Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has fiercely criticised Gianni Infantino’s abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the Fifa World Cup, labelling the commercial plan as worse than the European Super League.
Earlier this month, the world governing body scrapped controversial plans to create a new commercial entity that would have seen a private investment firm acquire 21% of its ticketing and commercial rights.
European football’s governing body orchestrated heavy opposition to the proposal, with member nations threatening a complete boycott of future global tournaments.
“I think this plan is even worse than the Super League plan.”
The 58-year-old Slovenian administrator stressed that while the failed 2021 breakaway league was damaging to the sport, the new commercial proposal would have literally sold football to private interests.
European associations withdraw support
The fallout from the aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise project has severely damaged the standing of the 56-year-old Swiss executive across the continent.
All four home nations have officially withdrawn their support for the current president, reflecting a widespread loss of confidence in his leadership.
The former lawyer revealed he was given no prior warning about the commercial restructuring, first learning of the proposed global sale through media reports while on a family holiday.
“He didn’t contact me since this happened.”
He suggested his counterpart deliberately portrays European football as arrogant in order to garner favour and political backing from smaller, less wealthy associations.
“But I think someone should remind him that he is a European, and that he was supported by Uefa, which he forgot.”
Global lobbying and future elections
Following the severe backlash, the former Uefa general secretary has embarked on a worldwide tour in a desperate bid to rebuild his political capital.
Recent appearances include a strategic meeting with Caribbean officials in the Dominican Republic and attendance at a major E-Sports event in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite the escalating institutional feud between the sport’s most powerful figures, the Uefa chief confirmed he will not challenge for the global presidency in March 2027.
“I’m not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love Uefa and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point it’s time also to enjoy life a bit.”
He added that maintaining his current position without actively seeking higher office ultimately preserves his credibility while navigating these complex political conflicts.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down fears of a lengthy absence for Bruno Guimaraes, though defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba face extended spells on the sidelines.
The Premier League champions opened their title defence with a comfortable victory over Coventry at Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard ensured a perfect start to the new domestic campaign.
Attention now turns to a trip to Aston Villa next Monday, where recent £55m arrival Ezri Konsa could make his debut.
Guimaraes avoids serious muscle damage
Guimaraes was withdrawn during the Community Shield victory against Manchester City with ice strapped to his right thigh.
The £75m summer signing from Newcastle United subsequently missed the opening league fixture, sparking fears of a long-term problem.
Speculation suggested the Brazilian midfielder could miss several weeks of action, but Arteta moved quickly to dismiss those concerns.
“No, no, no, we expect that not to be weeks at all. Let’s see how he evolves this week,”
Mikel Arteta
“He didn’t even want to stop. He wanted to carry on. Now we start to understand the character of the player, but I don’t expect that to be a big issue.”
The 28-year-old could return to the matchday squad in time for the upcoming clash at Villa Park.
Long-term absences for Timber and Saliba
The outlook is considerably bleaker for two key figures in the Arsenal backline.
Timber has seen minimal competitive action since sustaining a severe groin issue in March which ruled him out of the World Cup.
The Dutch international underwent minor surgery during the summer break and is not expected to rejoin first-team training until the autumn.
“I said in the next few weeks. He’s not trained with the group yet.”
Mikel Arteta
Meanwhile, Saliba has been ruled out until the winter months of 2026 after suffering a severe back problem.
A club statement confirmed the French centre-back will undergo a managed recovery programme without surgical intervention.
“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme,”
Arsenal Football Club
These major defensive setbacks directly prompted the club to secure Konsa’s signature in the transfer market.
Liverpool salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Newcastle United following a stoppage-time penalty decision confirmed by VAR.
Referee Stuart Attwell pointed to the spot in the 96th minute after Lewis Hall brought down Victor Muñoz inside the penalty area.
The Merseyside club capitalised on the late lifeline to snatch a point after a largely underwhelming performance at St James’ Park.
Late drama checked by VAR
The on-field decision was immediately reviewed by video assistant referee James Bell.
Audio communications revealed Attwell noted that the Newcastle defender failed to play the ball and made clear contact with his opponent.
“He doesn’t play the ball. He makes clear contact,” Attwell told the VAR team.
The penalty call was swiftly confirmed, with officials citing direct knee-to-thigh contact on the charging attacker.
Expert analysis supports decision
Former elite referee Andy Davies reviewed the incident and concluded that the match officials made the correct call.
