Arsenal fought back to beat Leeds 2-1 on Saturday, drawing level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a strong response after the three-week international break.

Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down a well-organized Leeds defense in the first half but found their rhythm after the interval to secure a fifth win in six league games this season.

James Justin put Leeds ahead early in the second half at Emirates Stadium, briefly silencing the home crowd in the October sunshine. Arsenal responded quickly, with Riccardo Calafiori restoring parity seven minutes later before substitute Bruno Guimaraes completed the comeback with a well-worked team goal.

The focus returned to the pitch Saturday after the bombshell announcement that City had been found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.

But Arsenal, who had a perfect record before their 3-0 defeat to Brighton last month, struggled to break down Daniel Farke’s physical side in the first half.

Noni Madueke, overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for England’s most recent squad, was handed a rare start on the left wing in place of the injured Christos Tzolis.

But neither he nor Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank had much success against a defense that had conceded just three league goals all season.

Leeds created a couple of half-chances late in the first half.

First, Jayden Bogle and Anton Stach got in each other’s way as Stach struck the ball against his teammate. Bogle was then denied from close range by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who rushed out to smother his shot.

Raya subsequently got down smartly to keep out a shot from Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson from a tight angle.

Arsenal managed just one shot on target in the first half, but the game opened up after the break, with chances at both ends.

Impressive Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka forced Raya to tip the ball over the crossbar before Justin put his side ahead in the 55th minute, finishing from just inside the box after a Gudmundsson cross following a well-worked move down the left.

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes got his head to the ball but failed to keep it out of the net.

The Gunners were back on level terms just seven minutes later when the unmarked Calafiori finished past England international goalkeeper James Trafford after being set up by Ben White.

Leeds’ problems deepened when Guimaraes finished powerfully after a neat move down Arsenal’s left, with Saka, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice all involved.

The win takes Arsenal to 15 points, level with City, who remain top on goal difference.

City, managed by Enzo Maresca and with a game in hand, are braced for a hostile reception at Liverpool on Sunday following the announcement of the verdict last week.

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Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has transformed football by allowing officials to review key incidents that could change the outcome of a match.

Introduced to reduce major refereeing errors, the technology has improved decision-making in crucial situations, but it continues to fuel debate over delays, subjective interpretations and the limits of video review.

VAR operates under a strict protocol established by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the Laws of the Game.

Its guiding principle is “minimum interference, maximum benefit,” meaning video officials should intervene only when there is a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident in a specific category.

The technology does not replace the referee or provide a means to review every disputed decision. The referee on the pitch remains in control and makes the final call.

The basic principles of VAR

VAR is designed to correct significant mistakes without disrupting the game unnecessarily. Under the protocol, the referee must make an initial decision on the field, even if that means allowing play to continue. Officials cannot postpone a decision while waiting for video assistance.

The original ruling stands unless the review identifies a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident within the permitted categories. The VAR team can recommend a review, but only the referee can formally initiate one.

Accuracy takes priority over speed, so there is no fixed time limit for a review. However, officials are expected to complete checks as efficiently as possible to minimize interruptions.

Players and team officials must also respect the process. Surrounding or attempting to influence the referee, entering the video operation room or entering the referee review area without authorization can result in disciplinary action. Excessively making the TV-review gesture can earn a yellow card, while entering the video operation room can lead to a red card.

If play continues after an incident that is later reviewed, most disciplinary decisions made in the intervening period remain in place, subject to limited exceptions involving situations such as stopping a promising attack or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

VAR is not automatically available to every competition. Tournaments and leagues must meet FIFA’s implementation requirements and obtain written approval before using the system.

Which decisions can VAR review?

Under the IFAB protocol for competitions beginning on or after July 1, 2026, VAR covers a limited number of match-changing situations. The main categories are goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity. Certain competitions can also use additional review options.

1. Goals and no-goal decisions

VAR can review whether a goal should stand or be disallowed. Officials examine potential attacking offences in the buildup, including offside, handball and fouls.

