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.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has left captain Maro Itoje out of his 26-player training squad to manage the forward’s heavy workload ahead of the summer tour.

Discussions are ongoing between Borthwick, the 31-year-old lock, and head of performance Phil Morrow regarding a complete rest during the upcoming Nations Championship.

The Saracens star could miss high-profile fixtures against South Africa, Fiji, and Argentina following an exceptionally demanding 12 months.

The experienced forward recently led the British and Irish Lions to a series victory in Australia and suffered the tragic loss of his mother in December.

Uncapped prospects earn international call-ups

The newly announced training group will assemble at Pennyhill Park this week to prepare for a preliminary clash against a France XV in Vannes on 19 June.

The national team boss has taken this opportunity to evaluate fresh talent, handing a first senior call-up to Harlequins prop Will Hobson.

Sale hooker Nathan Jibulu, Bristol tighthead George Kloska, and Saracens lock Hugh Tizard are also hoping to impress in the pack.

Players involved in the impending Premiership semi-finals between Northampton, Leicester, Bath, and Exeter remain unavailable for selection.

Gruelling schedule and rehabilitation

Further uncapped additions feature in the backline, with Saracens wing Tobias Elliott joining club-mate Noah Caluori in the senior setup.

Gloucester full-back Ben Redshaw also returns to the fold, having previously trained with the elite squad as a teenager during the 2023 World Cup.

Meanwhile, three established internationals will attend the camp strictly to continue their injury rehabilitations:

Following the fixture in France, the squad faces a daunting July itinerary with consecutive Saturday tests in Johannesburg, Liverpool, and Santiago del Estero.

UFC president Dana White has confirmed that heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall would have fought Alex Pereira at the White House this weekend if the British fighter was fully fit.

Instead, a unique fight card will take place on the South Lawn on Sunday.

The co-main event sees Pereira face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.

Aspinall is currently recovering from double eye surgery following a controversial bout in October.

The 33-year-old suffered severe eye pokes from Gane, resulting in their undisputed title fight being ruled a no-contest.

Historic stakes for Pereira

When asked if a healthy Aspinall would have taken the prestigious slot against Pereira, White was unequivocal.

“Oh, 100 per cent. That would’ve been the fight,” White told TNT Sports.

The American promoter explained that numerous champions are currently sidelined, complicating the matchmaking process.

The Brazilian superstar Pereira is now stepping up to face former interim titleholder Gane.

Victory for the 38-year-old would see him become the first three-weight world champion in UFC history.

Pereira previously captured both the middleweight and light-heavyweight belts during a scintillating promotional run.

Aspinall awaits the winner

The French challenger, meanwhile, is desperate to secure interim gold for a second time.

Gane has previously fallen short in undisputed title bids against Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones.

The victor on Sunday is widely expected to face the recovering British champion next.

Aspinall admits he is torn between seeking retribution against his recent opponent and facing a global superstar.

“I want revenge of course, but also, there’s an argument to say that me and Pereira would be a bigger fight,” Aspinall told Fight Your Corner.

Waiting for an invitation

Despite the lucrative appeal of a Pereira showdown, the Salford-born fighter anticipates a different outcome.

“I would say Gane beats Pereira by points; I think he’s just gonna move too much for him,” he added.

Despite his status as the division’s kingpin, Aspinall revealed he has not been formally invited to attend the historic Washington event.

The heavyweight titleholder insists he does not feel disrespected by the omission.

However, the British star made it clear he would eagerly accept a late call to watch the action from ringside.

“If they asked me, I would definitely go. I would like to watch the fight up close,” Aspinall confirmed.

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.

Australian tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic says she is unfazed about losing her place in history ahead of Serena Williams’ surprise doubles comeback at Queen’s Club this week.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion originally bowed out of professional tennis in September 2022 following a thrilling third-round defeat by Tomljanovic at the US Open.

However, the American icon is set to rewrite her final chapter by taking to the grass courts in West Kensington.

That impending return means Tomljanovic will no longer hold the distinction of being the last person to face or defeat the former world number one.

A cherished New York memory

Despite the impending shift in the record books, the Australian holds no bitterness regarding her updated status.

“I remember feeling very conflicted when I played that match, and even after, because it was over for someone that I have looked up to for a very long time.”
“I experienced that match and got the win – but that was more amazing for me. I’ll always remember and cherish that.”
“In a way, I don’t really care for these history books where I might not be the last one. That’s totally OK with me.”

An unforgettable US Open farewell

The legendary American saved five match points before eventually succumbing 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 on a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Her highly anticipated farewell tour attracted a star-studded audience to Flushing Meadows, with figures like Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton witnessing her earlier victories.

A capacity crowd of nearly 24,000 spectators watched an intense battle that lasted over three hours.

“It was a crazy match,” Tomljanovic recalled.
“I just remember being so mentally stable in that match and battling so many things that you couldn’t really prepare for.”

Speaking directly to the partisan crowd after the victory, the Australian showed immense respect for her celebrated opponent.

“I’m feeling really sorry because I love Serena just as much as you guys do,” she said on court.
“What she’s done for me, for tennis, is incredible. She is the greatest of all time.”

The Queen’s Club comeback

The veteran superstar had originally stated she was evolving away from the sport in a first-person essay prior to the New York tournament.

When pressed on a potential return immediately after the loss to Tomljanovic, the fierce competitor admitted the door was never entirely closed.

“I don’t think so, but you never know,” she said at the time.

Now, the sporting world eagerly awaits her reappearance on the prestigious grass courts of West Kensington.