Former Uefa president Michel Platini has launched legal proceedings in Paris against Fifa and its president Gianni Infantino over an alleged conspiracy that derailed his career.
Lawyers for the 70-year-old confirmed the criminal complaint also targets two former executives, Marco Villiger and Domenico Scala.
The trio stand accused of malicious prosecution and influence peddling during the fallout of a 2015 corruption scandal.
The former France international claims the group actively conspired to prevent him from succeeding Sepp Blatter as the most powerful man in world football.
Cleared of corruption charges
Platini had been the overwhelming frontrunner to take control of the global governing body nearly a decade ago.
His ambitions were abruptly halted when the ethics committee suspended both him and Blatter over a controversial two million Swiss franc payment.
However, the pair were entirely cleared of fraud and forgery charges by a Swiss federal criminal appeals court late last year.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner is now seeking separate financial damages in Switzerland for what his legal team describe as a calculated effort to ruin his reputation.
Unwelcome timing ahead of World Cup
Infantino previously worked directly beneath Platini as general secretary of European football’s governing body.
The 54-year-old ultimately secured the presidency in 2016 and has consolidated his authority ever since.
These latest legal developments present a significant distraction just days before the expanded World Cup begins across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Fifa has yet to issue an official response regarding the allegations.
The Independent Football Regulator has contacted West Ham United to seek urgent information regarding co-owner David Sullivan following historical allegations of sexual exploitation.
The watchdog described the claims against the 77-year-old as “extremely serious” and will use statutory powers to assess his suitability for a senior executive role.
Seven women have accused the billionaire of predatory behaviour dating back to the 1980s and 1990s during his ownership of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers.
We are in contact with West Ham on this matter and will use our statutory powers to seek urgent information from David Sullivan relating to his suitability under our Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime.
Sullivan steps down as chairman
Over the weekend, the long-time football executive stepped down from his position as chairman of the east London club to actively contest the accusations.
He released a statement categorically denying the claims, which reportedly involve pressuring young models to engage in sexual acts.
After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me.
Government and police involvement
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport echoed the regulator’s stringent stance, labelling the unfolding situation as “deeply concerning”.
A government spokesperson confirmed that the allegations must be treated with the utmost seriousness and robustly investigated by the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police are actively investigating a report relating to the alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex.
Specialist detectives from the Met’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team are currently leading the inquiry into the 1980s incidents concerning one alleged victim.
Background in the adult industry
The prominent businessman made his vast fortune through the pornography industry throughout the 1970s before eventually moving into top-flight sports ownership.
In 1982, he was convicted of living off immoral earnings and served 71 days in prison before successfully appealing the verdict.
These severe off-field controversies now add significant instability at the London Stadium as the Premier League club navigates the remainder of their current campaign.
Edin Dzeko will lead Bosnia and Herzegovina at the upcoming World Cup in the United States at the age of 40, following a dramatic play-off victory over Italy.
The former Manchester City striker has accumulated more than 450 career goals and earned nearly 150 international caps.
He admits his incredible longevity in the professional game has come as a surprise even to himself.
Sometimes there is an end for all of us. Maybe mine is coming soon.
Joining an elite veteran club
The prolific forward will captain a national squad featuring several teammates who are young enough to be his sons.
By competing in the upcoming tournament, the veteran marksman joins Roger Milla in an exclusive group of outfield players to appear at a World Cup in their forties.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric are also expected to achieve this rare international milestone.
Reaching this stage required a monumental upset, as the 71st-ranked Balkan nation eliminated the four-time world champions on penalties to secure qualification.
There was a lot of talk that Italy might not go to a third consecutive World Cup. Almost no one talked about us as a team, that we truly are an excellent team with many young players.
The secret to lasting success
The seasoned attacker played in a Champions League final at 37 and attributes his prolonged career to meticulous physical preparation.
I didn’t think I would be playing at 40. If you asked me 10 years ago, I would say no, but I’m listening to my body as well and doing a lot of work before and after training to help my body.
He highlighted the crucial importance of dedicating extra hours to gym work and injury prevention routines that younger professionals often overlook.
This disciplined approach has allowed the target man to outlast almost all of his contemporaries from the famous 2012 Premier League title-winning squad.
Following James Milner’s recent retirement, only Stefan Savic and Mario Balotelli remain active alongside the man who scored the crucial injury-time equaliser against Queens Park Rangers.
Premier League champions Arsenal have made preliminary contact with Newcastle United regarding a potential £100m transfer for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to strengthen their squad after ending a 22-year title drought during a historic 2025-26 campaign.
The Gunners also reached the Champions League final and are now targeting midfield reinforcements to maintain their newly established domestic dominance.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the north London club have initiated discussions over the 26-year-old in recent days.
Magpies demand record fee
Newcastle have reportedly placed a massive valuation on the Italian following a profoundly disappointing season on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe’s team missed out on European qualification entirely after finishing 12th in the top flight, prompting an expected summer exodus.
The St James’ Park outfit have already sanctioned the high-profile sale of winger Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
Arsenal previously explored a move for the midfield anchor during the January window after Mikel Merino suffered an injury.
Rival interest in the Italian
Securing the signature of the highly-rated playmaker will not be a straightforward process for the recently crowned champions.
Both Manchester City and Manchester United are actively monitoring the situation as they consider their own midfield options.
“Arsenal made some calls over the recent days for Tonali, so Arsenal are also in the mix,” Romano confirmed.
“There could be more clubs joining the race for Tonali, so the situation could become interesting.”
