Fifa

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup fans mock Gianni Infantino as Fifa chief spotted wearing CUSTOM Adidas trainers with his suit

      by

      FANS have been taking great joy from mocking Fifa president Gianni Infantino for his footwear during the World Cup third-place playoff.The 52-year-old was spotted wearing CUSTOM Adidas trainers as he congratulated the Croatian side on their win.
      Fifa President Gianni Infantino has been mocked by fans for his trainersCredit: Getty
      The white Adidas trainers with ‘FIFA’ printed on the side caused a stir on social mediaCredit: Reuters
      The Europeans beat African side Morocco 2-1 in the match to claim third place in the World Cup.
      Josko Gvardiol opened the scoring before Achraf Dari equalised for Morocco. But Mislav Orsic netted the winner in the 42nd minute to give his side the victory.
      But Infantino took the attention of the fans with his trainers, which had “FIFA” printed on the side of them.
      And fans could not help but poke fun at him on social media as one said: “Infantino’s shoes are so tragic”.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      A second wrote: “Fifa, you need to get rid of Infantino purely for wearing white trainers with a suit”.
      A third commented: “Gianni Infantino always looks like a lad in a suit whose ‘good shoes’ are killing him so he wears his runners for watching the footie and getting his steps in”.
      A fourth added: “Infantino: suit, tie and white trainers. Like wearing shoes in the swimming pool”.
      A fifth tweeted: “White trainers with a massive logo on the tongue. Mmmm.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      Infantino has also received criticism for his plans for more winter World Cup tournaments.
      Premier League chiefs have suggested that the idea could ruin two seasons of domestic football due to the required six-week mid-campaign break. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Cardiff City hit with transfer embargo for failing to pay £15m fee for tragic Emiliano Sala who died in plane crash

      by

      CARDIFF CITY have been hit with a transfer embargo after failing to pay the first part of the £15million transfer fee for Emiliano Sala.The Argentine striker died in a tragic plane crash in January 2019 as he flew to Britain after completing his record move.
      The consequences of Emiliano Sala’s tragic transfer to Cardiff continueCredit: AFP
      However, the fall-out resulted in the Bluebirds refusing to pay the first instalment to Sala’s previous club Nantes.
      Cardiff lost an appeal and were ordered by Fifa to make the initial payment of £5.3m but the club continue to dispute the ruling.
      Now, though, they have confirmed they are currently under an embargo and therefore unable to make any new signings.
      Chairman Mehmet Dalman, though, is “confident” the punishment will be lifted before the January transfer window opens.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      He told BBC Radio Wales Sport: “I wish I had the power to lift the shadow of this situation from the club.
      “People at this club want this resolved.
      “People should not forget that a 28-year old man was killed when he there was no need for that accident to happen.
      “There is a human side to this story, it is not just a financial one.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Cardiff are currently in talks with the EFL and Fifa to find a solution while they wait for a Swiss Federal Court verdict to their Court of Arbitration for Sport appeal which is expected to be returned early in 2023.
      Dalman’s club signed 17 new players in the summer transfer window – and yet sat just a point above the Championship relegation zone going into this weekend’s fixtures.
      He added: “There are lots of legal discussions going on and they will continue to go on, but we have received our first invoice from Nantes.
      “We haven’t paid it and at this stage have no intention of paying it, until certain negotiations come to fruition.
      We haven’t paid and have no intention of payingMehmet Dalman
      “This puts the EFL in a position where they automatically put us under a transfer embargo, but until January that is pretty meaningless anyway.
      “Until January I am sure there will be other developments. We are working hard to ensure we can do business then.
      “Should fans be worried we won’t be able to buy anyone in January? Yes and no.
      “We certainly would like to add more players, the manager [Mark Hudson] is keen to do that and we’ve told him to plan accordingly because we believe this is temporary not permanent.
      “But of course it is unpredictable.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I don’t know Mark dreadfully well, but he’s a professional, he understood our position.
      “He didn’t necessarily like it. But we have told him to get his targets in place.” More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Furious Premier League chiefs slam Fifa Club World Cup plan and say it could scupper TWO SEASONS

