Sports
FIFA Rubbish Claims Gianni Infantino ‘Keeps Calling’ Donald Trump in Bid to Save Job
FIFA have spoken out amid claims that their president, Gianni Infantino, has repeatedly tried to call Donald Trump in a bid to save his job.
Infantino had the backing of all but a few FIFA members ahead of the World Cup. Prior to this summer’s tournament, over 200 of the 211 FIFA members sent letters to FIFA expressing their support for Infantino’s re-election as president.
However, he has come under serious fire in recent days after he attempted to sell stakes in FIFA’s major tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors.
The backlash was so great that the 56-year-old felt he had no choice but to scrap those plans.
While that decision has been met with relief, many think that Infantino should resign as president. UEFA have led those calls, while Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has also been vocal in his opposition.
Some nations have also withdrawn their support for Infantino. Wales became the first nation to do so, while Serbia and Finland have done the same.
Report Claims Infantino is Repeatedly Calling Donald Trump
Infantino and Donald Trump have become close in the past few years. The Inaugural Club World Cup was held in the United States in 2025, with the President of the United States giving winners Chelsea the trophy.
Trump has also praised Infantino this summer. During the World Cup, after USA star Folarin Balogun had the red card he picked up against Bosnia suspended, Trump said of the 56-year-old:
“This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He’s a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great.”
Trump later called this summer’s World Cup ‘one of the all-time greatest sporting events in history.’
With Infantino under fire, the New York Post have claimed that the Swiss is ‘begging Trump and the White House to save his job.’
They claimed that Infantino wants the Trump administration to help keep him in office and has sought private talks with Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
A source told them: ‘He wanted to get online with the secretary and talk about how soccer can be a form of soft power for America. But we all know that it is about job protection. It is not about anything else at this point.’
They also state that Infantino has ‘repeatedly tried and failed to reach Trump by phone since his plan to sell off the game’s commercial assets to private investors collapsed on Friday.’
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FIFA Rubbish Report That Infantino Has Reached Out to Trump
FIFA have now released a statement claiming the reports are ‘pure fiction.’ The sport’s global governing body wrote on X:
“The FIFA President has not made any call to the U.S President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction.”
Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson has also rubbished the reports. He wrote on X: “There are no plans for @SecRubio to speak with Infantino and there is no call this morning. @nypost should check their sources or they could have just asked us.”
The New York Post have maintained their reporting was correct, however. They argue that a senior source at FIFA insisted the call had been scheduled but was axed after the unwanted attention generated by their reporting.
The Telegraph, meanwhile, have claimed that Trump will do ‘everything in his power’ to save Infantino. It’s said that he has grown fond of Infantino after he helped the United States to host the best World Cup ever.’
Sports
Manchester United Consider U-Turn on Third Midfielder Signing
Manchester United have been linked with signing a third midfielder in the summer transfer window, but they could be about to make a U-turn on their decision.
The Red Devils have already strengthened significantly in the middle of the park as they look to improve Michael Carrick’s squad.
Youri Tielemans has arrived from Aston Villa after United activated his release clause, while they’ve also signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Despite the double midfield signing, United were reportedly in the market to sign a third player in the middle of the park.
Manchester United also need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch if they want to compete on all fronts next season. It’ll be interesting to see what position they prioritise next.
Man Utd plan possible U-turn
According to a report from The Athletic, it was anticipated that Manchester United would look to sign a third midfielder during the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the United hierarchy are considering whether to put that money into other positions, particularly with Mason Mount being one of their best performers during pre-season.
It’s claimed that it is now not certain that another player arrives in midfield, with United plotting a potential U-turn.
United could look to put that money into signing a new left back, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall a player under consideration.
The two additional midfielders signed in the summer window could be enough, but they will be desperately hoping they don’t suffer any serious injuries.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
United could kill two birds with one stone
Manchester United could kill two birds with one stone when it comes to the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.
As mentioned, United have been in the market for both a midfielder and a left back. If they sign a player capable of playing both, then it could be perfect.