They can also check whether the ball went out of play before the goal, whether it crossed the goal line completely and whether a goalkeeper, penalty taker or another player committed a reviewable offence during a penalty kick.

The purpose is to ensure that a goal is awarded or disallowed according to the Laws of the Game, including when an infringement occurred several seconds before the ball entered the net.

2. Penalty or no-penalty decisions

VAR can intervene when a penalty has been incorrectly awarded or when a clear penalty offence has been missed.

Reviews can establish whether an infringement occurred inside or outside the penalty area, whether the ball was already out of play and whether an attacking offence took place in the buildup to the incident.

Officials can also review a penalty decision when the initial call was based on an incorrect interpretation of what happened.

3. Direct red-card incidents

VAR can review potential direct red cards involving serious foul play, violent conduct, biting, spitting, and offensive, insulting or abusive actions. It can also examine incidents in which a player may have denied an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

A significant protocol change for the 2026-27 season allows reviews of clearly incorrect second yellow cards that result in a red card. Previously, ordinary second-yellow decisions were outside VAR’s scope.

However, VAR cannot introduce a second yellow card that the referee failed to award in the first place. Its authority in this area remains limited to the specified reviewable situations.

4. Mistaken identity

If the referee cautions or sends off the wrong player from the offending team, VAR can help correct the player’s identity.

The review does not automatically reopen the underlying offence. Officials can reconsider that incident only if it independently falls within another permitted review category.

5. Incorrectly awarded corner kicks

Some competitions have expanded VAR’s scope to include clearly incorrect corner-kick decisions. This option is permitted only when the correction can be made immediately without delaying the restart.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup adopted the option, while the Premier League did not include it in its 2026-27 protocol.

Additional trial provisions used at the 2026 World Cup also allow certain attacking offences committed before the ball is in play at a corner or attacking free kick to be reviewed when they directly affect a subsequent goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.

These expanded options are not universal. Their availability depends on the competition’s approved protocol.

What VAR cannot review

VAR does not provide a general appeal system for every refereeing decision. Ordinary fouls outside the penalty area are not reviewable unless they meet the threshold for a direct red card.

Throw-ins, goal kicks and most other routine restart decisions are also outside its scope once play has restarted.

Officials cannot use VAR to award an ordinary second yellow card that was missed, nor can they revisit every disputed challenge simply because replay footage is available.

These restrictions are central to the system’s design, although they are also a major source of frustration for players, coaches and supporters.

How a VAR review works

The review process follows a defined sequence, beginning with the referee’s decision on the pitch and ending with a final ruling.

Step 1: The referee makes the initial decision

The referee and assistant referees officiate the match as they normally would, making decisions based on what they see in real time.

The referee must make an initial call, including allowing play to continue when appropriate. VAR does not take over the decision-making process.

Step 2: The VAR team conducts an automatic check

A team of video officials monitors the match from a video operation room, which may be based inside the stadium or at a centralized facility.

The team typically includes a VAR, one or more assistant VARs and replay operators. They examine every potential or actual goal, penalty incident, direct red-card situation and case of mistaken identity.

Using multiple camera angles and different replay speeds, they look for clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents.

Most checks are completed without interrupting play. If the video officials find no reason to intervene, the original decision stands. The VAR may tell the referee that a check is complete, but no formal review is necessary.

Step 3: The VAR recommends a review

If the footage suggests that a significant error may have occurred, the VAR communicates the findings to the referee through a headset.

To prevent unnecessary background conversations from distracting the referee, the VAR communicates with the on-field official through a controlled system.

The recommendation does not itself change the decision. The referee must decide whether to initiate a formal review.

Step 4: The referee reviews the incident

If play is still underway, the referee normally waits for an appropriate stoppage before beginning the review. The official then makes the familiar TV signal by outlining a rectangle with both hands.

There are two main types of review.

