Football/Soccer 8 Hours

Last updated: July 31, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

FIFA World Cup Controversy and Internal Strife

FIFA president Infantino has scrapped his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup after widespread backlash, including from within global soccer's governing body, and a threatened boycott. Football's world body has abandoned plans to sell off stakes in its major competitions after widespread opposition to president Gianni Infantino's idea. Two senior officials criticized Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan Friday, with one resigning as a presidential adviser and a second saying staff were deceived by a project that must not go forward. FIFA's chief officer strongly criticized Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. FIFA president Infantino is in the eye of a storm after his attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup. Gianni Infantino met his Icarus moment. FIFA is doubling down on its controversial World Cup plans and countries are threatening to boycott. FIFA doubles down on its controversial World Cup plans and countries threaten to boycott, the 2027 Women's World Cup could be the first major tournament affected, posing a problem for women's soccer. FIFA president Infantino has scrapped his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup after widespread backlash. The plan to sell stakes in major competitions has been abandoned by football's world governing body. A presidential adviser resigned, and another official stated staff were deceived by the project. The chief operating officer also strongly criticized the plan to sell stakes to private investors. The FIFA president is facing significant criticism for his attempt to sell World Cup stakes. This situation has been described as Gianni Infantino's Icarus moment. FIFA is continuing with its controversial World Cup plans despite threats of boycotts. The 2027 Women's World Cup may be the first major tournament impacted by these disputes, which could harm women's soccer. FIFA president Infantino has scrapped his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup after widespread backlash. Football's world body has abandoned plans to sell off stakes in its major competitions after widespread opposition to president Gianni Infantino's idea. Two senior officials criticized Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan Friday, with one resigning as a presidential adviser and a second saying staff were deceived by a project that must not go forward. FIFA's chief officer strongly criticized Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. FIFA president Infantino is in the eye of a storm after his attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup. Gianni Infantino met his Icarus moment. FIFA is doubling down on its controversial World Cup plans and countries are threatening to boycott. FIFA doubles down on its controversial World Cup plans and countries threaten to boycott, the 2027 Women's World Cup could be the first major tournament affected, posing a problem for women's soccer. The body running African football has yet to take a side on FIFA's plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors, which has been heavily criticized.

Club Management and Player Movements

Newcastle United confirmed that Eddie Howe has stepped down from his role as head coach. McInnes insists Rangers will improve after his team's Scottish Premiership draw at Dundee United. Rangers got the Derek McInnes era off to a stuttering start as they were forced to come from behind to earn a draw at Dundee United in the opening game of the Scottish Premiership season. Mullins leaves his role as Fulham Under-21 boss to become the new head coach of League Two side Newport County. Scotland international Bowie has completed a loan move from Hellas Verona to Serie A side Sassuolo. AC Milan made contact with Ethan Nwaneri, Inter Milan has increased their bid for Curtis Jones, and Cristian Romero is exploring a move to Spain, among other transfer rumors. Real Madrid open to the possibility of Vinícius Júnior leaving the club if there is no agreement on a new contract for the player, with Madrid having no plans to increase their offer. The top stories and transfer rumors from Saturday's newspapers indicate that Real Madrid is open to Vinícius Jr leaving the club. United opted for affordable options, while Chelsea, Man City, and Spurs all spent big on transfers this summer.

Player News and Individual Performances

Vozinha, the breakout Cape Verde goalkeeper who rose to global fame during the World Cup, will be allowed to display his nickname on his jersey when he joins Chilean football. Inter Miami Guillermo Hoyos said he will be having conversations about Lionel Messi's return to action following his 2026 World Cup participation with Argentina. J.J. Watt boosted Burnley's profile since he became a minority shareholder in the English soccer team, even delivering milk around the town. Real Madrid England star Jude Bellingham returned to Birmingham City to watch his former club beat Barcelona on penalties following a 2-2 draw. Chelsea winger Mudryk can return to playing immediately after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency "resolved his appeal" against a ban for failing a doping test.

League Standings and Tournament Updates

Super League Leeds ran in eight tries in a 46-0 rout of Toulouse, while Wigan Warriors remain just two points behind after their 20-8 win over Leigh Leopards. Rockets came out victorious in a top-of-the-table clash against Manchester Super Giants at Old Trafford, with Kiwi star Finn Allen scoring an unbeaten 72 from 35 balls to see them reach the top of the Hundred standings. Lottie Woad Charley Hull are both five strokes off the halfway lead at the AIG Women's Open, as in-form Haeran Ryu tops another major leaderboard. World No. Cameron Young surged into a share of the lead of the Rocket Classic after a nine-under 61 in the second round in Detroit. We are grading all 16 NWSL teams at the halfway point of the season to see which clubs are acing or flunking.