Sports
UEFA to boycott all FIFA tournaments over World Cup stakes plan
UEFA member countries unanimously voted Thursday to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in protest of FIFA’s plan to sell stakes to external investors.
“UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” the European football body said after an urgent online meeting of the 55 members.
The strategy meeting was called to counter FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s offer of $20 million to each of its 211 global members that has to be accepted by mid-September.
Infantino’s secret proposal was revealed Tuesday to spin off its commercial operations in a $20 billion operation 20% owned by private investors. The core investor would be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner.
The next FIFA competition is in Europe, the Women’s Under-20 World Cup hosted by Poland from Sept. 5.
The proposed NBA Europe league is expected to deliver a major economic boost to Istanbul, with projections showing the city could generate $2.2 billion in economic activity over a 10-year period if it becomes one of the competition’s founding markets.
The new league, a joint venture between the NBA and FIBA, is expected to launch in October 2027 and aims to reshape the commercial landscape of European basketball while creating significant financial opportunities for host cities.
According to projections compiled from a report by The Sports Consultancy, Istanbul’s total economic impact between 2027 and 2036 would reach approximately $2.2 billion.
The estimate includes direct revenues such as ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships and broadcasting rights, along with indirect benefits generated through tourism, supply chains, local businesses and full-time employment linked to the league.
The report also projects the league would contribute $819 million to Türkiye’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the same period.
During the first decade of operations, Istanbul is expected to stage 213 basketball events, attracting an estimated 3.6 million spectators while supporting an average of 176 full-time jobs annually across various sectors tied to the competition.
Istanbul among Europe’s premier host cities
The league is expected to feature 16 teams in its inaugural season, with 12 clubs receiving permanent licenses and the remaining four places awarded based on performances in FIBA competitions, including the Basketball Champions League.
Istanbul is among the cities expected to host one of the permanent franchises, alongside Rome, Milan, London, Manchester, Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich and Athens.
NBA Europe said the competition is designed not only to elevate the level of basketball across the continent but also to become a significant driver of economic growth for participating cities.
Basketball’s rapid growth fuels expansion
The NBA believes Europe presents one of basketball’s biggest untapped commercial opportunities.
League research estimates basketball now has 270 million fans across Europe, making it the continent’s fastest-growing sport. While football remains Europe’s most popular sport, basketball has established itself as the clear second choice in terms of fan interest.
European influence inside the NBA has also never been stronger.
A record 71 European players were on NBA opening-night rosters at the start of last season, highlighting the region’s growing importance to the league.
European stars have also dominated the NBA’s biggest individual honor, winning the Most Valuable Player award five times in the past eight seasons.
NBA aims to unlock basketball’s commercial potential
Despite basketball’s growing popularity, the sport still captures less than 1% of Europe’s estimated $45 billion sports media and sponsorship market, according to industry estimates.
The NBA believes its nearly 80 years of operational expertise, global marketing reach of roughly 2 billion fans, and proven commercial model can help unlock that untapped potential and significantly increase the financial value of European basketball.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) in June, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director George Aivazoglou described Istanbul as a cornerstone of the league’s long-term vision.
“Istanbul is a world-class city with an incredible passion for sports, a powerful cultural influence and one of Europe’s largest and most dedicated fan bases. If European basketball is entering a new era, we believe Türkiye should be one of the countries helping shape that future,” Aivazoglou said.
If approved as planned, the NBA Europe league will operate under a semi-open competition format, combining long-term licensed clubs with merit-based qualification through FIBA competitions in an effort to strengthen both the sport’s competitive structure and commercial appeal across the continent.
Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) has launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), challenging the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to provisionally reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), the Ukrainian governing body announced Wednesday.
The IOC provisionally lifted the ROC’s suspension on July 7, marking a major step toward Russia’s return to the Olympic movement ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The ROC was suspended in October 2023 for recognizing regional Olympic councils in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The move was the latest step in the IOC’s gradual easing of restrictions on Russia’s return to international sport, following its December recommendation that international federations readmit Russian and Belarusian under-23 athletes.
