Northern Overview

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has sensationally ruled himself out of the running for the FIFA presidency, but he has not pulled his punches regarding the future of Gianni Infantino. The Slovenian official insists that the current head of world football must either resign or prepare for a fierce leadership challenge at the upcoming FIFA Congress.

The match ball used in Argentina's infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final win over England has sold for $3.35 million (£2.6m) at auction. Despite initial pre-sale estimates reaching up to $10m, the artefact from Diego Maradona's legendary "Hand of God" performance drew substantial interest before the hammer fell on Saturday evening.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been sensationally urged to skip a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend by Concacaf president Victor Montagliani. The request comes as pressure mounts on the global governing body's leadership following a series of controversial proposals that have sparked a significant civil war within football's power structures.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino explored ambitious plans with private investors to create a 211-nation Under-15 World Cup inspired by baseball's Little League. The commercial blueprint included staging ceremonies at Walt Disney World and an opening fixture between Israel and Palestine before the concept was quietly shelved ahead of the 2026 World Cup.