      by

      PREM chiefs fear Fifa’s Club World Cup plan could scupper TWO successive seasons.Fifa boss Gianni Infantino signalled he is open to another winter World Cup, potentially as soon as 2030, when Saudi Arabia are increasingly confident of landing the big prize.
      Gianni Infantino’s plans for the Club World Cup have been blasted as “unacceptable”Credit: Getty
      That would require another six-week mid-season break for domestic football, either in the November-December period utilised in Qatar or at the start of the year.
      But the launch of the 32-team Club World Cup, which will feature potentially four or more Prem sides out of the 16 European competitors, has caused more concerns.

      It is expected that Fifa will hold the first version of the new tournament, in 2025, as a test event for the following year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
      That will become the norm and so a Saudi World Cup in 2030 would also mean a Saudi Club World Cup the previous year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And if the Big Six were all involved in a tournament that would last at least three weeks, it would leave a huge hole in the Prem fixtures calendar.
      One Prem insider said: “The lack of consultation by Fifa was really unacceptable.
      “This plan wasn’t even on the original agenda for the Fifa Council meeting and it looked as if it was a reaction to the European Court ruling that spelled the end of Super League.
      “But if there was a winter Club World Cup as well, that would be an outrage.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Jamie Carragher added his voice to the discontent regarding the announcement.
      The Liverpool legend fumed: “Like the ridiculous idea of the @FIFAWorldCup every two years, this is another one from Infantino.
      “Players need rest at some point, they are getting treated like cattle.
      “Fifa hate the Champions League and want something similar themselves. 
      “European clubs should boycott it.”
      It has been suggested that Super League chief plotters Real Madrid have been promised as much as £50m per year for four seasons for signing up to the Club World Cup.
      Other major European years have winter breaks of varying lengths, allowing space to reschedule games for clubs involved in the new event.
      But the Prem schedule is based on 34 weekend dates and that will be hard to fit in if the big revenue drivers are overseas for a lengthy part of the campaign. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Africa has talent on and off football pitch to succeed but needs structure to compete with European wages

      by

      IN AFRICA itself, professional football doesn’t do so well, certainly not the club leagues.I’m afraid that, for all the solemn promises and grandiose schemes from Fifa, this will continue.
      The footballing structure in Africa needs improvement if it is to compete with EuropeCredit: Getty
      Morocco made history as the first African nation to make a World Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
      It is truly history-making that Morocco reached the World Cup semi-finals.
      It shouts to the powerhouse football countries that elite-level coaching in the lesser developed world is first-class.
      And the skills are by no means taught by expats, all five countries that made it to Qatar were head-coached by Africans.
      So, we know they have the talent both on and off the pitch to succeed on a world stage.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Where the difference lies is that the average footballer in Africa, from Morocco to Zimbabwe, earns £7,000 a month while the average Premier League wage is more than £250,000 a month.
      This is not a reflection of talent, but a direct reflection on the difference in the domestic leagues’ organisational structures as well as the broadcast rights and sponsorship revenue that each generate.
      The knock-on effect for the African domestic game is that outstanding footballers are quickly made to realise that fortunes are made in Europe, way beyond national boundaries, where top football is easier to come by and wages are much, much higher.
      Now the USA, Japan and the oil states are also tempting their players, emptying Africa of many riches. As ever.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS FOR DECEMBER 2022
      Much of Africa is football barmy but actual progress on their own fields has been gradual, not least because of the lack of equipment, issues around fan safety and the mere fact trim grass is not readily available.
      That has never stopped boys or, increasingly, girls playing the game but unforgiving pitches, from sand to rock, take some overcoming.
      Fifa have plans to help.
      Publishing accounts isn’t their strong point but it is believed they have spent £2.5billion on worldwide assistance in the last six years.
      Divide that among about 200 countries and include too many fat, old committees and employees with a liking for posh offices, pleasant hotels and fleets of cars of their own.
      Fifa profit on the Qatar competition alone is about £7bn.
      In the long run, old-fashioned free-market economics will probably work better than dutiful charity because by all accounts the footballing countries of Africa teem with scouts watching out for talent.
      In time, I hope big TV fees and richer citizens may boost domestic clubs to the point where, say, 20 would form national Premier Leagues which pay players competitive salaries and retain their talent.
      Back in 1977, Pele predicted: “An African nation will win the World Cup before the year 2000.” That didn’t happen but they are edging closer.
      Read More on The Sun
      The precedents for the standard of domestic African football are not good.
      And it isn’t going to be much helped by the plan to have at least nine teams from the continent playing at the expanded World Cup 2026 if the focus remains on individual talent playing outside of Africa, rather than national team development inside of Africa. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      FA chair Debbie Hewitt wants to become UK’s representative on Fifa after lack of English power in World Cup armband row