“The position of the NOC of Ukraine is based on the fact that the IOC’s decision was made prematurely and without proper verification of whether the violations that led to the suspension of the ROC, following the appeal by the NOC of Ukraine on Oct. 6, 2023, had actually been resolved,” the NOC said in a statement.
“The NOC of Ukraine also points out that as early as 2024, CAS confirmed the legality of the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, recognizing that the inclusion of sports organizations from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine violates the territorial integrity of the NOC of Ukraine and the provisions of the Olympic Charter.
“For this reason, the Ukrainian side believes that reinstating the ROC’s rights without effectively addressing these violations is incompatible with the principles of international sports law and sets a dangerous precedent for the entire Olympic movement.”
Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev said on July 7 that the IOC’s decision should clear the way for Russian athletes to make a full return to the international sporting stage.
Russian athletes competed as neutrals at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
FIFA’s controversial proposal to open the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup to private investors has sparked a wave of opposition across world football, with governing bodies, leagues, federations and European Union officials warning the plan could fundamentally alter the game’s future.
The backlash intensified Wednesday after FIFA confirmed plans to establish a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), valued at approximately $20 billion, to oversee the commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
While FIFA would retain majority control, it aims to sell minority stakes of up to 20% to long-term investors and raise about $4.2 billion.
Critics argue the proposal prioritizes financial interests over football’s integrity and raises serious concerns about governance, transparency and conflicts of interest.
Governance risks
European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef delivered one of the strongest rebukes yet, accusing FIFA of allowing commercial ambitions to overshadow the sport itself.
“The relentless commercialization of football has become corrosive,” Micallef wrote on X, arguing that the governing body’s proposal raises profound questions about governance, independence and conflicts of interest.
He warned that aligning FIFA’s regulatory authority with private financial interests could undermine the sport and noted that sporting regulations remain subject to European Union competition law whenever they have economic consequences.
Micallef also urged national football associations to consult clubs, leagues, players, supporters and other stakeholders before taking any position.
“Commercial success should strengthen football, not consume it. Hands off our game,” he wrote.
FIFA has crossed a line
UEFA quickly emerged as the leading opponent of the proposal, arguing football’s governance cannot become an investment product.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade, especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,” UEFA said.
“None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
The European governing body later criticized reports that FIFA had given member associations a deadline to support the proposal or lose access to a larger financial package.
“Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan,” UEFA said.
The organization added that widespread opposition continues to grow throughout football.
“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritize associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”
Consultation demands
Resistance quickly spread beyond Europe.
CONCACAF said it only became aware of the proposal through media reports and criticized FIFA for failing to consult key stakeholders before unveiling such a significant initiative.
“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” the confederation said, adding that every decision affecting football should be guided by good governance, transparency and long-term stewardship.
The Asian Football Confederation echoed similar concerns, saying it supports innovation but was disappointed that such a far-reaching proposal had been announced before member associations and confederations had the opportunity to fully examine its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications.
The Confederation of African Football said its executive committee will meet next week to evaluate the proposal, while South America’s CONMEBOL and Oceania’s OFC had yet to publicly outline their positions.
Combined, UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC represent 143 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, highlighting the scale of global concern surrounding the proposal.
Widespread criticism
Several of Europe’s leading football associations also questioned the proposal.
England’s Football Association said it had been “completely unaware” of the plan and expressed concern over both the process and the governance principles involved.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said member associations had not been consulted on a proposal that could reshape football’s future.
The Danish, Dutch, Swedish and Romanian football associations all expressed concern, with Romania’s federation going further by suspending discussions over backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino for another term until more information becomes available.
Only Czech Football Association president David Trunda offered cautious support, saying he could see potential benefits but acknowledged that far more details were needed.
Opposition also came from Europe’s leading domestic competitions.
European Leagues, backed by the Premier League and Italy’s Serie A, rejected the proposal outright, calling it a reckless and divisive development.