Should a deal be agreed, the acquisition would join a formidable Emirates Stadium engine room featuring Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
Brothers Harry and John Souttar will represent Australia and Scotland respectively at the upcoming World Cup, honouring the profound legacy of their late older brother Aaron.
Aaron Souttar died aged 42 in July 2022 following a courageous battle with motor neurone disease.
The tragedy struck a devastating blow to the family, but the older sibling’s influence continues to guide the two international defenders.
Being 18 years older than Harry, Aaron served as both a steadfast role model and a paternal figure during their formative years.
Shaping professional careers
The talented golfer and passionate football fan played a pivotal role in charting the sporting paths of the two centre-backs.
Harry qualifies for the Socceroos through his Australian-born mother, Heather, while John features at the heart of the Scottish defence.
The family will now split their time across the United States and Canada to watch the pair compete on the global stage.
The Leicester City defender admits that performing in front of his older sibling always provided a unique motivation.
“Playing and looking at the side and seeing him there, I was always trying to impress him.”
Overcoming adversity and grief
Both players will carry permanent reminders of Aaron into the tournament, with each sporting tattoos dedicated to his memory.
John has endured significant injury setbacks throughout a domestic career spanning Dundee United, Hearts, and Rangers.
When the 29-year-old scored his first international goal in a crucial qualifying victory over Denmark, he immediately dedicated the milestone to his then-ill brother.
“He couldn’t make it tonight, but that was for him because he helped me a lot during my rehab.”
The unimaginable loss has fundamentally shifted the dynamic between the two surviving siblings.
Harry spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and acknowledges that geographical distance previously limited their communication.
However, the shared trauma of losing their childhood hero has ultimately forged an unbreakable bond between the two World Cup-bound stars.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has agreed to join Inter Milan after the Italian champions submitted a formal bid for the 25-year-old.
The England international is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield next month.
With renewal talks having stalled, the academy graduate has committed his future to the Serie A giants.
Inter recently returned with an offer worth approximately £21m after seeing a previous approach rejected in January.
Liverpool hold out for higher valuation
The Merseyside club are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £25m for the central midfielder.
Discussions remain ongoing between the two clubs, with an agreement expected before the start of the new campaign.
The former youth prospect has rejected rival interest from Premier League side Aston Villa in favour of a fresh challenge abroad.
His impending departure adds to a summer of significant transition under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Exodus continues at Anfield
The Reds are eager to avoid losing another senior player on a free transfer next year.
Key figures including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have all departed at the end of their deals over the last 12 months.
Uncertainty also surrounds the futures of several other squad members, including goalkeeper Alisson, forward Cody Gakpo and winger Federico Chiesa.
Iraola is now prioritising midfield reinforcements to compensate for the expected loss of the dynamic playmaker.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has emerged as a primary target to rebuild the centre of the pitch.
Mohamed Salah will not reverse his decision to leave Liverpool this summer despite the dismissal of head coach Arne Slot, according to former team-mate Dejan Lovren.
The Egyptian international announced his departure at the tail end of last season after nine highly successful years on Merseyside.
Liverpool are now undergoing a period of major transition under new Basque manager Andoni Iraola.
Many supporters had hoped the prolific forward might reconsider his future following Slot’s exit.
‘He would have stayed 100 per cent’
The veteran goalscorer was known to have endured a complicated relationship with his former Dutch manager.
However, former Reds defender Lovren has firmly dismissed the possibility of a dramatic U-turn.
Speaking to WinWin, the Croatian stated that the formalities of the attacker’s farewell make a return impossible.
“No, it’s over,” Lovren said.
‘Timing was bad’ for Anfield future
“Mo has a big personality too. I don’t know, if they hadn’t announced all of that, all the details of leaving, saying thank you and goodbye, maybe yes, but now it’s difficult.”
Lovren insists the iconic winger would have committed his future to the club had he known a managerial change was imminent.
“Yes, he would have stayed 100 per cent. Believe me, he would have stayed 100 per cent, I know that. But the timing was bad,” he added.
“To say you don’t need Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, when he can still perform at the highest level for another two or three years, then we have a problem understanding football.”
Nunez eyeing Merseyside comeback
Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly seeking a return to Anfield.
The Uruguayan forward joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for £46.3m in the summer of 2025, but his stint in the Middle East has proven challenging.
The South American attacker was surprisingly dropped from the squad in February following the arrival of Karim Benzema.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Nunez is now eager to secure a route back to the Premier League.
However, Liverpool could face potential competition for his signature from domestic rivals Chelsea.
The Blues, now managed by former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, are also showing strong interest in the unsettled striker.
Crystal Palace have opened formal talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage to replace Oliver Glasner ahead of the new Premier League season.
The south London club have made contact with their French counterparts to discuss a compensation package to release the 47-year-old from his contract.
The Eagles’ approach follows a highly successful debut campaign for the French tactician in his homeland.
Taking charge in June last year, he guided the Ligue 1 side to an impressive second-place finish in the top flight.
Historic cup success in France
His crowning achievement came in the Coupe de France, where his team defeated Nice to secure the prestigious trophy for the first time in their 120-year history.
Palace turned their attention to the overachieving coach after missing out on primary target Andoni Iraola.
The Selhurst Park hierarchy had submitted a proposal to the Spanish tactician, but he subsequently agreed to join Liverpool on a two-year deal instead.
Alternative candidates assessed
With Glasner having departed the Premier League outfit at the conclusion of last season, the board have thoroughly evaluated their options.
Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche were all understood to be on the initial shortlist of alternatives.
However, securing the highly-rated head coach from Lens has now become the immediate priority for the English side.