FIFA’s plan to bring private investment into the commercial operations of its major competitions has triggered sharp opposition across football. Published on July 29, 2026, the report says several European football federations could move toward boycotting future World Cups if the proposal is implemented. The dispute has created a major impasse around FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s new initiative.

FIFA recently announced it would create a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprises, to manage commercial activities for the World Cup, Club World Cup and other leading tournaments. It plans to sell up to 21 percent of the company to private investors and raise about $4.2 billion. FIFA says the money would be spent on development projects in its 211 member countries.

UEFA has opposed the plan, while several federations within its membership are preparing for an emergency meeting. They may discuss tougher measures, including a future World Cup boycott, if FIFA does not withdraw the proposal. CONCACAF, the English Football Association, the Asian Football Confederation, and authorities in Germany, Denmark and France have also voiced concern. La Liga president Javier Tebas called the proposal election campaigning, and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized it.

Premier League champions Arsenal are assessing the possibility of signing Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, according to a report published on July 29, 2026. Any formal move would depend on progress in his contract talks with the Spanish club. Arsenal could act if Vinicius does not renew his deal with Real Madrid.

The Athletic journalists David Ornstein and James McNicholas reported that Arsenal have considered several players to strengthen their attack, with Vinicius among the biggest names on the list. The interest remains at an early stage, and there is no certainty that a transfer will materialise. No formal talks have taken place between Arsenal and Real Madrid, although the idea has received positive support across Arsenal.

Vinicius has one year remaining on his current contract, with no progress reported in renewal discussions despite eight consecutive seasons at Real Madrid. The club would not want to lose him without a transfer fee and would also owe him a significant loyalty bonus if his contract expires next season. He scored 22 goals in all competitions in 2025-26, and has recorded 128 goals and 100 assists in 375 Real Madrid appearances since joining from Flamengo in 2018.

Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee, has opened an inquiry into FIFA’s relationship with President Donald Trump, his administration and his associates. In a letter sent Sunday to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Raskin requested records of communications, gifts, payments or benefits involving FIFA and Trump-linked figures. He also asked Infantino to take part in an interview for the congressional record.

Raskin sought visitor logs for FIFA’s office in Trump Tower, which opened last July. The letter cited controversy over Trump receiving the newly introduced FIFA Peace Prize at a World Cup draw in Washington and allegations that he contacted Infantino over the lifting of US forward Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension. FIFA later lifted the suspension, prompting criticism and dissatisfaction from football associations in several countries. The letter also questioned FIFA’s ethics accountability structure and ticket sales using dynamic pricing.

Raskin asked FIFA to provide the requested documents and arrange an interview by August 9. Without Republican support, he cannot compel Infantino to appear because Democrats do not hold a House majority. Infantino said Monday that critics were spreading hatred and false information, while describing the World Cup as a successful event. The report said he has support from more than 200 member countries before the FIFA presidential election in March.

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of France’s national football team, the French Football Federation confirmed in social and official statements. The 54-year-old former France player and Real Madrid coach has signed a contract running through 2030, beginning a new chapter for French football.

Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who left after France were eliminated by Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. French media had identified Zidane as a likely successor following Deschamps’ departure, and the federation has now formally handed the French dugout to the former national-team star.

As a player, Zidane won the World Cup with France in 1998. His coaching record at Real Madrid includes three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. He had remained away from coaching since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, making this appointment his return after a five-year break. His stated focus is to rebuild France under a long-term plan and pursue new trophies through 2030.

Jannatul Ferdous Fariha Moni, a teenage footballer from Nandaraypur village in Lalpur upazila of Natore, was named Man of the Tournament at the national Under-14 girls’ football competition organised by Notun Kuri Sports. She received the individual honour at the closing ceremony held Monday at Dhaka’s Army Stadium, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented awards to players from the champion and runner-up teams.

Fariha played a key role in taking the Rajshahi division to the final. She scored four goals in a 5-0 win over Barishal and added one in a 2-0 semifinal victory against Khulna, accounting for five of her side’s seven goals across the two matches. Although the team did not win the final, her performance throughout the tournament impressed the judges. Fariha credited her teammates’ passing and said the achievement belonged to the whole team.

The player trained at North Bengal Football Academy after cycling about eight kilometres daily despite poverty, household work and social taunts. Coach Mohammad Jewel supported her with travel costs, training expenses and equipment. Lalpur’s executive officer, Barkat Ullah, said the administration would stand by talented athletes like her, while Jewel said proper care and opportunity could bring her further success.

Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee, has opened an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino over relations between football’s governing body and the Trump administration. In a detailed letter sent Sunday, Raskin requested documents and asked Infantino to appear for an untranscribed interview. The report was published on July 28, 2026.

Raskin sought records and communications concerning any gifts, payments or benefits FIFA gave to Trump and his associates. He also requested visitor logs for FIFA office space acquired in Trump Tower last year. FIFA awarded Trump its newly created “FIFA Peace Prize” at the World Cup draw in Washington last December, while the organization opened a new office in Midtown Manhattan’s Trump Tower in July last year.

The letter also cited the Justice Department’s decision to dismiss indictments in a US government investigation into corruption in world football, including cases brought in 2015 against more than 20 senior FIFA officials and sports-marketing executives. Raskin alleged that FIFA’s ethical safeguards and ethics committee were weakened under Infantino. The report also described criticism after FIFA lifted Folarin Balogun’s suspension following Trump’s calls seeking a review.

Brazilian star Neymar has faced fresh controversy at Santos over his training attendance and alleged treatment of teammates. Globo Sport reported that after Santos drew 2-2 with Chapecoense on Saturday, Neymar went to the Pele Training Center on Sunday but did not take part in the scheduled recovery session. The report alleged he remained briefly without club permission, took photographs, drank coffee and then left the center.

Social media speculation also claimed Neymar used harsh and insulting language toward young midfielder Gabriel Bontempo and defender Joao Ananias in the dressing room after the match. Neymar directly denied the allegation in an Instagram video, saying he made no insulting comments toward young players and had instead urged the entire team to improve. He also rejected claims that he deliberately received a yellow card to be suspended for the next match.

Globo said several Santos board members visited the training center to monitor the club's internal atmosphere following the recent events. The report said some players were uncomfortable with Neymar's conduct, alleging public criticism of mistakes affected younger players' confidence. Earlier this year, Neymar apologized to Robinson Junior after a reported slap during training following club intervention.

Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention to become Italy’s national football team coach after controversy over his commercial relationship with Russian betting company Funbet. The former 2006 World Cup winner announced the decision on Instagram before any formal appointment, following political and ethical questions surrounding the association.

The Italian Football Federation had considered Pirlo its leading candidate after Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola indicated they were unavailable. Pirlo became Funbet’s global brand ambassador while coaching in the United Arab Emirates, and his recent appearance at a company event in Moscow renewed the controversy. The relationship drew criticism from political circles and part of the football administration in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Pirlo said his involvement with Funbet was entirely commercial and carried no political position or message. He said leading the national team would have been a great honour, but withdrew in the interests of his personal dignity and Italian football. His departure has renewed uncertainty over Italy’s coaching search, with Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte reportedly being discussed as possible candidates.

Bangladesh will host the President’s Challenge Cup and a joint archery training program beginning July 30, with representatives from 26 countries. The announcement was made at a news conference at the Dutch-Bangla Bank auditorium in the Bangladesh Olympic Association building. Bangladesh Archery Federation president and World Archery Asia president Kazi Rajib Uddin Ahmed Chapol, alongside secretary general Syed Tanvir Rayhan, presented details of the event.

The initiative has two parts: the joint training program and the World Archery Asia President Challenge Cup. Archers and coaches from different countries will receive joint training at the Archery Training Academy in Tongi, followed by competition under international archery rules. A total of 114 participants, including male and female archers, coaches, officials, guests and technical officials, are expected.

Archers and officials from 17 countries will participate, while technical officials and guests from nine additional countries will bring total national representation to 26. Mixed-team matches will pair male and female archers from different countries based on results, with athletes from the same country not competing against each other. World Archery Asia is providing financial support, while Mousumi Industries Limited (Cute) is the sponsor.

Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final 1-0 to Spain on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to the report. The article says criticism in international media focused more on Argentina’s conduct than its performance after the defending champions lost the title. Citing an analysis by the Los Angeles Times, it says Argentina lost not only the trophy but also professional standing built in international football.

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for an aggressive foul in stoppage time. After the final whistle, Argentina players reportedly became involved in a confrontation with Spanish players. Leandro Paredes was accused of grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat. The report also alleges that Argentina players stood with their backs turned toward Spain during the trophy presentation.