      by

      FA chair Debbie Hewitt wants to become the UK’s representative on Fifa – to ensure English football has a voice in the world’s corridors of power.Wembley boss Hewitt knows Fifa president Gianni Infantino from her role with sponsors Visa Europe.
      FA chair Debbie Hewitt wants to become the UK’s representative on FifaCredit: Splash
      But the lack of English power at Fifa was made clear by the armband row that dogged the build-up to the opening group game with Iran.
      And that has helped confirm the FA’s belief that it needs to regain the British vice-presidency role taken by Northern Ireland’s David Martin after Hewitt’s disgraced predecessor Greg Clarke was forced to quit in 2020.
      An FA spokesperson said: “International football is a strategic priority for the FA.
      “Debbie Hewitt is standing for the position of Uefa British Vice President in the Fifa Council with the full support of the FA Board.“
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The British vice presidency has been in place since the four Home nations joined Fifa in 1946 and despite threats a decade ago it remains firmly established as part of the hierarchy.
      But England have only held the role for Clarke’s brief 18-month spell from 2019 since the retirement of Geoff Thompson in 2011.
      The decision will cause upset in Belfast with Martin only having served in the £210,000 per year role since April 2021.
      FA chiefs will lodge Hewitt’s candidate papers by the January 5 deadline and unless Martin steps down there will then be a vote of all 55 Uefa members at the Congress in Lisbon in April.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin will actively lobby on Hewitt’s behalf as he agrees European football needs a strong English voice at Fifa’s top table.
      Fifa, too, are understood to be likely to welcome Hewitt’s elevation to the role.
      Debbie Hewitt during a Uefa Nations League match between England and HungaryCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Fifa block Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky from giving World Cup final message to fans

      by

      FIFA have blocked Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky from giving a World Cup Final message – as Gianni Infantino said the pitch must never be a place for protests.Zelensky wanted to “share a message of world peace” via video link to the fans inside the Lusail Stadium.
      Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has been blocked by Fifa from giving a message of peace ahead of the World Cup finalCredit: Alamy
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino does not think the pitch is the place for the messageCredit: Getty
      But the approach was rebuffed with a source in the Ukrainian government complaining: “We thought Fifa wanted to use its platform for the greater good.”
      The decision came soon after Infantino publicly revealed his stance on the One Love armband row with England, Wales and six other European teams for the first time.
      Skippers including Harry Kane and Gareth Bale were wanted they would be booked if they defied Fifa to wear the rainbow-style anti-discrimination armbands.
      Infantino claimed: “I honestly believe we ARE defending values, human rights and the rights of everybody.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “Fifa is an organisation representing 211 countries around the world and there are many different concerns in different countries and cultures.
      “When it comes to regulations, it’s not about prohibiting anything but about playing football on the field of play.
      “Everybody is free to express their views, opinions and beliefs but on the pitch, the field of play, we need to respect football and those regulations protect 211 football teams and their fans.
      “The fans who come to the stadium and the billions watching the World Cup on television, each of them has their own problems.
      Most read in Football
      “They just want to spend 90, 100, 105, maybe 120 minutes plus penalties without having to think about anything else, to enjoy a little moment of pleasure and emotion.
      “We just need to give these people a moment of time in their life where they can forget their own problems and enjoy football.
      “Outside the match, everyone can express their point of view but let’s give that moment of joy to those who want to enjoy it.”  More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Germany star Kevin Kuranyi rushed to hospital after suffering injury in Fifa Legends game at World Cup