VAR-only review: This is generally used for factual decisions that can be established from the footage, such as an offside position, the location of an offence inside or outside the penalty area, whether the ball went out of play or the point of contact in a challenge. The referee can accept the information supplied by the VAR without visiting the pitchside monitor.

On-field review: This is generally used when an incident requires a subjective judgment. Examples include whether a challenge was excessively forceful, whether contact constituted a foul or handball offence, and whether an offside player interfered with an opponent.

The referee visits the referee review area, watches the selected footage and makes the final decision.

Slow-motion footage is useful for establishing factual details, including positions and points of contact. Normal-speed replays are preferred when judging the intensity of a challenge or whether an action should be considered an offence.

Step 5: The referee announces the final decision

After completing the review, the referee signals again and communicates the outcome.

Many competitions require officials to announce decisions over the stadium public-address system, although straightforward factual offside decisions may be exempt from the announcement requirement.

The referee then applies or adjusts any disciplinary sanctions and restarts play according to the Laws of the Game.

Even when the VAR recommends a review and supplies the relevant footage, the final decision remains with the referee on the pitch.

The technology behind VAR

VAR relies on a network of broadcast and dedicated cameras that provide different views of incidents. Major tournaments can use more than 20 camera angles, including super-slow-motion and ultra-slow-motion footage.

Replay operators select the relevant angles and provide them to the VAR team, allowing officials to examine incidents from multiple perspectives.

Two other technologies play important roles in modern refereeing: semi-automated offside technology and goal-line technology.

Semi-automated offside technology

Semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) helps officials assess tight offside decisions more quickly and consistently.

The system uses dedicated tracking cameras to follow players’ movements and identify relevant points on their bodies. Depending on the implementation, systems may use approximately 12 to 30 cameras, tracking numerous body points several times per second.

Some systems also use a sensor inside the match ball to help identify the precise moment it was kicked.

The technology automatically proposes the relevant kick point and generates calibrated offside lines. The VAR team then verifies the information before confirming the decision to the referee.

SAOT has reduced the time needed for many close offside checks, although the technology does not eliminate the need for human oversight, particularly when officials must determine whether a player interfered with an opponent.

Goal-line technology

Goal-line technology operates separately from VAR. It determines whether the entire ball has crossed the goal line and sends an immediate signal to the referee.

The system helps resolve one of football’s most decisive questions without requiring a lengthy video review.

Although both technologies support referees, they serve different purposes. Goal-line technology provides a direct answer about whether the ball crossed the line, while VAR reviews a broader range of incidents under the IFAB protocol.

How VAR developed

VAR emerged from work by the Royal Netherlands Football Association under its Refereeing 2.0 project. Informal testing began in the early 2010s, with the first live trial using the modern system taking place in July 2016 during a match between PSV and FC Eindhoven.

Australia’s A-League became the first top-flight league to adopt VAR fully in 2017, followed by Major League Soccer.

In March 2018, IFAB formally approved VAR for optional use in competitions. An independent analysis of nearly 1,000 matches had indicated that decision accuracy for reviewable incidents increased from about 93% to 98.8%, with relatively little time lost to reviews.

The system made its World Cup debut at the 2018 tournament in Russia, marking a major turning point in the use of video technology in football.

Several major European leagues subsequently introduced VAR. The Bundesliga and Serie A were among the early adopters, while the Premier League implemented the system for the 2019-20 season.

Since then, the technology has continued to evolve. Changes to offside technology, referee announcements, review procedures and the range of permitted interventions have sought to improve accuracy and reduce unnecessary delays.

Why VAR remains controversial

Despite improving the accuracy of decisions in the situations it covers, VAR remains one of football’s most contentious developments. Its critics argue that the technology has introduced new problems even as it has helped correct major refereeing mistakes.

Subjective decisions remain subjective

Video footage can establish where a player was standing or whether contact occurred, but it cannot always settle questions of interpretation.

Whether a challenge constitutes a foul, whether a handball offence has occurred or whether an offside player interfered with an opponent may still depend on the referee’s judgment.

