Dan Sheldon
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Articles by Dan Sheldon
UEFA demands FIFA answer 42 questions on Peace Prize, Folarin Balogun’s red card, FFE
UEFA has demanded answers to 42 questions from FIFA over Folarin Balogun’s red card, the FIFA Peace Prize and the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) controversy. At the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, on October 15, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told those in attendance, which included Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, to submit their questions in writing so he could answer them at their next meeting in December.
IOC scraps commissions on human rights, gender equality in favor of ad hoc system
The International Olympic Committee has decided to scrap a commission on gender equality, diversity and inclusion and another on human rights in favour of working groups that will be used on an ad hoc basis. This follows a review and consultation process that has lasted for over a year, with the IOC announcing a total of 12 commissions will be disbanded.
Spain hit with partial stadium closure by FIFA for Islamophobic chanting in Egypt friendly
Spain have been hit with a partial stadium closure and fined €20,000 by FIFA for Islamophobic chanting from the stands during their friendly with Egypt on March 31. Sections of the crowd at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium in Catalonia were seen jumping and heard singing: “bote, bote, bote musulman el que no bote”, which translates to “jump, jump, jump, whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim”. The chant was heard late in the first half and shortly after the break.
FIFA Peace Prize could be scrapped a year on from Donald Trump win
FIFA’s controversial Peace Prize could be scrapped at the end of the year — only 12 months after U.S. President Donald Trump received the inaugural award. At a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday, it was decided that the governing body’s football social responsibility committee will now be tasked with assessing the merits of what was supposed to be an annual prize.
Arsenal are champions of England and on a ‘positive trajectory’. So why are they proposing staff cuts?
Arsenal have assembled one of the best teams in Europe and have one of the most highly-rated managers leading their squad. But despite winning last season’s Premier League and posting record revenues for 2024-25, staff at the north London side were informed on Wednesday that 60 positions across a number of departments were going to be made redundant.
Arsenal plan to make 60 staff redundant
Arsenal have told staff that redundancies at the club are being planned despite winning last season’s Premier League title and announcing record revenues for 2024-25. The club told staff the intention is to make 60 positions redundant in a bid to make significant savings, with cuts set to be across a number of departments.
FIFA is expected to put forward a proposal that would see more than $6billion distributed back into the game between 2027-30 — more than double what was previously earmarked for the same period. This would mean member associations receive $25m — up by $15m from the planned $10m payment — over the four-year cycle, with $99m also provided to each of the six football confederations during the same period.
Netflix secures Spanish broadcasting rights for 2030 World Cup Original
Netflix has secured the rights in Spain to broadcast the 2030 men’s World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. The American subscription-based streaming company already has the exclusive global rights to broadcast the 2027 and 2031 editions of the Women’s World Cup, but this is the first time it has sealed an agreement to broadcast the men’s World Cup.
FIFA VP softens stance on Gianni Infantino, proposes internal working group to help reform
The president of the Asian football federation has appeared to soften his stance on Gianni Infantino and FIFA reform in a letter to the under-fire president of soccer’s governing body. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has previously been highly critical of Infantino and held the position that he should step down from his role in the wake of the Swiss-Italian’s failed FFE plan.
FIFA accuse UEFA of running ‘misinformation campaign’ against Gianni Infantino
FIFA has accused UEFA of running a “misinformation campaign” against Gianni Infantino and has hit back at the claim that he was going to “benefit” from a “fraudulently off-market price” regarding the scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. In a new legal filing in the Southern District of Florida, FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, has responded to UEFA’s request for the disclosure of documents in advance of potentially launching “criminal proceedings” against Infantino in Switzerland.
Gianni Infantino opens door to increased money distribution from FIFA’s $6bn reserves
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has opened the door to distributing more money to member associations from the governing body’s $6billion reserves.
Manchester City charges: Premier League clubs planning legal action in response to guilty verdicts
Premier League clubs are planning legal action in response to Manchester City being found guilty on almost all the charges relating to breaches of the league’s financial regulations. Several teams mobilised leading lawyers some time ago to ascertain what they may be eligible to claim for, and a number of clubs are talking to each other about this.
Gianni Infantino says he is open to dialogue over FIFA reform
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has outlined that he is open to dialogue over reform at world soccer’s governing body in a letter sent to FIFA Council members and the presidents of all 211 member associations. In the letter, sent on Monday and seen by The Athletic, Infantino addressed the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and has put forward two separate reform plans ahead of the FIFA Council meeting on October 15.
