Fifa

ARSENAL icon Arsene Wenger has been “brainwashed” into making “stupid statements” since joining Fifa, according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken.The Gunners legend, 73, who joined football’s world governing body in 2019, is currently the organisation’s head of global development.
Arsene Wenger made some controversial comments during the World CupCredit: Getty
Norway coach Stale Solbakken is not impressed with Wenger’s commentsCredit: Reuters
He hit the headlines during the World Cup for claiming the teams that had focused on football over politics had fared better on the pitch.
This was viewed as a pointed dig at Germany and Denmark – who were vocal in their opposition of the competition going to Qatar and subsequently lost their first game.
They both went on to exit the tournament in the group stage.
Wenger said: “You know when you go to a World Cup, you know you can’t lose the first game.
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“The teams who have the experience to perform in tournaments like France and England played well in the first game.’ 
“The teams who were mentally ready, with a mindset to focus on competition, and not the political demonstrations.”
Many issues around Qatar had been discussed before and continued throughout the competition, namely the treatment of migrant workers, the LGBTQ community, and human rights abuses.
Now Norway head coach Solbakken, whose country categorically opposed the Qatar tournament even before they failed to qualify, has slammed ex-Arsenal boss Wenger’s decision to support the event.
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Speaking to Norwegian channel TV 2, he said: “It shudders to see that the smartest man in the world, Arsene Wenger, who has been looked up to over the years, has somehow been brainwashed and is now making the most stupid statements.
“It’s scary with all the people we’ve looked up to in the football world for years.
“There’s a polarisation going on right now, and I’m afraid it’s going to get worse.”
Earlier this year, Norway’s president Lise Klaveness criticised the decision to award the tournament to Qatar.
And in 2021, the team, which included Erling Haaland, wore protest T-shirts ahead of their World Cup qualifiers. More

FIFA are reportedly re-thinking their format for the next World Cup after the group stage success of Qatar.They are due to have 48 nations competing at the showpiece in North America.
Fifa are re-thinking their plans for the format of the 2026 World CupCredit: Rex
The governing body came up with the plan to 16 groups of three teams at the next tournament in 2026.
That would result in two from each moving on to the next stage.
However, there are fears that it could be “dangerously dull” and also encourage unsporting behaviour.
The risk of “dead” matches is also worrying. If the final group game was between two countries that had already won one apiece and were therefore already qualified there would be no motivation or point to the match.
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Ahead of this World Cup, Fifa did admit their concern about the possibility of contrived results as teams may engineer a result that would ensure they both progress while the non-playing member of the group would be eliminated.
Vice president Victor Montagliani admitted: “It’s an issue that has been raised.”
48 teams are due to start the 2026 World Cup tournament, which will then be reduced to 32 following the group phase as the knockouts begin.
But alternative formats are now on the table and Fifa’s Council will decide next year which one to go with.
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According to Fifa’s head of global football development Arsene Wenger, they are 12 groups of four teams, with the best third-placed teams advancing alongside the first and second.
Another is the World Cup being split into two separate halves of 24, with each having six groups of four teams. 
That would result in the winner of each half eventually meeting in the final.
And given the number of dramatic final group games that we witnessed in Qatar, a report from Reuters claims that is the “more viable proposition” for chiefs.
The only issue with that would be the increase in the number of matches.
There were 32 teams that entered Qatar which had a total of 64 games being completed in the space of 29 days.
And, at least for now, the 2026 edition will have 80 games in 32 days.
But it would need at least an extra week for four team groups as there would be 104 matches to be played.
However, the extra TV revenue that would bring is also something that could tempt Fifa. More

FIFA will crack down on journalists taking selfies after Cristiano Ronaldo fired a thinly veiled swipe towards reporters.A number of reporters in the mixed zones of stadiums have been spotted taking selfies with footballers, including the former Manchester United ace.
Cristiano Ronaldo fired a dig towards journalists taking selfies in the mixed zoneCredit: PA
Fifa have vowed to start cracking down on selfies in the mixed zoneCredit: Twitter / @Titouanlrt
Fifa is now taking steps to address Ronaldo’s complaintCredit: Twitter / @Titouanlrt
Some journalists are superfans of Ronaldo’sCredit: Win Sports
This Colombian journalist, Eduardo Luis López, has a striking Ronaldo haircutCredit: Win Sports
He might just be his number-one fan full stopCredit: Win Sports
Ronaldo has scored one goal so far this World CupCredit: Getty
And now the World Cup’s governing body will take action against press members who break new rules.
Record report that Fifa has put posters up and made it abundantly that it is forbidden to film, take photographs and selfies in the zone after Ronaldo’s dig.
Portugal ace Ronaldo took issue with the act after the game between his nation and Ghana.
As he walked through the zone, he said: “Journalists just want to take pictures now, they don’t ask questions.”
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Ronaldo has once again been the centre of media attention in the Portugal camp.
He was blasted by boss Fernando Santos after sulking when he was substituted in the 2-1 defeat to South Korea.
He then made headlines again without even playing as he was dropped for Portugal’s Last 16 clash against Switzerland.
However, Santos’ decision turned out to be an inspired one as Portugal ran out 6-1 winners with rookie Goncalo Ramos netting a hat-trick.
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Ahead of the quarter-final clash against Morocco, a sensational report claimed Ronaldo threatened to LEAVE the Portugal camp, claims which Portugal fervently deny.
Ronaldo reportedly missed training with the rest of the Portugal team yesterday. More

