In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
FIFA circulated pre-written letters endorsing Gianni Infantino's presidency to national football associations before his re-election campaign, with signatures pre-filled by the organisation rather than individual associations.
UEFA has declared that FIFA's current leadership has forfeited the confidence of the global football community, welcoming the governing body's decision to scrap controversial plans to sell stakes in competitions including the World Cup to private investors.
Andrea Pirlo's candidacy to become Italy's head coach has encountered significant political resistance over his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet, with Italian parliamentarians and federation officials expressing concerns about the arrangement's compatibility with leading the national team.
Donald Trump will present the trophy at Sunday's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, following his involvement in a red-card controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun. The appearance underscores Trump's deepening relationship with FIFA and his push for America to host the 2038 tournament independently.
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Argentine citizens have thrown their backing behind national World Cup players who unfurled a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following their semi-final triumph over England, while Britain presses FIFA to investigate.
Atlanta authorities are implementing heightened security protocols for the Argentina-England World Cup semi-final, including separate fan entrances and strict controls on political symbols amid historical tensions.
FIFA is projected to earn $9 billion from the 2026 World Cup despite mounting controversies over ticket prices, political interference and competitive integrity. Chief Gianni Infantino faces re-election in 2027 unopposed, with support from Asian, African and South American federations.
Belgium has condemned FIFA's suspension of a red-card ban for a US player following Donald Trump's direct appeal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling it a breach of sporting integrity ahead of their World Cup match.
FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban following presidential pressure has triggered accusations of political interference and threatens the credibility of tournament rules across sport.