The requirement for a clear and obvious error adds another layer of interpretation. Officials must decide not only what happened but also whether the original ruling was sufficiently wrong to justify intervention.

Interruptions disrupt the flow of the game

Reviews can interrupt celebrations, delay restarts and leave players and supporters waiting for a decision.

Although SAOT and procedural changes have shortened many checks, lengthy reviews remain possible, particularly when incidents involve several players or require subjective judgments.

For supporters, the uncertainty can diminish the spontaneity that makes football compelling.

Communication does not always satisfy fans

Referee announcements, published audio in some competitions and explanations through official match centers have improved transparency.

However, supporters and clubs may still struggle to understand why a decision was reached, particularly when stadium announcements provide only a brief explanation.

The images shown during a review may also differ from the footage available to broadcasters or supporters, leaving some questions unresolved in the moment.

Human error has not disappeared

VAR depends on human interpretation, and officials can still miss important details, misread an incident or reach the wrong conclusion.

A review may fail to account for a player’s impact on an opponent, for example, even when the relevant footage is available.

High-profile mistakes attract intense scrutiny because the technology is expected to prevent major errors. When it does not, confidence in the system can suffer.

Some mistakes remain outside VAR’s scope

The protocol deliberately excludes many incidents, including ordinary fouls, missed second yellow cards and certain restart decisions.

As a result, an error can influence a match without being eligible for review. This creates a distinction between mistakes the technology can correct and those it must leave untouched.

Expanding the system’s scope could address some of these problems, but it could also lead to more interruptions and a broader role for video officials.

How competitions are refining VAR

Football authorities continue to adjust the system in response to criticism. Changes have focused on making reviews quicker, improving explanations and determining which additional incidents justify intervention.

The Premier League, for example, has emphasized a high threshold for overturning the referee’s original decision, efforts to reduce delays and improvements to the experience for supporters inside stadiums.

Other developments include mandatory referee announcements, more efficient offside checks and selective expansion of reviewable incidents.

The introduction of reviews for clearly incorrect second yellow cards that result in dismissals is one example of the protocol evolving. Optional corner-kick corrections and limited reviews of certain attacking offences before set-piece restarts represent further attempts to address significant errors without turning VAR into a tool for reviewing every decision.

However, not every competition adopts every available option. The scope of VAR can therefore differ between leagues and tournaments, even when they operate under the same overarching framework.

What VAR looks like on matchday

During a top-level match, the VAR team monitors the action continuously from a video operation room equipped with multiple screens and replay systems.

Most checks happen in the background and are completed within seconds, allowing play to continue. When officials identify a potential clear and obvious error, the referee receives a recommendation and may initiate a formal review at the next appropriate stoppage.

The process becomes visible when the referee makes the TV signal, consults the pitchside monitor if necessary and communicates the final decision.

For players, coaches and supporters, the wait can be tense, especially when a goal or penalty is under review. For officials, the challenge is to balance accuracy with the need to preserve the rhythm of the match.

Ultimately, the referee on the pitch retains authority over the decision and the conduct of the game.

The future of VAR

VAR has permanently changed how football’s biggest decisions are made and scrutinized. It has helped reduce major errors involving goals, penalties and dismissals, while creating fresh debates over consistency, transparency and the role of technology in a sport defined by its pace and emotion.

Its continued development will depend on whether football authorities can improve the speed and clarity of reviews without undermining the referee’s authority or interrupting matches unnecessarily.

The underlying principles remain unchanged: VAR has a limited scope, intervention requires a clear and obvious error or a serious missed incident, and the referee retains the final say.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after disciplinary proceedings were opened against the 41-year-old forward for leaving the national team camp during the October international break.

The federation announced Saturday that the case had been classified as urgent, with Ronaldo suspended pending a final decision on the punishment. No ruling has been issued on the length of any potential ban.

