football etc
clearly just clinging onto his job here (and with regret it might even be enough).
The AthleticFIFA and Gianni Infantino have performed a U-turn on his plot to sell a stake in its commercial and event operations after widespread condemnation of the plans. Details: nyti.ms/4g2dPex
people don’t understand fifa. it has a political level, which is vile, and it has a technocratic level, which is almost exclusively people who care very deeply about the game and do good work. the two things are divisible and only intersect at their peripheries; like the civil service & politicians.
Sachin NakraniAny word yet from this standard-bearer for football’s high moral code?
“Now the whale’s jaws are opened only for special occasions” could be a euphemistic comment on the couple here
jordanThe only taxidermied blue whale in the world, 1865 CE, now housed at the Natural History Museum in Sweden. The public was allowed to enter the whale up until a couple was found having sex inside it. Now the whale’s jaws are opened only for special occasions, such as Swedish election days.
this is just words unless and until they secede in protest. UEFA and CONMEBOL hold the keys and can force the reform of football governance if they want. I feel very pessimistic about that happening.
Philippe AuclairNew UEFA statement. "UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans"
absolutely love the fact Shola Ameobi is now head of corporate affairs at Newcastle nyti.ms/4x3jCGj
Shola Ameobi on perceptions and a new role at Newcastle: ‘Negativity has helped me become resilient’ (Gift Article)The former striker was Newcastle's loan coordinator for seven years but has moved to the fresh position of head of corporate affairsnyti.msthis seems sort of positive for the prospects of Vini Jr leaving?
Fabrizio Romano (MIRROR)🚨⚪️ Real Madrid have verbally agreed on personal terms with Yan Diomande. 💣 Same as Paris Saint-Germain in June, Real also have player’s green light on terms. Real set to return with new bid to Leipzig after €90m plus €10m rejected. PSG, in contact again today to try until the end. 🎥
didn’t realise Goretzka was available on a free. I wouldn’t be against that. Vlahovic will come to the Prem if not Saudi won’t he.
Opta AnalystSalah? Goretzka? Vlahovic? With around a month to go before the start the 2026-27 domestic season, there are some big names still without a club. We look at eight free agents still on the market: theanalyst.com/articles/fre...
lotta money flying around this summer hey
David Ornstein🚨 Offer accepted by West Ham United from Al Hilal for Crysencio Summerville £55m guaranteed + £5m potential bonuses - total package worth just over €70m as #AlHilal try to finalise signing of 24yo #WHUFC winger - not fully done yet 🚨 @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...