Davies noted that an attacker moving into the penalty area at speed leaves defenders running a high risk of committing a foul.
The former Premier League official described the late challenge by the Magpies defender as clumsy and naïve.
Conversely, Davies praised the clever play of the Liverpool forward in drawing the crucial foul.
A needless lifeline
Newcastle supporters will undoubtedly feel aggrieved at dropping late points in such a controversial manner.
However, the stoppage-time challenge by the young full-back was ultimately needless and directly responsible for gifting the visitors an equaliser.
The result sees the Reds escape with a vital Premier League point despite struggling to match the intensity of their hosts.
Six Nordic football associations have issued a joint statement declaring a loss of confidence in Fifa president Gianni Infantino and demanding his resignation following a meeting in Helsinki on Sunday.
Mounting pressure on global chief
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands have aligned themselves with other major confederations in pushing for the 54-year-old to step down.
Their coordinated stance follows similar public opposition from Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf.
The regional alliance has demanded binding guarantees that global competitions, including the World Cup, will never be opened to private ownership.
This explicit condition directly references a recently abandoned proposal by the governing body’s head to sell a stake in international events to private equity investors.
Organised opposition building
The Danish Football Association had already pledged on Friday to find a credible alternative candidate ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March.
This latest intervention marks a significant escalation, transitioning isolated discontent into an organised opposition campaign against the Swiss-Italian administrator.
The European group released a rare joint statement outlining their unified position.
The six Nordic football associations have lost confidence in Fifa’s president and are concerned about the organisation’s governance and decision-making at the highest level.
The Nordic football associations stand united with Uefa and support the measures that the organisation and its national member associations have jointly proposed.
We expect Fifa to provide binding guarantees that the organisation’s governance or competitions will never again be opened up to private ownership.
Defiance amid investigation demands
The Nordic coalition has also backed calls for a fully independent external investigation into the controversial private equity proposals.
However, the embattled president appears intent on securing a fourth term in office that would comfortably run until 2031.
He spent the weekend attending a youth tournament in the Dominican Republic, despite being explicitly asked to stay away by Concacaf president Victor Montagliani.
The regional chief had reportedly requested the global leader’s absence to prevent the ongoing governance crisis from overshadowing the sporting event.
Aston Villa endured a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign as Unai Emery’s 10-man side collapsed to a 4-0 half-time deficit against Brighton amid widespread squad upheaval.
The former Europa League winners arrived on the south coast missing several key players following a summer of high-profile departures.
A calamitous Victor Lindelof own goal after just eight minutes set the tone for a deeply embarrassing afternoon.
Maxim De Cuyper quickly doubled the advantage for the hosts before a dramatic collapse saw the visitors concede twice more in rapid succession.
Gomes sees red in nightmare debut
Jack Hinshelwood capitalised on the mounting chaos to score two goals in the space of just 80 seconds.
His second strike came straight from the restart after Joao Gomes was caught in possession on the edge of his own penalty area.
The £38m summer arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers then completed a miserable debut by receiving a straight red card for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
Empty seats were heavily visible in the away end before the interval as disheartened travelling supporters headed for the exits.
Transfer speculation mounts over Watkins
Off-pitch turbulence continues to cast a long shadow over the Midlands club following the lucrative sales of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa.
Rogers recently departed for Chelsea in a record-breaking £117m deal, while England defender Konsa commanded a £51m fee.
Further anxiety has been fuelled by the glaring absence of star striker Ollie Watkins and first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez from the matchday squad.
Watkins is currently the subject of intense interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, leaving his future at Villa Park in serious doubt.
Emery remains silent on striker’s future
The Spanish manager offered a highly unusual response when pressed on whether the English forward’s omission signalled an imminent departure from the club.
“Silence.”
He had previously stated his desire to retain the prolific attacker but publicly acknowledged that formal bids have already been submitted.
The club have attempted to rebuild by breaking their transfer record for Johan Manzambi and recruiting Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to potentially replace Martinez.
Arsenal are in negotiations with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal over the potential £60m sale of winger Gabriel Martinelli following his omission from Mikel Arteta’s recent squads.
The Brazil international has slipped down the pecking order in north London after the summer arrival of Christos Tzolis.
Discussions are ongoing between the Saudi club and the player’s representatives regarding a prospective move.