Saudi club handed two-game stadium ban and fined after Diogo Jota chants taunting Ruben Neves Original
Al Taawoun have been given a two-game stadium ban in the Saudi Pro League and fined 100,000 riyals ($26,660, £19,796) after fans were filmed chanting the name of the late footballer Diogo Jota. The SAFF disciplinary and ethics committee found Al Taawoun’s supporters to have violated article (51-2) of their regulations, issuing the fine and ban at the Buraydah Stadium as a result. The decision is not subject to appeal.
The Premier League’s use of VAR is facing further scrutiny after Erling Haaland’s winner for Manchester City against Manchester United on Sunday was incorrectly awarded. The incident led to ProRef, the body responsible for referees in the Premier League and other English competitions, admitting there was an “error of judgement” and committing to a “review” of what took place.
VAR officials made ‘error of judgement’ with Erling Haaland’s winning goal in Manchester derby, Pro Ref say Original
Refereeing officials made an “error of judgement” when applying VAR to assess Erling Haaland’s winning goal in the Manchester derby on Sunday, Pro Ref have said. The Manchester City striker scored the only goal of the game to beat rivals Manchester United at their home stadium Old Trafford, despite being reduced to ten men after Phil Foden was sent off for violent conduct in the first half.
Cristiano Ronaldo demands lifetime bans after Ruben Neves taunted with Diogo Jota chants
Cristiano Ronaldo has called for the Saudi Pro League to issue lifetime stadium bans for any fans involved after Ruben Neves appeared to be taunted by chants about his late friend and team-mate Diogo Jota during a match on Saturday. Footage widely circulated on social media, filmed from the Al Taawoun Club Stadium stands, shows Al Hilal’s Neves standing over a free-kick close to the home fans when chants of ‘Jota, Jota, Jota’ become audible.
Premier League Forum: Can anyone stop Arsenal? Are Spurs in trouble again? Can Hull and Ipswich stay up?
This felt like a significant result for Arsenal. In the second half against a spirited Sunderland side, they conceded a penalty when Ezri Konsa appeared to grapple with Dan Ballard. It was a decision that incensed Mikel Arteta, who described it as “unacceptable” in his post-match press conference and left the champions facing the prospect of defeat at the Stadium of Light. David Raya had other ideas.
Premier League Forum: Can anyone stop Arsenal? Are Spurs in trouble again? Can Hull and Ipswich stay up?
This felt like a significant result for Arsenal. In the second half against a spirited Sunderland side, they conceded a penalty when Ezri Konsa appeared to grapple with Dan Ballard. It was a decision that incensed Mikel Arteta, who described it as “unacceptable” in his post-match press conference and left the champions facing the prospect of defeat at the Stadium of Light. David Raya had other ideas.
Saffie Osborne makes horse racing history as first female jockey to win British Classic
Saffie Osborne etched her name in the history books after becoming the first female jockey to win one of British Flat racing’s five Classics following her victory in the St Leger on Saturday. Osborne, riding 11-1 shot Highwayman, left the rest of the field trailing in the closing stages to win the world’s oldest Classic Flat race, which was celebrating its 250th anniversary.
Bernie Ecclestone forced to surrender shotgun and questioned by police in Portugal
Bernie Ecclestone has said he was forced to surrender his shotgun and questioned by police at an airport in Portugal after failing to produce the relevant documentation. Ecclestone, who ran Formula One for nearly four decades from 1978 to 2017, arrived at Tires Aerodrome, a regional airport in Cascais, on Monday morning.
FIFA confirms Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027, despite opposition
FIFA has reiterated that Gianni Infantino will stand for a fourth term, despite the widespread opposition to the president of world football’s governing body remaining in office. Infantino has been under intense pressure since abandoning his failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme that would have seen the governing body sell a minority stake in its commercial and event operations, including the men’s and women’s World Cup, to private investors.
FIFA accuses UEFA of ‘smear campaign’ against its president Gianni Infantino Original
FIFA has accused UEFA of launching a “smear campaign” against it and Gianni Infantino after European football’s governing body threatened to launch “criminal proceedings” against the embattled FIFA president. On August 28, UEFA, in a legal document filed in the U.S. and seen by The Athletic, alleged that Infantino was “promoting” a “fraudulently off-market price for his own benefit” when proposing to sell a 20 per cent stake in FIFA’s commercial and event operations for $4.2billion (£3.1bn).
Hampshire U-turn on controversial Scott Kuggeleijn signing after backlash from staff and fans
Hampshire have U-turned on their controversial signing of New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn after a backlash from staff and fans. Kuggeleijn, 34, had been confirmed as Hampshire’s new overseas signing on Tuesday, joining for the remaining four matches of the County Championship season. He had been named as part of the club’s 15-man squad for their crucial game against Warwickshire, with Hampshire desperate for a victory in their battle to avoid relegation.
