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Backlash for Infantino as UEFA, Concacaf reject proposed sell.of world cup stake, threaten to boycott 2030 World cup 

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FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has faced serious opposition since the world football governing body announced plans to sell world cup stakes to raise mire fund for member associations

FIFA had last week announced that member associations would receive upgraded funds to the tune of $20m each following an it’s proposed selling world cup stakes 

But opposition to thus proposal has mounted with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and European Football Asdovians, UEFA threatening to boycott the 3030 World cup, if FIFA moves ahead with the proposal 

Concacaf has formally rejected FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors, becoming the latest football body to oppose the plan.

The decision was reached after representatives of all 41 Concacaf member associations met on Thursday to deliberate on the proposal.

According to reports, the meeting exposed growing unease among member nations over FIFA’s leadership under president Gianni Infantino.

Similarly, Europe’s leading football associations have rallied behind UEFA’s decision to boycott FIFA competitions if the world governing body proceeds with plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

The strong reactions followed UEFA’s unanimous vote on Thursday to oppose FIFA’s controversial proposal, with several national football associations warning they would withdraw from FIFA tournaments unless the governing body reverses course.

England’s Football Association declared its full support for UEFA, insisting the World Cup should remain in the hands of football.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues and fully support the collective view. We oppose FIFA’s plans — the FIFA World Cup belongs to football and always will,” the FA said in a statement.

Scotland’s Football Association also endorsed the boycott, criticising FIFA over what it described as a lack of consultation and poor governance.

“The Scottish FA Board agrees unequivocally with the concerns raised by all members over the manner in which these proposals have been issued, and the deadline set, without a full consultation process or consideration to good governance,” it said.

Danish FA chairman Jesper Moller dismissed the proposal outright, saying football’s governing body should not allow private investors into its core operations.

“It is out of the question to accede to an agreement of this nature, where we invite private investors into the heart of FIFA. We will therefore support all necessary measures to stop this project,” he said.

Germany also voiced strong opposition through Alexander Wehrle, chairman of the supervisory board of the German FA’s economic and digital subsidiary and chief executive of Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart.

“A line has once again been crossed and he (Gianni Infantino) wants to sell off football,” Wehrle said.

UEFA threatens World Cup boycott if FIFA pushes private investor proposal

UEFA to boycott FIFA tournaments if Infantino’s investment plan goes through

“I don’t believe an association’s overriding principle should be profit maximisation. Something has gone off track here, and it has to stop.”

Sweden’s Football Association echoed UEFA’s concerns, saying any proposal with such far-reaching implications for international football should be handled through an open, transparent and properly consulted process.

Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness warned FIFA that member associations were prepared to follow through with the boycott if the proposal continued.

“We cannot accept a process where a project that changes the very core of our shared model is developed in secret, outside the elected bodies, and presented as a done deal without any consultation,” Klaveness said.

“The message from Norway and UEFA is clear: if this project continues, we will withdraw from FIFA competitions.”

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2026 WWC Playoffs: Dhlamini rallies Banyana for Super Falcons battle

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South Africa defender Karabo Dhlamini has said it is important for Banyana Banyana to beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

Desiree Ellis’ side will face Nigeria in a play-in clash to earn a place in the inter-confederation play-offs following their failure to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Banyana Banyana’s ambition was thwarted after a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash.

Dhlamini insisted that they must take advantage of the second chance to earn a place at the World Cup.

“The goal is still the same,” Karabo Dhlamini told ESPN, adding, “We’ll try our best to win the play-offs because we still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.”

Thursday’s encounter will take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca. It will kick off at 9 pm Nigerian time.

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Transfer: ‘It’s a shame’ – Fermin Lopez reacts as Barcelona captain joins Liverpool

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Barcelona attacking midfielder, Fermin Lopez, has reacted to club captain Ronald Araujo’s move to Liverpool.

Lopez believes it’s a shame that Araujo had to leave Barcelona for the Premier League giants because he is a captain.

Liverpool on Monday signed the 27-year-old defender on a season-long loan deal.

Araujo was part of the Barcelona team that won the LaLiga last season, as he scored three goals in 24 games.

Speaking on Araujo’s move to the Reds, Lopez said (as per SPORT): “He has come to say goodbye.

“It’s a shame, because he is a captain and I have a good relationship with him. He made the decision to continue developing, and I hope he comes back next season.”

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WAFCON 2026: Ordega blames Super Falcons’ exit on poor preparation

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By Our Reporter with agency report 

Francisca Ordega has blamed poor preparation for the Super Falcons’ ouster from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria failed to make it to the last four for the first time in the history of the competition following the Super Falcons’ 1-0 quarter-final defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The West Africans started the competition with a 3-2 shocking defeat to debutants Scorchers of Malawi.

Justine Madugu’s side, however, bounced back with impressive wins against Zambia, and Malawi.

They were bundled out of the competition by Cameroon despite a spirited display.

Ordega told ESPN that the Super Falcons’ preparation for the tournament was not good enough.

When asked whether the team’s preparations were good enough, she said, “of course not. I think it’s something we really need to talk about.

“If you’re coming for a World Cup competition or qualification, you have to prepare because everyone is coming here [with the] World Cup as everyone’s target.”

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