An Italian lawmaker has formally called on the leaders of global sport to examine possible sanctions against Israel over the impact of the conflict on Palestinian athletes and sports infrastructure. Laura Boldrini, Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Rights in the Italian Chamber of Deputies, sent an official letter dated March 10, 2026, to
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, an unexpected geopolitical controversy has emerged over whether Iran national football team will participate in football’s biggest tournament, raising a complex question about authority in global sport: who ultimately decides, the host country or FIFA? The debate intensified following escalating tensions between the
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York Dozens of U.S. lawmakers have urged FIFA to lower ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that the governing body’s use of dynamic pricing risks making football’s biggest tournament financially inaccessible to many fans. In a letter dated March 10 and addressed to Gianni Infantino, the lawmakers, led
By B4Ball The Federation of International de Football Associations (FIFA) has existed since the year 1904 and was led through its initial years by Robert Guerin. Established on 21 May of that year, its core business was to oversee international competitions among national football associations of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York Gianni Infantino has thrown his weight behind fresh efforts to stop players from covering their mouths during on-field exchanges, declaring the practice incompatible with football’s fight against discrimination and respect for officials. Speaking after the 140th Annual General Meeting of The International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Wales on Saturday,
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Former Sepp Blatter has criticised the decision to stage most matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, questioning the country’s visa policies and the balance of hosting duties. In verified comments published by Swiss media, Blatter argued that a World Cup “should not be held in a
In what marks a landmark moment for women’s club football, the final four squads competing in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ final stage have been confirmed ahead of high-stakes matches in London this week. The quartet of continental titlists — Arsenal Women FC, ASFAR, Gotham FC and SC Corinthians, have all named their squads as
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Brazil has formally requested to host the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, following a high-level meeting in Brasília between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, senior Brazilian football officials, and international figures. The discussions on Monday centred on Brazil’s broader role in global football, including preparations
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Morocco’s partnership with FIFA to install 30 FIFA Arena mini-pitches across the Kingdom represents more than an infrastructure project. It reflects a growing commitment to using football as a tool for youth empowerment, education and community building. Announced at FIFA’s Africa Office in Maâmoura, the initiative brings together FIFA, the Royal
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo At the World Economic Forum in Davos, FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a passionate defence of football’s unique role in a world beset by political tension, economic uncertainty, and social challenges. Infantino spoke vividly about the emotional and communal power of the FIFA World Cup™, saying that, unlike nearly any other