The Israel Football Association has officially withdrawn its backing for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president ahead of the 2027 vote, citing an unprecedented crisis of confidence with the global governing body.
IFA chairman Moshe Zuares confirmed the unanimous board decision in a formal letter to world football’s leaders.
This move aligns the nation with UEFA, which has strongly opposed recent controversial proposals from the current administration.
The 54-year-old Swiss-Italian executive has faced mounting criticism following a highly unpopular and now-scrapped scheme to effectively privatise the World Cup.
UEFA opposition grows
European football’s governing body recently declared a fundamental loss of confidence in the sport’s global leadership.
There are strong indications that UEFA members could unanimously back a rival candidate when the presidential elections take place in three years.
Zuares, who currently sits on the European executive committee, stated the ongoing administrative rift is both profound and substantive.
The Israeli official explained that stakeholders are now compelled to reconsider the strategic path forward for the sport.
We have no choice but to retract our previous letter of support, in the sincere hope that fruitful dialogue among all parties will eventually restore a shared, proper vision and direction for world football. Moshe Zuares
Political tensions persist
The current FIFA boss previously caused controversy by attempting to orchestrate a public handshake between Palestinian and Israeli delegates at a recent global congress.
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Federation, refused to stand alongside his Israeli counterpart Basim Sheikh Suliman during the staged event.
Palestinian officials later criticised the attempted diplomatic gesture, arguing it demonstrated a lack of consideration for their ongoing grievances.
Despite the growing European resistance, several nations including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon have publicly maintained their backing for the incumbent president.
Barcelona have completed the signing of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri from Manchester City in a deal worth an initial €60m.
The transfer includes a further €16.5m in potential add-ons for the 30-year-old midfielder.
His arrival significantly strengthens a Catalan side that have won back-to-back La Liga titles under manager Hansi Flick.
Providing crucial leadership
Flick recently highlighted a need for greater on-pitch direction as his team targets a third consecutive domestic crown and Champions League glory.
“We need players with leadership on the pitch,” Flick explained. “This is important in the key moments.”
Rodri perfectly embodies that authoritative profile.
Spain’s 2026 World Cup-winning head coach Luis de la Fuente previously described the former Manchester City anchor as a tactical computer.
The midfielder famously demonstrated this composure by stopping play entirely to instruct teammates during Spain’s Euro 2024 victory over Georgia.
“Sometimes, 20 or 30 seconds of saying to people ‘calm down’ is more productive than going on the attack,” Rodri reflected.
A summer of heavy investment
The midfield maestro becomes Barcelona’s fifth signing of a remarkably busy transfer window.
He follows former City teammate Joao Cancelo, who arrived on a free transfer earlier this week.
Club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have also secured Anthony Gordon for €70m, Karim Adeyemi for €22m, and Jesse Bisiwu for €8.5m.
This heavy investment contrasts sharply with Flick’s first two years in charge, where spending was heavily restricted.
The sudden influx of talent is a direct response to fierce rivals Real Madrid spending over €200m to reclaim domestic supremacy.
Further squad rebuild underway
More arrivals are expected at the Camp Nou before the market closes.
The Spanish champions are actively pursuing a new central striker following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez remains their primary target, though negotiations are proving difficult.
A new centre-back could also be recruited after Ronald Araujo completed a loan move to Liverpool.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he successfully persuaded Vinicius Jr to reject Premier League champions Arsenal and sign a new six-year contract to remain at the Bernabeu.
The 26-year-old Brazil international had entered the final 12 months of his previous deal, alerting top European clubs to a potential free transfer next summer.
However, the lightning-fast winger ended speculation over his future earlier this month by committing to the Spanish giants until 2030.
Speaking on Spanish television, the 63-year-old Portuguese coach detailed his role in keeping the forward in the Spanish capital following his return to the dugout in June.
Mourinho’s emotional plea to his star forward
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss explained how he urged the attacker to appreciate the unique stature of Los Blancos.
“The only thing I told him was: ‘Vini, where do you want to go? You’ve only been in Brazil and you only know Real Madrid. Don’t leave. It’s not worth it.'”
Mourinho believes the recent growth of the squad and their ongoing development played a crucial role in securing the superstar’s signature.