“The World Cup should not be for sale,” the organization said. “Its value has been created by leagues, clubs, players and supporters, not by FIFA alone.”
Spain’s LaLiga also rejected the proposal, stressing that football’s future must be shaped through transparency, accountability and inclusive decision-making.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas took direct aim at Infantino.
“FIFA’s competitions and commercial rights are not Gianni Infantino’s personal property,” Tebas wrote on social media.
“Anyone who mixes politics, discipline, money and power without transparency is not fit to lead anything.”
The European Football Clubs organization also demanded meaningful consultation before any decision of such magnitude is made.
No to private ownership
FIFPRO Europe warned that transforming the World Cup into an investable financial asset would permanently change the incentives driving elite football.
The players’ union said introducing private capital into FIFA competitions could fundamentally reshape the environment in which professional footballers compete and build their careers.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also condemned the proposal.
“Football belongs to the people,” Blatter told Reuters.
“If FIFA were transferred into a profit-oriented corporate structure, it would lose its soul.”
He later added that FIFA is merely the guardian of the World Cup, not its owner.
Infantino’s defense
Facing mounting criticism, Infantino insisted the project remains only a proposal and not a finalized decision.
In a video message released by FIFA, he described FFE as “an opportunity but not an obligation.”
“It’s part of a democratic process, a consultation process, and above all it is an opportunity but not an obligation,” Infantino said.
He argued that FIFA has failed to fully capitalize on the commercial value of its competitions and said additional expertise is needed to unlock new revenue streams that would benefit all 211 member associations.
According to FIFA, the new company would manage sponsorship, broadcasting, licensing and commercial operations while FIFA would retain exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, regulations and the international match calendar.
Infantino insisted fans would ultimately benefit because increased revenues would help develop football worldwide.
Investor interests
Despite widespread criticism from football stakeholders, investor appetite appears significant.
A source familiar with the process said JPMorgan, which is helping FIFA secure outside investment, has already received substantial interest even before formal fundraising begins.
According to documents circulated to member associations, FIFA plans to launch formal investor outreach in August, receive expressions of interest in September and complete fundraising by October.
Media reports also claimed FIFA has told member associations they could each receive $40 million if they support the proposal before a September deadline. FIFA has said implementation would still require approval from both a majority of its member associations and the FIFA Council.
The Times also reported discussions have included investment firm Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, and a JPMorgan division that previously backed the failed European Super League, though FIFA denied reports suggesting Infantino could personally lead the commercial company after leaving office.
Football’s future at risk
The proposal represents one of the most ambitious commercial restructuring plans in FIFA’s history and has reignited long-standing tensions over the governance of world football.
Supporters argue it could unlock billions of dollars in new revenue for the global game, particularly for smaller associations.
Opponents counter that introducing private investment into the World Cup risks placing commercial returns ahead of football’s long-term interests, turning the sport’s most iconic competition into a financial asset rather than a shared global institution.
Pep Guardiola welcomed a group of Palestinian children to his annual youth football camp in Spain this summer, extending his long-standing support for the Palestinian cause by allowing youngsters affected by the conflict to enjoy football alongside hundreds of other participants.
The former Manchester City manager hosted the children during the sixth edition of the Pep Summer Camp, held in the village of Rialp in Spain’s Catalonia region.
Organized by the Guardiola Sala Foundation, the three-week camp combined football training with lessons on nutrition, teamwork, social responsibility and personal development for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 16.
A total of around 705 children attended the 2026 camp, which ran from late June through mid-July.
Among them were 28 Palestinian children, according to local Spanish newspaper Segre, the figure most consistently reported by regional media. Earlier reports had estimated between 25 and 31 participants.
Rather than creating a separate program, organizers integrated the Palestinian children into regular training groups with other campers. Five monitors also served as interpreters to help them communicate and settle into camp life.
The initiative began after a young Palestinian living in Barcelona contacted camp organizers in January with the idea of bringing children from Palestine to meet Guardiola and experience a period away from the hardships of conflict. The children traveled from Tel Aviv to Barcelona before joining the camp in the Catalan Pyrenees.