The Al-Nassr forward acknowledged his actions were wrong in a lengthy statement published earlier this week, apologizing to his teammates and Portuguese supporters while insisting he remained committed to representing his country.

Ronaldo also said he would accept the federation’s decision and return to international duty after serving any suspension.

“I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our national team,” he said.

The disciplinary case stems from Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on Sept. 30, following tensions with coach Jorge Jesus over his playing time during the Nations League campaign.

Ronaldo was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sept. 27 despite warming up during the match.

Three days later, Jesus indicated that the forward would not start against Denmark, prompting Ronaldo to leave the camp before the team completed preparations for the Oct. 1 fixture.

The forward subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word after suggesting he would receive playing time against Norway. Ronaldo said he had prepared to enter the game after being informed he would play for approximately 30 minutes but was never introduced.

Jesus defended his selection decisions, describing them as tactical rather than related to Ronaldo’s fitness. He had previously coached the forward at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Ronaldo also criticized the coach’s public explanation of the decision, saying it differed from what they had discussed privately. He said the breakdown in trust contributed to his decision to leave the squad.

In his statement Tuesday, Ronaldo accepted full responsibility for his departure and apologized for failing to acknowledge Portugal’s traveling supporters after the Norway match. He said his status as national team captain made his actions particularly serious and urged the federation to apply its disciplinary rules without giving him special treatment.

The Portuguese federation has not announced when the investigation will conclude or whether the provisional suspension will be followed by a longer ban.

Portugal continued its Nations League campaign without Ronaldo, beating Denmark 4-2 on Oct. 1 before defeating Norway 2-1 four days later. The results completed a perfect start to the group stage, with the defending champions winning all four of their matches and securing qualification for the quarterfinals with two games remaining.

Ronaldo featured in only one of Portugal’s four games during the international window. He had started the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales on Sept. 24 before being left unused against Norway.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker, with 146 goals in 234 international matches. He also holds the men’s international records for both goals and appearances.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his international future, Ronaldo returned to club action Friday and scored in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League. The goal took his career tally to 980 official goals, leaving him 20 short of the 1,000-goal milestone he has publicly pursued.

Ronaldo had previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his last before retirement, although he has made clear that he does not intend to end his Portugal career through a ceremonial farewell.

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Manchester City face a potentially hostile reception at Liverpool on Sunday in their first match since being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

City have appealed the findings and maintain their innocence, but their future in the English top flight is under scrutiny after the club was found to have used “sham” sponsorship deals to inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than 900 million pounds ($1.2 billion).

Manchester United and Tottenham are both desperate for a victory when they clash at Old Trafford, while Arsenal will look to bounce back from a rare defeat when they host Leeds.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) Sports previews the standout fixtures as the Premier League returns to action following a three-week international break.

City face the music

City’s transformation into the dominant force in English football since an Abu Dhabi-backed takeover 18 years ago has cost Liverpool more than most.

The charges against City cover the period from 2009 to 2018, but the foundations they built during that time helped ensure they remained the Premier League’s top dogs for much of Pep Guardiola’s subsequent tenure.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool twice missed out on the title to Guardiola’s side despite amassing more than 90 points.

Those battles to be crowned champions of England over the past decade have turned this fixture into the Premier League’s marquee matchup, and the eyes of the football world will be on Anfield again Sunday.

City have won every game since Enzo Maresca replaced Guardiola, but their title challenge could be derailed by a sanction unless they can overturn the verdict of an independent commission.

Liverpool will seek to capitalize on City’s uncertainty and kick-start their own campaign.

Andoni Iraola remains unbeaten as Liverpool manager, but draws against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Fulham have left the Reds six points off the top spot.

“I think it’s a big game, and I think everyone is expecting to play, to watch, to be part of that game,” Iraola said.

“We know we will have to be at our best, and I also know that the people will be looking to help the team.”

Pressure on Carrick

City’s scandal has diverted attention from a difficult start to the season on the other side of Manchester.