It is understood the South American is receptive to the idea of relocating to the Middle East.
Out of favour under Arteta
The winger finds himself at a career crossroads after being left out of the matchday squads for both the Community Shield and a recent home victory over Coventry City.
Regular first-team football appears increasingly improbable for the former Ituano forward.
The Gunners are actively seeking further attacking reinforcements, with Julian Alvarez reportedly among their forward targets.
Other European clubs, including Galatasaray and AS Roma, have also expressed interest in securing his services this month.
Wright uncomfortable with treatment
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has openly criticised how the situation is being managed by the Premier League club.
“With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable,”
Ian Wright, speaking to Sky Sports
“He always gives 100%, we’re not saying he’s the greatest, but he’s come up with some big moments for Arsenal in big games, and the way he’s being treated at the end here.”
“I know they might want him out and there’s a lot of guys saying it’s time for him to move on, but there’s ways of doing that should suit him as well.”
Contract ticking down
Martinelli currently has 12 months remaining on his existing contract at Emirates Stadium.
While the club possess an option to extend the deal by a further year, triggering that clause is now considered unlikely.
He originally joined the English side in 2019 in a modest £6m transfer from his native Brazil.
Meanwhile, fellow forward Gabriel Jesus is also anticipated to depart as a free agent next summer if a move cannot be secured before January.
Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez have been omitted from Aston Villa’s matchday squad for their Premier League opener against Brighton amid mounting speculation over their respective futures.
The prolific frontman is reportedly a major target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, and his absence on the south coast will only intensify rumours of an imminent departure.
Meanwhile, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper was left out due to a lack of match fitness following an extended break, though he too has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park.
Emery confirms bids for Watkins
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has openly admitted that the West Midlands club are fielding offers for the England international.
The Spanish head coach insists he wants to retain his star forward, but conceded that a transfer remains a distinct possibility before the window closes.
“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is our player. We have had offers for him,” said Emery.
“I don’t want to sell him but it can change because if it’s a good option for him and the club and I can replace him in the squad, this is the routine we have and we did before with the players who are leaving.”
Despite the uncertainty, the former Villarreal boss was quick to praise the 27-year-old’s undeniable quality and contribution to the team.
“With Ollie, he is here, for me he is a fantastic striker, we have always believed in him.”
“If he is leaving it’s because it is good for three ways, one is him, another is the club and another is the team.”
Goalkeeping transition underway
The situation surrounding the Argentinian shot-stopper appears equally complex following a collapsed move to Juventus over a fee disagreement.
In preparation for a potential exit, the Europa League winners have already secured Japan international Zion Suzuki from Parma for £30m.
The new signing starts on the bench at the Amex Stadium, with last season’s deputy Marco Bizot preferred between the posts against the Seagulls.
Emery revealed that his current number one had previously expressed a desire to seek out fresh opportunities.
“Martinez transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career.”
“This year, again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper.”
A summer of significant upheaval
This latest squad uncertainty follows a period of massive transition for a side that claimed European silverware just two months ago.
The club have already parted ways with four regular starters from that successful campaign.
Defender Ezri Konsa recently completed a £51m switch to Premier League champions Arsenal.
That high-profile exit swiftly followed Morgan Rogers’ record-breaking £117m transfer to Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to complete the signing of forward Omar Marmoush from Manchester City as part of a double transfer worth up to £160m.
The north London club have already agreed a deal for Brazilian winger Savinho.
They are now finalising terms to bring his club team-mate to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs seek attacking reinforcements
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi is eager to bolster his forward line following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
The Lilywhites suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat against Brentford on the opening weekend.
The Italian manager admitted his squad were physically second best in almost every department.
We lost too many duels, we made too many mistakes in the timing when we wanted to push the pressure higher.
Roberto De Zerbi
We arrived second for the second ball, we didn’t win one second ball, one duel, one tackle, and it’s tough.
Roberto De Zerbi
Manchester City line up replacement
Meanwhile, the reigning champions have moved swiftly to replace the departing Egyptian international.
The Citizens are in advanced negotiations with Brazilian side Palmeiras over 22-year-old frontman Allan.
The Premier League title holders are prepared to offer a package of around €40m (£34m) plus add-ons to secure the young attacker.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano expects both respective moves to be officially completed early next week.
De Zerbi will hope to have his new recruits available when Spurs face Newcastle United in their next fixture.