FRANCE have given a warning for Kylian Mbappe’s failure to turn up for his post-match media duties at the World Cup.The superstar was prepared to front up the cash himself if they were fined however.
Kylian Mbappe was named man of the match against PolandCredit: Getty
The Frenchman has scored five goals at this World CupCredit: Rex
According to Fifa rules, players named man of the match must attend a post-match press conference.
But the the 23-year-old didn’t show up after scooping the awards against Australia and Denmark.
He finally broke his silence after claiming the accolade for his devastating performance against Poland.
Mbappe explained his decision, although El Parisien confirmed that FFF have been warned.
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He said: “People have been asking why I haven’t appeared in front of the media. I just needed to focus on the tournament and on football.
“When I want to concentrate, that is how I do it.
“I heard the FFF is going to get fined, so I will pay it as I don’t think the FFF should pay on my behalf.
“This is the competition of dreams and I’m delighted to be here and I wanted to be ready.
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“I’ve been preparing all season, physically and mentally, but we are still a long way from the ultimate objective.”
Mbappe’s brace in the last-16 means he already has NINE World Cup before his 23rd birthday.
Those numbers mean the PSG star is only seven behind Miroslav Klose. More

ANGRY Moroccan fans are up in arms against Fifa over the lack of tickets for their last-16 showdown with Spain.Like fellow North African side Tunisia, the Atlas Lions have been roared on by huge crowds in Qatar.
Morocco fans are desperate to watch their team take on Spain in the World Cup last 16Credit: PA
Thousands of supporters have travelled to cheer on the Atlas LionsCredit: EPA
But ex-pats in the Gulf state and those back home are now accusing tournament chiefs of pricing them out of backing “Avocado head” Walid Rekragui and his team as they bid to go make Moroccan football history.
Cities across the country have witnessed scenes of wild delight as Rekragui’s side topped Group F with wins over Belgium and Canada and a draw with Croatia.
That has only led to the demand for tickets, with the state airline Royal Air Maroc scheduling a series of flights to Doha for supporters to travel.
But fans have complained the tickets are simply not available with claims black market prices have gone up by £200 or more.
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Social media users accused tournament bosses of “manipulating” the situation because “Fifa does not want the Moroccan supporters to attend”.

That complaint has been vehemently denied by world chiefs, but it is a signal of how much of an impact Rekragui and his team have made.
The coach, who now jokes about what was originally a derogatory nickname aimed at his bald head, made the key decision to restore Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech to his squad after the wide-man was booted out by Bosnian predecessor Vahid Halilhodzic.
Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri said: “The coach has brought happiness to us as a squad – and we are now bringing that happiness to the people.
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“It means so much that we have managed to achieve this dream of getting through the group.
“But now we are determined to continue the dream in Qatar with the same will, the same determination and perseverance.
“We are not going to get intimidated by Spain and what they represent.
“Our focus will be on ourselves, our abilities, and the possibility of presenting a level worthy of the Moroccan national team in order to continue the adventure successfully.” More

CHEEKY Senegal appeared to put two fingers up at Fifa in their pre-match press conference today to preview Sunday’s England game.The Lions of Teranga had been fined £8,700 by football chiefs for failing to put a player up for their session with the media the day before their win over Ecuador.
Senegal’s third-choice goalkeeper Alfred Gomis was selected for the team’s press conferenceCredit: AFP
This time they did make sure one of their squad members was in attendance… but picked their third-choice goalkeeper.
Alfred Gomis lined up alongside assistant Regis Bogaert, who was standing in for ill boss Alious Cisse.
That is despite the stopper playing ZERO games for club side Rennes this season and having next to no chance of featuring against the Three Lions.
At club level, Cisse is behind France stopper Steve Mandanda.
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It is expected that Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will start in between the sticks for Senegal, having played in each game so far.
Senegal qualified for the knockout rounds after they finished second in their World Cup group behind the Netherlands.
However, they were almost eliminated during their game against Ecuador, but a winning goal from Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly was enough to earn their spot in the round of 16.
Senegal will be considered the underdogs when they take on Gareth Southgate’s side.
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England topped their group with two wins and a draw, in the three games, they managed to score nine goals and only concede twice.
The winners of the round of 16 match will face one of France or Poland in the quarter-final stage. More