United have taken just five points from what appeared to be an inviting opening five fixtures and now face a difficult run of games.

Just months after being handed the job on a permanent basis, Michael Carrick is the latest United manager facing scrutiny over his ability to turn around the fortunes of the struggling English giants.

After Saturday’s visit from Tottenham, the Red Devils travel to Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como over a nine-day period. They also face Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa before next month’s international break.

Tottenham spent more than 300 million pounds on new players during the transfer window but have nevertheless spent the past three weeks rooted to the foot of the table after taking just two points from their opening five games.

Arsenal just getting started

Defending champions Arsenal will look to bounce back when Leeds visit the Emirates Stadium in Saturday’s early kickoff.

A perfect start to the campaign for the Gunners ended dramatically with a 3-0 defeat at Brighton in their last outing.

But developments in the City case have reinforced Arsenal’s position as bookmakers’ favorites to retain the title.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta extended his contract through 2030 this week and is determined that a first league title in 22 years will mark only the beginning of a golden age for the north London club.

“This is only the beginning of what we can achieve together,” the Spaniard said.

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UEFA is seeking a challenger to FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of next year’s election, calling for a respected and unifying leader with deep roots in football as Africa’s 54 member associations pledged their unconditional support for the incumbent.

European football’s governing body outlined its strategy Thursday after a meeting of its 55 member federations in Berlin, signaling a growing divide over FIFA’s leadership, governance and financial priorities ahead of the March 18 election in Rabat, Morocco.

UEFA said FIFA needed a president who could unite the global game, command confidence across regions and prioritize development, reform, integrity and independence.

The candidate should represent FIFA worldwide and provide leadership without becoming involved in the organization’s day-to-day management, UEFA said, without identifying a potential challenger.

The search could extend beyond Europe as Infantino seeks to retain the backing of FIFA’s 211 member federations. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has led efforts to challenge Infantino’s increasingly executive-style leadership but ruled himself out of the FIFA race.

Instead, Ceferin confirmed Thursday that he would seek a fourth and final term as UEFA president at an election scheduled for April 22 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The announcement came despite his 2024 pledge not to seek another term, removing one of the most prominent potential challengers to Infantino from consideration.

The growing opposition to Infantino follows a controversial proposal to sell private investors stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. The plan, which was quickly abandoned after a backlash, intensified long-standing European concerns about FIFA’s governance and decision-making.

UEFA used its Berlin meeting to set out a series of reforms it wants FIFA to adopt, including stronger protections for oversight bodies against interference from the president or senior executives.

“No FIFA resources may be used for personal or electoral interests,” the proposed reforms stated.

The measures were backed by all UEFA members except Azerbaijan, which has pledged its support to Infantino. One of the FIFA president’s key campaign aides is Azerbaijani.

German football federation president Bernd Neuendorf, a member of the FIFA Council, expressed doubts that meaningful changes could be achieved under the current leadership.

“I’m not convinced personally that a credible reform process can be achieved under the current FIFA leadership,” Neuendorf told reporters.

UEFA also renewed its call for FIFA to distribute a one-off $10 million payment to each of its 211 member associations from its reserves. FIFA’s cash reserves stand at nearly $6 billion following the lucrative 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ceferin and other global football officials are due to meet Infantino in Zurich next week for the first meeting of the 37-member FIFA Council since the private investment proposal became public.

The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for officials to address their differences over FIFA’s direction and the independence of its decision-making bodies.

UEFA’s concerns extend beyond financial matters to decisions involving players and competitions.

FIFA’s handling of disciplinary and eligibility cases involving Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, United States forward Folarin Balogun and Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi has raised questions among football officials.

Infantino’s influence over sporting decisions has also come under scrutiny following Inter Miami’s inclusion in the 2025 Club World Cup despite the Major League football team not being the league’s champion. The decision was made without a clearly established consultation process, prompting further questions about FIFA’s governance.

While UEFA considers its options, Infantino has been strengthening his support elsewhere, particularly in Africa, where the continent’s 54 national federations have pledged to back his reelection.