FIFA expected to cover Gianni Infantino’s legal costs as UEFA considers criminal proceedings
FIFA is expected to cover Gianni Infantino’s legal costs as UEFA considers launching “criminal proceedings” against him in Switzerland. Infantino, the FIFA president, has been under intense scrutiny since abandoning his failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan that would have seen world football’s governing body sell a minority stake in its commercial and event operations, including the men’s and women’s World Cup, to private investors, and is now facing the prospect of litigation.
UEFA, Infantino and the FIFA presidency: The view from the Champions League draw Original
As European football descended on Monaco for the Champions League draw, there was only one topic on the tip of their tongues: the future of Gianni Infantino. On Thursday afternoon — just as a meeting between UEFA’s 55 member associations, as well as the European members of the FIFA council, got underway at the glitzy Le Meridien hotel — UEFA, the governing body for European football, raised the stakes.
UEFA ups pressure on Gianni Infantino, ready to launch criminal proceedings against FIFA president
UEFA has made a request for the disclosure of documents in advance of potentially launching “criminal proceedings” against Gianni Infantino in Switzerland over his abandoned World Cup sell-off plan.
UEFA expected to backtrack on FIFA tournaments boycott threat Original
UEFA is expected to backtrack on its threat of boycotting future FIFA tournaments by allowing member associations to compete in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in September.
How to handle Donald Trump – and other World Cup lessons for the LA Olympics
No sooner has one great sporting show rolled out of town than another looms large on the horizon. Just over a month after the biggest World Cup ever staged, attention is already shifting to the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, when about 15,000 athletes from 206 countries, and millions of fans, will descend on California.
Gianni Infantino says he got ‘warm welcome’ despite being asked to stay away from Caribbean tournament
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he received a “warm welcome” and held “positive” talks in the Caribbean after being asked to stay away by Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani as the fallout from his abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan continues to rumble on. Infantino arrived in the Dominican Republic on Friday to meet with representatives from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and attend an under-14 youth tournament in the country.
Concacaf ask under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino to stay away from youth tournament Original
Gianni Infantino has been asked to not attend a youth tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend as the fallout from his abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan continues to rumble on. Infantino, the under-fire FIFA president, was sent a letter on Friday from Victor Montagliani, the Concacaf president, who asked him to stay away from the Under-14s competition, saying his presence would “undermine” the event.
Newcastle announce Kevin Keegan tribute plans for Liverpool game
Newcastle United have announced extensive plans to pay tribute to Kevin Keegan ahead of their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday. Keegan, the former Newcastle and Liverpool great, died aged 75 on July 20, after disclosing earlier in the year that he had stage-four cancer. Newcastle initially set up a memorial outside St James’ Park, which led to thousands of tributes being laid in memory of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, who managed the club twice and also played for them.
Jeff Bezos consortium owns close to 40% of Liverpool
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) sold close to 40 per cent of Liverpool Football Club to the consortium including U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos. Early suggestions on both sides of the transaction indicated the purchased stake was in the range of approximately 30 per cent to one-third, but The Athletic can reveal the figure is actually much closer to 40 per cent, according to sources with knowledge of the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the confidentiality of the process.
Kevin Lamour, key FIFA official who criticised Infantino’s World Cup plans, leaves role Original
Kevin Lamour has left his position as chief operating officer at FIFA. Lamour’s departure comes after the FIFA executive released a statement to the Associated Press on July 31 criticising Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, amid the fallout from the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Lamour told AP that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino regarding the FFE plan, which would have seen world soccer’s governing body make stakes in the World Cup available for private investment.
The referee’s view of the World Cup final: Telling Messi to ‘control’ a player and a ‘well done’ from Trump Original
Slavko Vincic arguably had the best view of the World Cup final. And now, in newly released footage, viewers can see snippets of what unfolded in a fraught match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium on July 19 from the Slovenian referee’s perspective.
Kevin Lamour, key FIFA official who criticised Infantino's World Cup plans, leaves role
Kevin Lamour has left his position as chief operating officer at FIFA. Lamour's departure comes after the FIFA executive released a statement to the Associated Press on July 31 criticising Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, amid the fallout from the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. Lamour told AP that staff had been "deceived" by Infantino regarding the FFE plan, which would have seen world soccer's governing body make stakes in the World Cup available for private investment.
Jeff Bezos consortium hold option to purchase controlling stake in Liverpool per terms of deal Original
The consortium including U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos that has purchased a minority shareholding of Liverpool will hold the option of buying a controlling stake in the club per the terms of the agreement with current owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG). The Amazon founder’s investment in 1892 Holdings, a consortium headed up and managed by Amit Bhatia, comes via the K5 Sports fund.
