”
They then added that the confrontation became physical.
“He is further accused of grabbing and pushing her inside the vehicle. At one point, during the drive, she was able to exit the vehicle. The defendant allegedly continued making threats, demanding that she get back inside the vehicle.
“After arriving home, she again exited the vehicle. Investigators allege that the defendant attempted multiple times to use the vehicle to strike her. The defendant’s wife was able to get out of the way and avoid any physical harm.”
Smith eventually turned himself into authorities after an arrest warrant was issued. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on the 17th of August.
Liverpool fans have encouraged one of their star players to ‘pack their bags’ as footage of their actions following the Reds’ 1-0 win over Wrexham on Wednesday has quickly surfaced online. Andoni Iraola’s side prevailed at New York’s Yankee Stadium, courtesy of a deflected effort from teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha in the 75th minute.
Dominik Szoboszlai captained Liverpool for the night and put in a good performance, while young midfielder Trey Nyoni heavily impressed again in a deeper role, like he had in a recent appearance against Sunderland. Besides those two, it was a very experimental side, with the likes of Calvin Ramsay, Calum Scanlon, and Harvey Elliott also among the starters.
Yet, it was a substitute that has caused uproar after the match. In what should have been a rather plainsailing occasion for the Premier League side, footage has now emerged of one Reds’ player appearing to cause a huge argument with his teammates – one that has his supporters theorising his Anfield departure.
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
A 35-second clip following Liverpool’s pre-season win in midweek appeared to show Curtis Jones – who came off the bench in the 50th minute – throwing his arms around and getting progressively angrier at his teammates about something. He first spoke to captain Szoboszlai, before the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Kostas Tsimikas tried to calm him down. Watch the incident below:
While it is unclear what provoked the midfielder after the full-time whistle blew, his fans have quickly theorised that it might have been something to do with the fact he didn’t receive the captain’s armband once Szoboszlai came off with 15 minutes to go, raising suspicion about the local lad’s bloated ego.
Reacting to the incident, one X user wrote: “See ya Curtis Jones, off you go. Thinks he’s better than he is. If he wasn’t Scouse he wouldn’t still be there,” as a second added: “Arrogant f****r who thinks he is miles better than he is. Pack your bags. A third remarked: “Just sell this idiot already.”
Meanwhile, a fourth continued: “If he wants to go, let him go”, as a fifth concluded: “His attitude these preseason games has been pathetic. Just sell him already, he clearly doesn’t wanna be here anymore and has an ego like he’s prime Iniesta.”
Liverpool’s Transfer Business Needs A Lot of Work
via Reuters
At present, the Reds have secured deals for World Cup winner Victor Munoz and Ibrahima Konate replacement Jeremy Jacquet, but there is still a feeling that more arrivals are needed before Iraola has the tools to succeed at Anfield.
Liverpool’s recruitment team are trying to work out a deal to bring Bradley Barcola through the doors in a deal that will exceed the £100 million mark again, but midfield needs to be prioritised, too. Jones looks increasingly likely to leave the club, while Ryan Gravenberch’s desire to venture forward means Iraola’s options in defensive midfield are limited.
With a little under a month until the Premier League season gets underway as the Reds take a trip to Newcastle, it remains to be seen whether they will add another midfielder to their squad. The feeling is that they certainly need one.
It has been a summer of upheaval for Newcastle United so far and things are only going to get worse as news emerged on Thursday morning that manager Eddie Howe would be leaving the club.
Howe was under pressure for vast swathes of the 2025/26 season, with Newcastle finishing 12th in the Premier League. And now the Englishman is departing St James’ Park.
Both the manager and the club initially agreed they would continue together this season, but Howe has decided it is time to move on and has informed Newcastle that he will step down.
The Magpies have not wasted nay time lining up a successor though, with Matthias Jaissle of Al Ahli, set to be named as his replacement.