At a conference in Cape Verde on Thursday, Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe announced the continent’s unanimous support for Infantino, giving the FIFA president a significant boost as he seeks another term.

“There is a unanimous decision by the 54 CAF member associations to unconditionally support Gianni as president of FIFA,” Motsepe told delegates.

He attributed the backing to Infantino’s support for African football since taking office in February 2016.

Infantino, who received a standing ovation at the gathering, reminded African officials of FIFA’s investment in the continent through its development programs.

“With the FIFA Forward program we have invested, in 10 years, $1 billion in Africa, $500 million in the last four years,” Infantino said. “One hundred and 24 different projects and many other actions.”

He described the investment as part of a broader effort to strengthen African football and said FIFA would continue seeking additional resources to help the continent compete at the highest level.

Infantino also acknowledged that disagreements could arise within the global game, urging officials to address concerns through dialogue without directly referring to the abandoned private investment proposal.

“When you go through a journey, sometimes concerns are raised,” he said. “When they are raised, we have to address them.”

He added that FIFA remained committed to expanding opportunities for African teams, pointing to the continent’s representation at the 2026 World Cup.

“Ten countries at the World Cup has been a success for the entire continent,” Infantino said.

“We will continue to look for the resources and the increases in funding that are necessary to boost the African game to the top of world football.”

Africa’s backing contrasts with the opposition emerging in Europe, highlighting the challenge facing any candidate seeking to unseat Infantino. The continent represents more than a quarter of FIFA’s voting membership, making its support a valuable asset in a contest decided by national federations.

Former Switzerland and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has already said he intends to challenge Infantino, marking a second attempt to run against the FIFA president after failing to secure the required support from five federations in 2019.

It remains unclear whether Vega meets FIFA’s eligibility requirement that candidates must have held a recognized role in football for at least two of the previous five years.

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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined football for nearly two decades, but their international careers reveal a striking difference.

Argentina built a team around Messi that thrives on collective sacrifice, while Portugal have repeatedly struggled to balance Ronaldo’s influence with the needs of the squad.

Both countries boast generations of exceptional players, yet Argentina’s unity has delivered major international trophies, while Portugal have faced persistent questions about accommodating their greatest star.

Boy from Rosario

For years, Messi struggled under comparisons with Diego Maradona. After leaving Rosario for Barcelona at 13, he faced relentless pressure to reproduce his club success with Argentina.

Consecutive Copa America final defeats in 2015 and 2016 intensified criticism. Messi briefly retired from international football after the latter loss, prompting doubts about his connection with the national team.

Unlike Maradona, Messi was quiet and reserved, leading critics to question his leadership qualities.

That perception changed when Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, defeating Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana to end a 28-year wait for a major senior men’s international trophy.

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina had developed a team that no longer depended entirely on Messi to produce every decisive moment.

The transformation became clearer at the 2022 World Cup. During the quarterfinal against the Netherlands, Messi celebrated his penalty by cupping his ears toward the Dutch bench, responding to comments from coach Louis van Gaal.

After Argentina advanced on penalties following a 2-2 draw, Messi interrupted a television interview to confront Dutch striker Wout Weghorst, delivering the now-famous line, “¿Qué mirás, bobo?”

The moment revealed Messi’s willingness to defend his teammates. His leadership was not about being the loudest voice in the dressing room, but earning trust and showing his teammates he would stand up for them.

Argentina eventually defeated France in a dramatic final, allowing Messi to lift the World Cup.

Team around trust

Argentina’s success was no accident. Since taking charge in 2018, Scaloni has built a team based on collective responsibility, introducing younger players who grew up idolizing Messi.

Rather than assembling admirers around their captain, he gave them defined roles that allowed the team to function cohesively.

Rodrigo De Paul became one of Messi’s closest allies. Frequently described as his bodyguard, the midfielder combines relentless running with a willingness to confront opponents who target his captain.

