New Delhi, July 8 (IANS) USA striker Folarin Balogun issued an apology to fans after his team’s humiliating FIFA World Cup exit, saying the team was not at its best when it mattered the most. Balogun into the international spotlight when set to serve a one-match suspension after receiving a red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the Round of 32 victory before US president Donald Trump’s intervention helped get his ban overturned so he was able to play against Bel…
Latest Gianni Infantino News & Updates
New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has issued a fiery open letter to Kylian Mbappe, demanding a public apology and threatening legal action over alleged “gender-based violence” after French football called the Paraguayan senator “despicable” and “unworthy of a position” for her “abhorrent and odious” racist remarks. Celeste, who is from Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, posted her comments on X after her country’s defeat by France in the last 16 of the World Cup. In rep…
Seattle, July 7 (IANS) FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had called him regarding the disciplinary case involving the U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, but stressed that the decision to suspend the enforcement of the player’s one-match ban was made independently by FIFA’s judicial bodies. Balogun was sent off for stamping on defender Tarik Muharemovic during the U.S. 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup round of 32 on July 1.Last Sunday, t…
Nyon, July 6 (IANS) European football’s governing body UEFA launched a scathing attack on FIFA on Monday after world football’s governing body suspended the one-match World Cup ban handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun following intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, calling the move a threat to the integrity of the sport.The surprising decision allowed Balogun to play in the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium. It received a lot of criticism from UEFA, coaches, of…
Washington, July 6 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Monday defended his intervention in a controversial red card issued to a United States player at the FIFA World Cup, saying he merely requested a review because the sending-off was unjustified and insisting the tournament should feature its best players.Speaking at the White House after launching the “Trump Accounts” investment programme for American children, Trump confirmed he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the incid…
California, June 26 (IANS) The FIFA World Cup 2026 etched its name into the record books on Friday after becoming the highest-scoring edition in the tournament’s history, with the landmark being reached during the United States’ thrilling Group D clash against Turkey. United States defender Auston Trusty scored the historic 173rd goal of the tournament with an early opener. This surpassed the previous World Cup record of 172 goals set during all 64 matches at Qatar 2022. This milestone occurred …
Toronto, June 12 (IANS) Another name has been added to the players, and officials denied entry to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, an ex-Arsenal player, becoming the latest victim of the controversial policies of the three co-hosts.Partey was denied a visa to enter Canada on Friday, with FIFA yet to disclose the reason for the decision. He will now be unable to play in Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama at Toronto on Wednesday, a news report said on Friday.Th…
New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) From Thursday night, alarm clocks will be ignored, office productivity will dip, and millions of fans will survive on coffee, hope, and football.The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here, and from the millennials, who grew up waking at odd hours to watch Ronaldo, Zidane, and Ronaldinho, to Gen Z supporters documenting every kick, save, and celebration on social media, football’s biggest spectacle has once again united generations in a familiar ritual — sacrificing sle…
New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup began in spectacular fashion on Thursday night as Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca hosted a dazzling opening ceremony that blended football, music, and history on a memorable night.Spanish actress Salma Hayek and FIFA president Gianni Infantino have declared the tournament open and placed the trophy inside the Mexico City stadium.With thousands of fans packing the legendary venue, FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially declared t…
Washington, June 11 (IANS) President Donald Trump has predicted that the upcoming FIFA World Cup would be the most successful in the tournament’s history, citing unprecedented ticket demand and strong global interest ahead of the competition’s opening matches. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday (Local time), Trump said organisers had reported record-breaking ticket sales and described the event as a major success even before the first match had been played.”It’s the most successful World C…