Reports have suggested that United are interested in signing Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, who does fit into that category.
The English youngster predominantly played left-back during his time at the Emirates Stadium, but he’s also slotted into midfield as well.
Whether they can poach him from the Gunners remains to be seen, but it could be the idea of signing this summer.
Sports
UFC Lost $30m Hosting Freedom 250 at White House
Just under two months on from UFC Freedom 250 hosted at the White House, UFC’s owners have revealed how much money was ultimately lost due to the costs of hosting the once-in-a-lifetime event.
Due to the overall costs of the event, and the fact that no tickets were released for sale, the hierarchy of the UFC expected a significant loss in profits, but the company still managed to achieve overall growth during the second quarter of 2026.
On Monday, the 3rd of August, TKO Group Holdings released its finances for the second quarter of the year, which included what was expected to be heavy losses from UFC Freedom 250 in spite of the money they were able to regain through sponsors and many other partnerships with the UFC brand.
Statements Released About UFC’s Finances
A brief statement was also released by the company, which read: “With regards to UFC Freedom 250, we incurred significantly higher than normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory.”
TKO’s chief financial officer also revealed the total costs and losses of hosting a UFC event at the White House: “As a reminder, we did not sell tickets and, therefore, did not record any live events revenue.
“Given the events profile, which as anticipated, resulted in an approximate $30 million loss, our margins at UFC as well as on a consolidated basis were meaningfully impacted.”
Prior to the event taking place, many expected the UFC to lose around $60 million. However, the final losses were cut and lessened by the various sponsorships and partnerships that the UFC managed to attract and benefit from.
UFC’s Revenue Increased Despite White House Losses
Despite the hefty losses, TKO reported that the UFC’s revenue increased by 29% year over year, and that the company increased its revenues from $119.8 million to $535.7 million for the second quater of 2026, including an increase in media rights revenue, heavily provided by a brand-new deal with broadcast and production company Paramount.
As expected, the one-time event at the White House would cause a significant loss to the profits and finances of the UFC. However, the recent financial update from TKO has revealed that the $30 million cost of hosting the event would not affect and damage the company and its finances over the long-term future.
With the UFC in safe hands financially for the foreseeable future, the owners and producers can afford to take risks such as the event in Washington and, despite losses, can be regarded as a success.
Sports
Liverpool in Talks to Sign PSG Defender Zabarnyi Alongside Barcola
Liverpool have held talks to sign another Paris Saint-Germain star alongside Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window.
It’s no secret that Liverpool are in the market to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window after Mohammed Salah left the club a few months ago.
PSG winger Barcola appears to be a priority target for the Reds, with Fabrizio Romano confirming they are working on a deal to secure his signature.
The Reds could also look to reinforce other areas in the coming weeks as they prepare to head back in the right direction next season.
It was a disappointing 25-26 campaign for Liverpool, despite managing to just about qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool in PSG double deal talks
According to a report from Dave Ockop, Liverpool have held talks with the representatives of Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have been made aware that there could be an opportunity to explore a deal for the defender.
His camp is presenting him as an option, and talks have been ongoing over the last few days after he was frozen out towards the end of last season by Luis Enrique.
It is claimed that PSG will be looking to at least get their money back for Zabarnyi if they do lose him this summer.
He made the move from Bournemouth for a fee of around £57 million, so it could be an expensive deal for Liverpool to get over the line.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Centre-back signing could be necessary
Signing a new centre-back during the summer transfer window could be crucial for Liverpool.
The Reds already lost Ibrahima Konate after his contract expired, leaving them short of options in defence.
Jeremy Jacquet did arrive, but he has been recovering from a long-term injury. It’s unclear whether he can instantly adapt to Premier League football.
Joe Gomez is another option in the center-back position for Liverpool, but he recently suffered an injury that would keep him out of their opening Premier League game.
Gomez isn’t out for a long period and isn’t a starter in the Liverpool side, but he’s still a backup option who does tend to suffer from regular injury troubles.
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