Addressing past European controversies
The veteran manager also addressed an ugly incident from last season’s Champions League when he was managing Benfica against the Spanish heavyweights.
During a knockout phase play-off, Real players alleged that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni had racially abused the Brazilian forward, causing an eight-minute match stoppage.
Uefa ultimately handed the Benfica player a three-match ban for homophobic conduct, though Prestianni aggressively denied the original allegations.
Mourinho defended his former player at the time but insists his current star can now completely trust him.
“I think Vini now knows what side I am now on and knows he can look me in the eye and rely on me to be on his side.”
Rodri pursuit ends in Barcelona move
While securing their star winger was a priority, Los Blancos ultimately missed out on a marquee midfield signing this summer.
Spain captain Rodri departed Manchester City to join fierce rivals Barcelona in a £65m transfer after entering the final year of his contract.
The Real boss admitted that the midfielder’s hesitation during negotiations prompted the club to abandon their pursuit.
“We talked a couple of times and Real Madrid made him a good offer, but Rodri had doubts and his doubts made me doubtful.”
Concluding his interview, the outspoken manager stressed that the scale of his current club means they cannot accommodate players who hesitate to wear the famous white shirt.
Tottenham have received a significant injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Brentford, with Mateus Fernandes, James Maddison and Destiny Udogie all returning to training.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has faced a challenging pre-season while sweating over the fitness of several key first-team players.
However, the return of three crucial figures provides welcome relief for the north London club before their trip across the capital to the Gtech Community Stadium.
Udogie is being managed carefully following a succession of muscular issues during the previous campaign.
Similarly, the former Leicester City playmaker continues to build his match fitness after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last summer.
Summer signing Fernandes joins training
New arrival Fernandes is also pushing for inclusion after recovering from a calf problem that disrupted his recent weeks.
The midfield trio’s availability gives De Zerbi important selection decisions as his side look to make an early statement.
Spurs are desperate to put last year’s dismal 17th-place finish firmly behind them following an aggressive period of investment.
The club’s hierarchy has backed their head coach heavily, spending £237m on six new players during the transfer window.
Van de Ven and Solanke remain doubtful
Despite the positive news, major concerns persist regarding the availability of central defender Micky van de Ven.
The Netherlands international was absent from training at Hotspur Way and seems highly unlikely to feature against the Bees.
Having recently signed a lucrative new contract, the Dutch centre-back missed all pre-season squads following his return from the World Cup.
Dominic Solanke is another major doubt for the opening weekend fixture.
The English striker was used sparingly during the summer schedule after missing most of last season with ankle and hamstring injuries.
Brentford chase European ambitions
Tottenham will face a stern test against a highly motivated home side on Saturday evening.
Under the guidance of Keith Andrews, Brentford are targeting European qualification for the first time in their history.
The hosts are aiming to build upon an incredibly impressive debut campaign under their current manager last term.
Aston Villa have completed the £47m double signing of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and Italian left-back Matteo Ruggeri ahead of their Premier League opener.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper arrives at Villa Park from Italian side Parma for a fee in the region of £30m.
Meanwhile, the highly-rated full-back joins the Midlands club in a deal worth £17m from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid.
Both fresh arrivals could be in line to make their competitive debuts during Sunday’s domestic curtain-raiser away to Brighton.
Goalkeeping transition amid Martinez uncertainty
The acquisition of the Japanese international comes just days after Emiliano Martinez saw his proposed switch to Juventus collapse.
Negotiations broke down over the weekend when the two clubs were unable to agree upon an appropriate transfer fee for the Argentine.
The 2022 World Cup winner now faces a highly uncertain future in Birmingham following the breakdown of his move to the Serie A giants.
Securing a long-term number one
Villa executives reportedly view their newly acquired £30m goalkeeper as the definitive long-term starter for the next decade.
The former Parma stopper spent two impressive years in Italy, making 59 appearances and helping his side secure a 13th-place league finish last term.
Defensive reinforcements follow Digne departure
The signing of the 24-year-old defensive specialist directly addresses the void left by Lucas Digne earlier this month.
The French defender departed for European champions Paris St-Germain on 9 August, necessitating swift action in the transfer market.
Although yet to be capped at senior level by his country, the new defensive recruit brings significant continental pedigree to the squad.
He lifted the Europa League trophy with Atalanta in 2024 before completing a subsequent transfer to the Spanish capital last summer.