Camp coordinator Toni Aguilar said the goal was to ensure every child felt included.
“Here they are just one more,” Aguilar said. “They forget the problems they live with every day and enjoy playing football with the other children. Football is universal. Behind the ball, we are all equal.”
Guardiola spent time with the children during the camp, chatting, posing for photographs and watching training sessions. Videos showing the Spanish coach interacting warmly with the youngsters quickly spread across social media.
Laura Guerra, director of the Guardiola Sala Foundation, said the foundation aims to expose participants to different life experiences while promoting empathy and inclusion through sport. She added that organizers hope similar initiatives can continue in future editions of the camp.
The camp has become one of the foundation’s flagship youth projects, offering both residential and day programs while welcoming guest coaches, former professional players and specialists who help deliver football instruction alongside educational workshops.
Guardiola has been one of football’s most outspoken supporters of the Palestinian cause.
He has repeatedly spoken about the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, publicly condemned the violence, worn a keffiyeh during public appearances and participated in solidarity events in Barcelona.
Earlier this year, he also criticized what he described as international inaction over the plight of Palestinian children.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have emerged as the leading contenders to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, setting up one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer as both Istanbul rivals pursue the Portugal international with different approaches.
Leao, who turns 27 this year, has signaled he is open to leaving Milan after seven seasons with the Serie A club. Speaking during a vacation appearance on a Brazilian podcast, where he promoted his clothing brand and trained with Corinthians, the winger confirmed he had discussed his future with Milan officials.
While insisting he remains committed to the Rossoneri and will report for preseason, Leao admitted he is eager to experience a new chapter in his career if the right opportunity presents itself.
“I’ll give everything while I’m here, but I want new experiences,” Leao said, making it clear he is willing to consider offers during the transfer window.
Leao joined Milan from Lille in 2019 and has developed into one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players, contributing consistently with goals and assists while helping restore the club’s status among Italy’s elite. Although his contract runs through June 2028, Milan are prepared to listen to offers as they look to reduce their wage bill and finance other transfer business.
Italian reports value the winger between 40 million euros ($45.6 million) and 50 million euros, including performance-related bonuses. Milan are believed to favor a permanent transfer and have shown little interest in loan proposals unless they include a guaranteed obligation to buy.
Fenerbahçe have taken the most aggressive steps so far.
Board member Cihan Kamer traveled to Milan this week for face-to-face discussions with club officials. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the meeting was exploratory, allowing both sides to outline the framework of a potential deal without a formal offer being submitted.
The Yellow Canaries are reportedly considering a package worth around 40 million euros that could increase through bonuses and are exploring installment payments to satisfy Milan’s valuation.
Negotiations with Leao’s representatives have also advanced.
Italian outlets, including Sport Mediaset, reported that Fenerbahçe have proposed a long-term contract worth between 8 million euros and 12 million euros net per season, supplemented by bonuses tied to appearances, goals and team success.
Some reports suggested personal terms are close to being agreed, while others cautioned that negotiations remain ongoing.
Fenerbahçe recently dismissed reports claiming they had assembled a transfer package approaching 100 million euros, insisting no such offer exists and emphasizing that the club’s immediate focus remains its UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign.
Qualification for Europe’s premier club competition is expected to play a significant role in both the club’s financial flexibility and Leao’s willingness to make the move.
Galatasaray, however, remain firmly in contention.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio and Gazzetta dello Sport, the Turkish champions have maintained regular contact through intermediaries rather than direct negotiations with Milan.
Their strategy has been more patient, with club officials prepared to wait until later in the transfer window if necessary.
Galatasaray are reportedly willing to offer Leao an annual salary of around 10 million euros plus bonuses and have explored a loan agreement that would become permanent, a structure that could help bridge the gap between Milan’s asking price and their financial plans.
Unlike their city rivals, Galatasaray already have a guaranteed place in the UEFA Champions League league phase, a factor that could strengthen their appeal to a player eager to continue competing at Europe’s highest level.
