CONCACAF has joined UEFA in rejecting Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell a minority stake in the FIFA World Cup and insisted the sport’s future must remain in the hands of our football family.

Gianni Infantino had set a deadline for FIFA’s 211 member associations to decide whether to back his proposal to sell stakes in the international tournament. The FIFA President sent a letter to those associations as part of a new commercial entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

UEFA released a statement slamming the idea and said that Infantino had “crossed a line.” European nations have since held a meeting and confirmed their intentions to boycott any FIFA competitions if the plans proceed.

CONCACAF Reject Infantino’s World Cup Proposal

REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Infantino asked the football associations to respond to his plans by September 19th. It hasn’t taken long for UEFA and now CONCACAF to inform him that they oppose his idea.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) released a statement and told Infantino that all of their 41 countries “reject” the sell-off plan:

“Concacaf is a confederation united by the love of our game, where football comes first. Guided by this philosophy over the past ten years we have built, from the ground up, an organization founded on service, transparent governance, and the long-term stewardship of football.

“History has shown FIFA and the football family what happens when the custodians of the game lose sight of these values. “With this in mind, Concacaf today convened a meeting of the presidents of its 41 Member Associations, together with its President, Council members, and its FIFA Council members, to discuss a proposal developed and presented by the FIFA President to establish ‘FIFA Forward Enterprise’ and sell interests in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.”

They added: “During the meeting, the membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies. In addition, the need for private equity investment to fund new and existing FIFA Forward programs following the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history was questioned.

“The discussion reinforced the need for greater transparency and proper governance. For these reasons, Concacaf and its 41 Member Associations have: Rejected the proposal, tasked their FIFA Council Members with engaging FIFA to determine how existing FIFA reserves could be used to increase FIFA Forward funding for football development across our region; and tasked their FIFA Council Members with instructing the FIFA President to ensure that any matter follows the proper governance processes via staff and FIFA Council, in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.”

The sporting body concluded: “Through these actions, Concacaf reaffirms that football’s future—and its greatest asset—must remain in the hands of our football family.”

CONCACAF’s 41 member associations include the World Cup co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico. It’s hugely significant as FIFA were working with American banking institution JPMorgan to raise $4.2 billion from private investors.

US President Donald Trump’s administration had reportedly been approached about the deal. FIFA often relies on confederations outside of Europe and South America for voting and CONCACAF’s rejection indicates that backlash over Infantino’s plans are global rather than a UEFA grievance.

Liverpool are now said to be planning to spend huge money on their statement winger signing. The Reds have had a pretty quiet summer so far, snapping up Victor Muñoz, while they had already agreed to sign Jeremy Jacquet to replace Ibrahima Konate, who departed at the end of his contract.

But Andoni Iraola is going to want a handful of signings to polish off his squad and ensure he has the tools he needs to play within his attack-first, largely wing-based style of play. And as luck would have if for the Spaniard, Mo Salah left this summer, leaving an almighty hole on the wing.

Liverpool are expected to address that hole as their main priority, while they could also add to the midfield before the summer is out.

Liverpool ready to spend big on new winger

Reuters/Sam Navarro

PSG winger Bradley Barcola has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer. The France World Cup star is said to have rejected a new contract proposal from PSG this summer, hoping to depart Parc des Princes to become a star elsewhere.

Barcola has played an important role in Luis Enrique’s side, winning two Champions League titles along the way, but the presence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia means a starting role on the left is not going to come any time soon. Barcola has played a supplementary role on the left, and he has had to play out of position to get more regular football.

But at 23 years of age and clearly a huge talent, he feels as though he can play a starring role elsewhere, and he is likely right. Liverpool are hoping to take advantage of the situation, and The Times say they are ready to pay £100million in a bid to make the deal happen.

But PSG value Barcola highly, and buoyed by the huge fees paid within the Premier League this summer, notably by Chelsea for Morgan Rogers and Manchester City for Elliot Anderson, they think Barcola is worth as much as £145million.

Liverpool will want to convince them to lower their fee, and Barcola can help by further pushing for a move, but it’s no secret that PSG do not need the money, and they can be a tough club to negotiate with for that reason.

Barcola an ‘elite’ attacker

REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

PSG boss Luis Enrique is a big fan of Barcola’s, which explains why the French club offered the winger a new deal this summer. The former Spain boss said last year: “I think Barcola is one of the best dribblers in Europe. He has extraordinary qualities. We are delighted with him.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool reporter James Pearce has described Barcola as an ‘elite’ talent, saying: “Victor Munoz, earlier on in the window, was kind of with one eye on the future. He’s still kind of potential rather than the finished article. Barcola is elite, isn’t he? He’s been part of such a successful PSG team, and when you’re replacing someone of Salah’s status, it has to be someone who is ready.”

Tottenham Hotspur could sign Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford this summer, with an offer in the region of £30 million expected to be enough to seal a prospective deal, according to talkSPORT.

Rashford enjoyed a relatively productive stint on loan at Barcelona last term, netting 14 goals and registering 11 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions. Despite this, La Blaugrana opted against purchasing the 28-year-old permanently, instead moving for the player’s international teammate Anthony Gordon, in a deal that came to £69 million with Newcastle.

This has left Rashford in limbo, with his dream move no longer on the cards, and a return to the fold at Old Trafford not said to be on the table.

Arsenal have been linked with a shock move for the Englishman, although it now appears a different North London club could be leading the charge to land the wide forward.

Marcus Rashford Could Make Shock Spurs Switch

Rashford and United have cut ties completely, and thus, the player’s representatives and the north-west club are looking for a solution for him this summer.

Arsenal have long been mooted as a potential suitor for the divisive winger, but talkSPORT correspondent Alex Crook doesn’t believe Mikel Arteta would approve signing a player who doesn’t fit into his dressing room culture at the Emirates.

Instead, Crook has revealed that he ‘could see’ Rashford ending up signing for the Gunners’ North London rivals, Tottenham.

“I think if he goes anywhere in London, I’m keeping an eye on Tottenham,” he told talkSPORT.

“I could see that deal happening. Roberto De Zerbi believes that he can get the best out of Marcus Rashford.

“When you say a cheap deal, I think probably an offer of £30million will be accepted by Manchester United, but you have to factor in he’s on £325,000 a week at Old Trafford, and doesn’t seem too willing to take a pay cut.”

Tottenham Should Avoid Marcus Rashford This Summer

via Reuters

Spurs have spent big on their defence and midfield already this summer, adding the likes of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke to Roberto De Zerbi’s ranks for a combined £237 million.

Thus, the Lilywhites might be looking for a market opportunity as they attempt to bolster their attack. Given Rashford could be available for as little as £30 million, Spurs would be forgiven for viewing the England international as a potential bargain signing.

However, when you factor in his enormous wage package, which Crook alluded to, then the player looks rather expensive all of a sudden. Combine this with his age and the fact that he’d likely want a lengthy contract, and the deal becomes somewhat unappealing.

Spurs continue to be linked with Manchester City’s Savinho, who would come with less baggage, a cheaper wage and many more years ahead of him.