West Ham have signed striker Joel Piroe from Leeds United on a season-long loan deal that includes an obligation to buy if they secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old will take the vacant number nine shirt at the London Stadium as the Hammers attempt to rebuild their attacking line.
The Suriname international arrives with a formidable reputation in the second tier, having scored 73 goals across four Championship campaigns.
Championship pedigree
During the 2024-25 season, the prolific forward finished as the division’s top scorer with 19 strikes as Leeds secured the league title.
He initially made his mark in British football by netting 44 times in two seasons for Swansea City after leaving PSV Eindhoven in 2021.
Following a subsequent move to Elland Road in 2023, the versatile attacker added another 33 goals to his tally to help guide the Yorkshire club back to the top flight.
Clear ambitions at the London Stadium
Piroe is now aiming to replicate that exact promotion success under new West Ham head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
“It’s a joy to have got everything over the line,” Piroe said.
“I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to go.”
“I see West Ham as a club that really wants to be in the Premier League, and I think should be in the Premier League.”
“With my experience, I think I can help the club a lot to achieve what they want to achieve.”
A crucial addition to the squad
The former PSV prospect revealed that positive discussions with Espirito Santo and director of player recruitment Nils Koppen convinced him to make the switch.
Koppen believes the capture of such a proven goalscorer will significantly boost the club’s attacking output during a demanding promotion campaign.
“Joel has proven experience and success in the Championship and is someone who loves scoring goals,” Koppen stated.
“But more importantly, he is hungry, ambitious and really wants to be here to embrace the challenge in front of us.”
Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott is on the verge of a £17.1m move to Real Betis after the Spanish club reached advanced talks with AZ Alkmaar.
It is understood that an agreement between the Eredivisie outfit and the La Liga side is now imminent.
The proposed €20m transfer will see the 24-year-old forward choose Spain over Premier League interest, following heavy links with West Ham.
Prolific form in the Netherlands
The former Tottenham prospect only joined AZ Alkmaar in July 2024, having previously spent a season on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam.
He began his permanent stint in Dutch football in sensational fashion, netting 10 goals in his first seven appearances.
Despite a knee ligament injury keeping him sidelined between August and October, the attacker finished the league season with 16 goals in 28 games.
International heroics and European appeal
Beyond his club exploits, the talented marksman recently shone on the international stage to help his country secure World Cup play-off qualification.
A remarkable window last November saw him score twice in a 2-0 victory over Portugal, before hitting a dramatic 96th-minute winner to seal a hat-trick against Hungary.
That treble made him the first Irish men’s player to score an away hat-trick, and the first to record a competitive treble since Robbie Keane in 2014.
The 37-cap international will remain a vital figure for manager Heimir Hallgrimsson during the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Kosovo, Austria and Israel.
A move to Andalusia now offers an exciting next step, as Betis prepare for Champions League football after securing a fifth-place league finish.
Aston Villa have rejected a £38m offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for England striker Ollie Watkins, despite the player reportedly agreeing personal terms.
The 30-year-old forward has now been the subject of three separate approaches from the Riyadh-based club.
Unai Emery’s side turned down the latest proposal on Tuesday evening but are bracing for a further improved bid.
Saudi side push for agreement
The prolific attacker did not feature during pre-season and missed last week’s Uefa Super Cup fixture against Paris St-Germain.
He was granted extended leave following his international exertions at the World Cup alongside team-mates Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martinez.
Al-Hilal, currently managed by former Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi, are reportedly looking to offload ex-Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez to accommodate the Englishman.
Villa squad undergoes major rebuild
The Midlands club have already sanctioned the departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne for a combined £159.5m this summer.
In terms of incomings, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to join on loan from West Ham United to bolster the defence.
They have also agreed a £30m fee with Parma for Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, although regular first-choice keeper Martinez remains at the club following collapsed talks with Juventus.
Uncertainty surrounds Premier League opener
It remains to be seen whether the former Brentford talisman will be included when Villa travel to Brighton for their Premier League opener on Sunday.
The English international, who registered 21 goals across all competitions last season, recently signed a new contract running until 2026.
Despite heavy interest from Manchester United and Arsenal last year, the Midlands outfit remain determined to retain their star forward ahead of a pivotal Champions League campaign.