Andrew Giuliani backs Gianni Infantino, takes aim at FIFA president’s critics
Andrew Giuliani, the former executive director of the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup, believes that anyone in football who wants rid of Gianni Infantino “needs to get their head examined”. Giuliani worked closely with Infantino before and during this summer’s tournament and has leapt to his defence amid the ongoing fallout from the FIFA president’s abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan.
Andrew Giuliani backs Gianni Infantino, takes aim at FIFA president's critics
Andrew Giuliani, the former executive director of the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup, believes that anyone in football who wants rid of Gianni Infantino "needs to get their head examined". Giuliani worked closely with Infantino before and during this summer's tournament and has leapt to his defence amid the ongoing fallout from the FIFA president's abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan.
EFL tighten regulations for new season following Southampton ‘Spygate’ scandal Original
The English Football League (EFL) has tightened its regulations and issued further clarity regarding the need for clubs to act in ‘good faith’, the specific rule that Southampton breached after admitting to spying on rivals last season.
Adidas, Levi’s and David Beckham – which brands won the World Cup? Original
Whether it was David Beckham appearing on what seemed like every other TV advert, an all-Adidas final, or a brilliant marketing ploy by Levi’s, the recent men’s World Cup was awash with commercial activity. For FIFA, the event’s organiser and world football’s governing body, it was the most lucrative tournament it has ever staged, with revenues expected to hit $15billion (£11bn) for the 2023-26 cycle.
EFL tighten regulations for new season following Southampton 'Spygate' scandal
The English Football League (EFL) has tightened its regulations and issued further clarity regarding the need for clubs to act in 'good faith', the specific rule that Southampton breached after admitting to spying on rivals last season. Southampton were expelled from the Championship play-off final in May after one of the club's interns was caught spying on Middlesbrough's training session, the team they beat in the semi-finals, who were then reinstated to play Hull City in the final.
Trump says it would be ‘terrible mistake’ to remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA president
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered his support to the embattled Gianni Infanitno by saying it would be a “terrible mistake” if he is removed as FIFA president. Infantino has been under intense pressure since his now scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was revealed by the media on July 28. This would have seen world soccer’s governing body make stakes in its commercial and event operations, including the World Cups and Club World Cups, available for private investment.
Trump says it would be ‘terrible mistake’ to remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA president
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered his support to the embattled Gianni Infantino by saying it would be a “terrible mistake” if he is removed as FIFA president. Infantino has been under intense pressure since his now scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was revealed by the media on July 28. This would have seen world soccer’s governing body make stakes in its commercial and event operations, including the World Cups and Club World Cups, available for private investment.
Trump says it would be 'terrible mistake' to remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA president
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered his support to the embattled Gianni Infantino by saying it would be a "terrible mistake" if he is removed as FIFA president. Trump's post on Truth Social on Monday night followed an open letter from UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), where they said trust had been "broken through deception" and remained steadfast in no longer wanting him to continue in his role.
UEFA, Concacaf and AFC maintain pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign
UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) remain steadfast in their position that Gianni Infantino should resign as FIFA president. On Monday morning, UEFA, the European confederation, Concacaf, the confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean, and the AFC joined together to release an open letter, critical of Infantino and signed by the president and general secretary from each organisation.
UEFA, Concacaf and AFC maintain pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign
UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) remain steadfast in their position that Gianni Infantino should resign as FIFA president. On Monday morning, UEFA, the European confederation, Concacaf, the confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean, and the AFC joined together to release an open letter, critical of Infantino and signed by the president and general secretary from each organisation.
FIFA says there is ‘concerted and ongoing effort’ to oust Gianni Infantino as president
FIFA has hit out at what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to dislodge Gianni Infantino from his role as president of world football’s governing body. This comes after UEFA doubled down on its threat of European nations boycotting future World Cups following the now scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan that would have seen FIFA make stakes in world soccer’s commercial and event operations, including the World Cups and Club World Cups, available for private investment.
UEFA doubles down on World Cup boycott threat despite FIFA U-turn, Gianni Infantino apology
UEFA has doubled down on its threat of European member associations boycotting future men’s and women’s World Cups. UEFA’s initial threat to boycott future FIFA tournaments last week was in response to Infantino’s failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal that would have seen FIFA make stakes in world soccer’s commercial and event operations, including the World Cups and Club World Cups, available for private investment.
UEFA doubles down on World Cup boycott threat despite FIFA U-turn, Gianni Infantino apology
UEFA has doubled down on its threat of European member associations boycotting future men's and women's World Cups. This comes after Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, received "full support" from the senior leadership in attendance at a crisis meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.
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