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, reportedly left through a rear stadium exit rather than appearing in FIFA’s required mixed zone for media. Spain’s composed conduct and performance were praised in contrast. The report says Spain conceded only one goal in eight tournament matches. Coach Luis de la Fuente stressed human values and empathy, while Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the team must learn to accept defeat with courage.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni signed a young fan’s symbolic “contract” to lead the side through the 2030 World Cup while visiting his hometown of Pujato after the 2026 World Cup. The moment involving Franco Otaviani was filmed and quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussion in Argentine football as uncertainty continues over Scaloni’s future with the national team.

Scaloni had returned to Pujato to spend time with his family after the World Cup, and fans have been gathering outside his home seeking photographs and autographs. Unlike other supporters, Franco brought a paper reading in Spanish, “Contrato para el Mundial Twenty Thirty,” meaning a contract for the 2030 World Cup. Scaloni signed it without hesitation.

After receiving the signature, Franco looked into the camera and told Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, “Now it is your turn,” referring to a formal renewal. Scaloni said after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain that he would remain in charge until December under his current contract before deciding his future. Tapia has publicly expressed confidence in Scaloni and a desire to retain him. The fan’s document has no legal value.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the next World Cup will be developed into a profitable event for Bangladesh Television, rather than being limited to free broadcasting. He made the remarks at a joint press conference of the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry at the Department of Information conference room in the Secretariat on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Swapan said the government has set a goal of earning revenue from the large advertising market in the entertainment sector. He said that with cooperation and continued encouragement for the current initiative, the next World Cup could move beyond a zero-cost model and become a profitable undertaking.

A letter of greetings and thanks was presented to the information minister on behalf of State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Islam for creating an opportunity to broadcast the 2026 World Cup football matches smoothly. Swapan said this year's World Cup football broadcasts were carried out without spending money from revenue, with encouragement and support from the sports ministry. He also called on young people to pursue the goal of establishing sports as a respectable profession.

The International Olympic Committee has rejected a complaint accusing FIFA president Gianni Infantino of breaching political neutrality, saying the case falls outside the jurisdiction of its ethics commission. An IOC spokesperson said on Friday that the commission had reviewed FairSquare’s complaint in detail but could not accept it because its central issues concerned FIFA’s internal administration, relations with governments and decision-making as an international football body.

FairSquare filed the formal complaint on July 13. It alleged that Infantino, an IOC member since 2020, had repeatedly expressed public political support for US President Donald Trump, contrary to the Olympic Charter’s principle of political neutrality. The complaint also called for an investigation into allegations of Trump’s influence in the lifting of a red-card suspension for United States forward Folarin Balogun at the 2026 World Cup.

The IOC said international federations have their own administrative independence, preventing it from investigating FIFA’s internal decisions or its relationships with governments. FairSquare had submitted complaints to both the IOC and FIFA following controversies involving Infantino and Trump during the World Cup. A separate complaint filed with FIFA’s ethics committee remains unresolved, with FIFA yet to announce a final decision.

Sylhet and Mymensingh regions reached the boys’ final, while Rajshahi and Rangpur regions advanced to the girls’ final of New Kuri Sports football. The semifinal round concluded with competitive matches and notable performances by young players at the Mohammadpur Physical Education College ground. The four teams will contest for the titles at Army Stadium on July 27.

In the first boys’ semifinal, Sylhet defeated Barishal 3-1, with Nafizuzzaman Jihad scoring twice. Mymensingh then beat Rangpur 1-0 in the second semifinal. Midfielder Ratul Moral scored the decisive goal for Mymensingh in the 21st minute of the first half.

Rajshahi secured a 2-0 win over Khulna in the first girls’ semifinal. Fariha opened the scoring in the 57th minute, before Jinnat Mehrun added another goal in extra time. In the other girls’ semifinal, Rangpur defeated Mymensingh 1-0. Smriti Kisku scored the match-winning goal in the 11th minute of the second half to send Rangpur into the final.

Sports State Minister Aminul Haque visited the athletes’ camp of Bangladesh’s Commonwealth Games contingent in Glasgow, United Kingdom, to encourage participating athletes and officials. The report, published on July 25, 2026, said the visit came at an important time as the competition was set to begin.

Haque expressed hope that every Bangladeshi athlete would demonstrate the fullest reflection of their talent and training. He wished success for the entire contingent and voiced strong confidence that the team would enhance the country’s reputation in the international arena through dedication and pride.

According to the report, the minister’s direct presence created renewed enthusiasm among the Bangladesh contingent. His visit and motivational message are expected to strengthen the athletes’ mental resilience and confidence as they prepare for the main contest.