Reports have also linked the club’s financial flexibility, including savings from recent squad changes, to its pursuit of the Portuguese forward.
The competition has evolved into a rare transfer derby between Türkiye’s two biggest clubs.
Fenerbahçe currently hold an advantage through direct talks with Milan, while Galatasaray believe their Champions League status and measured approach could prove decisive if negotiations drag into August.
Although Benfica and several clubs from England and Spain have previously been linked with Leao, none have matched the level of interest shown by the Istanbul rivals.
No agreement has been reached, and Milan continue to stand firm on their valuation.
Beşiktaş head to Denmark on Thursday looking to protect their slender first-leg advantage and book a place in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, while FC Midtjylland must overturn a 1-0 deficit to keep their European hopes alive.
The Black Eagles take confidence into the return leg at MCH Arena after Orkun Kökçü’s superb first-half strike secured victory in Istanbul and handed new coach Vincenzo Italiano a winning start to his competitive tenure.
Midtjylland’s task was made considerably more difficult after Friday Etim was sent off just 15 minutes into the opening leg.
Reduced to 10 men for most of the match, the Danish side relied heavily on goalkeeper Elias Olafsson, who produced several impressive saves to keep the tie within reach before finally being beaten by Kökçü’s curling finish in the 26th minute.
Despite the setback, Midtjylland responded positively at the weekend by opening their Danish Superliga campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sonderjyske. The win eased concerns after the first-leg defeat and maintained the momentum they built during an impressive preseason, where they won four of five friendlies, including emphatic victories over Cardiff City and Odense.
Mike Tullberg’s side also have recent European experience on their side. Last season, the Danish runners-up advanced automatically to the Europa League knockout stage before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout elimination against Nottingham Forest in the round of 16.
Even so, Beşiktaş remain in control of the tie. A draw in Denmark would be enough to send the Turkish club into the third qualifying round, where Tromso or Hradec Kralove await.
Italiano’s encouraging competitive debut has also helped erase some of the concerns created by an inconsistent preseason. Beşiktaş won only two of six friendly matches and suffered defeats to Widzew Lodz and Spartak Trnava, although their defensive organization remained largely solid, conceding more than once only in those two losses.
The Italian coach will expect another disciplined display away from home, particularly after Beşiktaş struggled on their travels toward the end of last season. Protecting their narrow advantage and capitalizing on counterattacks could prove enough to continue their European campaign.
Midtjylland face several selection concerns before kickoff. Defender Victor Bak remains doubtful after being forced off at halftime against Sonderjyske, while Ousmane Diao, Mikel Gogorza and Junior Brumado are all unavailable. Etim will also miss the return leg through suspension following his first-leg dismissal.
Although Mads Bech Sorensen, Valdemar Byskov and Julius Emefile scored in the league opener, Midtjylland are again expected to rely on the attacking partnership of Franculino Dju and Gue-sung Cho to provide the goals they need.
Beşiktaş, meanwhile, received a timely boost with defender Tiago Djalo declared fit after the injury scare he suffered in Istanbul. Wilfred Ndidi remains sidelined with an ankle injury, Felix Uduokhai continues to serve a UEFA suspension, while summer signing Leandro Trossard is unavailable after being granted additional leave following Belgium’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Off the field, Beşiktaş supporters appear to be cooling on the club’s pursuit of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah.
The club had explored the possibility of signing the former Liverpool forward as part of an ambitious rebuilding project under Italiano, following the arrivals of Trossard, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel and midfielder Salih Özcan.
Club officials, including football director Önder Özen and Italiano, reportedly agreed Salah was an ideal sporting fit. However, negotiations stalled because of financial demands from the player’s representatives.
While supporters enthusiastically chanted Salah’s name during Trossard’s unveiling at Tüpraş Stadium, sentiment has shifted since details of the reported contract demands emerged.
Many fans have praised club president Serdal Adalı for refusing to compromise Beşiktaş’s financial interests, with numerous supporters arguing on social media that the club made the right decision by shelving the deal rather than agreeing to what they viewed as excessive agent demands.
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