Emiliano Martinez provides confidence and competitive intensity, while Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez have helped establish a generation willing to work for Messi.

Their contributions go beyond admiration. De Paul’s defensive work allows Messi to conserve energy, Mac Allister helps maintain balance, and Alvarez’s movement creates space for his captain.

Argentina’s unity reflects a simple principle: Messi does not have to carry the team alone because everyone understands their responsibilities.

Ronaldo’s leadership presents a different challenge

Ronaldo’s career has been built on ambition, discipline and extraordinary self-belief. Those qualities made him one of football’s greatest players, but his later international years have raised questions about how Portugal should accommodate him.

For years, Ronaldo was portrayed as the outspoken leader, while Messi was considered too quiet to inspire his country.

Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph appeared to support that argument. Ronaldo helped lead his country to its first major international title, encouraging teammates from the sidelines after injury forced him off during the final against France.

Argentina, meanwhile, were still struggling to win a major trophy with Messi.

Over time, however, the narrative changed. Argentina developed a successful system around Messi, while Portugal struggled to establish an attacking structure that maximized Ronaldo’s strengths without limiting the team’s collective play.

The challenge became particularly visible at the 2022 World Cup. Before the tournament, Ronaldo gave an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, criticizing Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag. The interview led to the termination of his contract and ensured controversy followed him into Portugal’s preparations.

Portugal’s performances intensified the debate. Coach Fernando Santos dropped Ronaldo for the round-of-16 match against Switzerland, and Portugal responded with a commanding 6-1 victory. Goncalo Ramos scored a hat trick, demonstrating the team’s attacking potential without Ronaldo starting.

The result did not prove Ronaldo was responsible for Portugal’s difficulties, but it raised legitimate questions about tactical flexibility.

Even when Portugal succeeded, discussion frequently returned to Ronaldo’s role rather than the collective performance.

Euro 2024’s emotional pressure

The debate continued at Euro 2024, when Ronaldo missed a penalty against Slovenia in extra time during Portugal’s round-of-16 match. He broke down in tears, and his teammates gathered around him.

Portugal eventually advanced after winning the shootout, with goalkeeper Diogo Costa saving all three Slovenian attempts.

There was nothing wrong with Ronaldo’s emotional reaction. Missing a decisive penalty can be devastating, especially for a player accustomed to extraordinary standards.

Yet the episode illustrated how Ronaldo’s individual struggles could dominate Portugal’s narrative, even when other players delivered decisive contributions.

The issue is not that Portugal’s players lack affection for their captain. Their response demonstrated genuine solidarity. The question is whether that relationship can coexist with the freedom to build a team around several leaders rather than one dominant figure.

Bigger than the system

Ronaldo’s club career has also featured public conflicts over his role.

After Real Madrid won the Champions League in 2018, he cast uncertainty over his future during the celebrations before eventually joining Juventus. His time in Italy ended with another high-profile departure, while his second Manchester United spell collapsed after he refused to enter as a substitute against Tottenham in 2022.

His subsequent interview with Morgan intensified the dispute with Ten Hag, leading to his departure from Old Trafford.

These episodes illustrate the difficulty of balancing a superstar’s ambitions with a team’s tactical requirements. Coaches must consider pressing, movement, defensive responsibilities and opportunities for younger players.

As a player ages, a team cannot build its future entirely around what he once offered.

Argentina have managed a similar challenge by allowing Messi to concentrate on his greatest strengths while teammates handle much of the defensive work. Portugal have faced greater scrutiny over whether their decisions prioritize collective performance or preserve Ronaldo’s central role.

Neither player’s legacy can be reduced to a simplistic comparison between a team player and a selfish superstar. Ronaldo helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League, while Messi’s success reflects Scaloni’s tactical organization and his teammates’ quality.

Ultimately, Argentina made their superstar part of a collective mission. Portugal’s challenge has been ensuring Ronaldo’s extraordinary legacy does not overshadow the needs of the team around him.