      by

      KEVIN KURANYI has been rushed to hospital in Doha after suffering a knee injury.The former Germany striker, 40, was taking part in a Fifa Legends game when he sustained a serious issue.
      Kevin Kuranyi was in action in DohaCredit: Getty
      Kuranyi was featuring in a team alongside the likes of Paulo Wanchope, Oswaldo Sanchez and Jorge Campos when he felt intense pain in his knee.
      According to Bild, Kuranyi had to be immediately rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
      The full extent of his injury is yet to be determined, but it has been reported that he has likely suffered damage to his meniscus and cruciate ligament.
      Speaking after the incident, Kuranyi said: “I noticed right away that something broke in my knee. I can’t say more at the moment.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The forward earned 52 caps for Germany between 2003 and 2008 – featuring at two European Championships.
      He bagged 19 goals for his country, and also enjoyed a prolific club career with Stuttgart, Schalke and Dynamo Moscow.
      Kuranyi is just one of many former stars to have been invited to Qatar to play in the Fifa Legends Cup competition.
      His “Northern Bears” team was up against Nigeria icon Sunday Oliseh’s Africa Lions side when the injury was sustained.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS FOR DECEMBER 2022
      Other legends of the game to have featured in the competition this week include Kaka, Didier Drogba, John Terry, Roberto Carlos and Francesco Totti.
      Matches are being played at Doha’s Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex.
      The venue is primarily used for the ATP and WTA Qatar Opens.
      John Terry played alongside Tim CahillCredit: Getty
      Kaka and Roberto Carlos have been in action at the Fifa Legends CupCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher slams Fifa’s 32-team Club World Cup as ‘ridiculous’ and says players are ‘treated like cattle’

      by

      LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher has slammed Fifa’s 32-team Club World Cup as “ridiculous” and says players are being “treated like cattle”.Fifa president Gianni Infantino revealed the controversial 2025 plans on Friday as they look to compete with Uefa’s Champions League.
      Carragher has slammed plans for a 32-team Club World CupCredit: Getty
      Infantino insists player welfare is being consideredCredit: Getty
      It means the Fifa-run club tournament will more than quadruple in size from the current format with seven sides.
      The world football governing body initially wanted to increase the size of the Club World Cup from seven teams to 24 for China in 2021 – before the pandemic hit.
      Big clubs have already rejected the proposal – and the Premier League has also followed suit.
      And Liverpool legend Carragher has taken aim at Infantino and Co, saying players “need rest at some point”, and that they’re being “treated like cattle”.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Carragher also slammed the idea of a 32-team Club World Cup as “ridiculous” after recently discussing the possibility of a World Cup every two years.
      The Champions League winner fumed: “Like the ridiculous idea of the @FIFAWorldCup every two years, this is another one from Infantino.
      “Players need rest at some point, they are getting treated like cattle.
      “FIFA hate the Champions League and want something similar themselves. 
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      “European clubs should boycott it.”
      However, Infantino says Fifa are considering “the health and wellbeing of players” in their decision to create and expand competitions.
      In his lengthy press conference, Infantino said: “We have to take into consideration the health and wellbeing of players.
      “We need to ensure there is a rest period for players, a holiday period, ideally 72 hours between games.
      “Of course we need to be pragmatic on these topics. We will now consult on all these topics and elaborate.” More