Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided missing any international matches despite receiving a 30-day suspension and a financial penalty from the Portugal Football Federation. The forward was punished for abandoning the national team camp midway through the recent international break following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus, but the backdated ban means he remains available.
UEFA has officially issued a stern ultimatum to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, demanding full transparency regarding a series of controversial governance decisions and a failed private investment scheme. The European governing body has set a strict deadline of November 2 for the global organization to release internal documents and provide comprehensive answers to a long list of unresolved questions.
Mauritanian Football Federation President Ahmed Yahya has offered a firm defense of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino following recent Council debates. Yahya addressed European calls for reform, funding allocations, and contentious disciplinary decisions while insisting Infantino retains majority support.
Gianni Infantino has issued a direct apology following the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich after the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal was permanently scrapped. However, record commercial returns from the 2026 World Cup have allowed the governing body to announce a massive financial boost for member associations.
Could Manchester City’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) saga, which has thrust spending restrictions back under the spotlight, see talk of a European Super League revived? Ex-Blues star Danny Mills has told GOAL why that concept remains flawed, with the LIV Golf experiment being used as a warning for football clubs and authorities that may be tempted to break away from the establishment.
FIFA is set to amend its disciplinary regulations to prevent a repeat of the controversial reversal of Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension. The move comes ahead of a crucial FIFA Council meeting where Gianni Infantino faces intense scrutiny over his leadership.
Gianni Infantino is battling to save his presidency after a dramatic FIFA Council meeting in Zurich saw the Swiss-Italian official accused of being unfit for office. Despite offering an apology for a controversial secret investment scheme, the 56-year-old failed to provide the transparency demanded by high-ranking board members.
Michael Owen has explained to GOAL when Jude Bellingham could become England’s GOAT. Roy Keane claimed recently, after watching the 23-year-old on international duty, that the all-action midfielder is on course to be "one of the greatest players of all time". Former Real Madrid and Three Lions star Owen agrees with that rather bold assessment.
Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny over his leadership of world football following revelations of a substantial undisclosed payment. The FIFA president, who has already faced criticism for recent attempts to privatise tournament stakes, is now dealing with questions regarding his personal financial transparency.
Lionel Messi's role at the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony has become a major talking point as the footballing world prepares for the glitzy gala in London. While the Inter Miami talisman remains in the running for the top prize, reports suggesting he would take on a ceremonial role have been firmly dismissed.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has solidified his position on the global stage by securing the total backing of all 54 African member associations. During a high-profile summit in Cabo Verde, the Swiss-Italian administrator promised a significant increase in resources to further elevate the game across the continent.
From opening day introductions to intense fitness drills, beds at the training ground and breaking down language barriers, Stuart Dallas worked with one of football's biggest characters during his time in West Yorkshire and lifts the lid on life under 'The Crazy One'
Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost in his quest to retain the FIFA presidency after one of his most prominent potential challengers, Victor Montagliani, confirmed he will not enter the race. The Concacaf president has informed his confederation that he intends to seek another term in his current role, effectively ending speculation that he would lead a reformist ticket against the incumbent.
Nicolas Tagliafico has delivered a candid assessment of Argentina’s shortcomings following their World Cup final defeat against Spain. The veteran defender admitted that the Albiceleste failed to replicate the form that saw them crowned world champions in 2022, suggesting that the team was tactically second-best throughout the contest.
Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed his intention to stand for a fourth term as UEFA president, a decision that signals a prolonged power struggle at the top of international football. The Slovenian administrator informed national association leaders of his plans during a key meeting in Berlin, marking a significant U-turn on his previous claims that he would step down in 2027.
Lionel Messi’s historic international career reached a tearful conclusion at the Estadio Monumental, but the night ended with a moment that left both the player and fans completely baffled. While the legendary forward bid farewell to the Albiceleste faithful, a bizarre interaction with the match official provided a surreal final twist to his legendary story.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has officially announced his intention to challenge current president Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections. Vega is the very first candidate to publicly declare a run against Infantino, capitalising on growing dissatisfaction among European federations regarding the governing body's leadership.
Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career, bidding a tearful goodbye to the Argentina national team at the Estadio Monumental. The Inter Miami superstar used his final moments on the pitch to address the stinging criticism and conspiracy theories that followed the Albiceleste’s World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny following allegations that world football’s governing body permitted an ineligible player to feature for DR Congo during their successful World Cup qualification campaign. The revelation has sparked outrage from rival nations who were eliminated by the Leopards, leading to potential legal challenges that could overshadow the tournament's legacy.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up on his decision to swap Aston Villa for Chelsea, admitting that a painful international defeat sparked his desire for a fresh start. The veteran goalkeeper secured a bargain move to Stamford Bridge following a summer of major upheaval for both club and country.
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has launched a formal legal challenge against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, submitting a detailed ethics complaint that calls his leadership into question. The grievance focuses on allegations of political interference and potential abuses of power involving high-profile figures and multi-billion dollar investment plans.
Ex-Brazil international Anderson has told GOAL why the likes of Vinicius Junior may have earned “superstar” status prematurely, with any player that has “five good games” suddenly worth “200 million” in modern football. The former Manchester United midfielder continues to use Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the blueprint for what success really looks like.
Lamine Yamal is “different”, fellow Golden Boy award winner Anderson has told GOAL, with there “no one” close to the Barcelona wonderkid when it comes to the hottest prospects in world football. The Spain international winger, who now has a World Cup win on his ever-expanding roll of honour, is considered to be a serious contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious preparations for the 2034 World Cup have encountered a significant hurdle following reports that plans for a flagship stadium have been put on ice. The proposed venue, central to the kingdom's futuristic Neom development, was intended to be a crown jewel of the first-ever 48-team tournament hosted by a single nation.
The Union of Arab Football Associations has officially thrown its weight behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino following a high-level summit in Saudi Arabia. Chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the board convened to outline the future of the game across the region while praising the current global leadership for fostering unity.
Arsenal have received a significant boost in their quest to defend the Premier League title as William Saliba steps up his rehabilitation from a long-term back injury. The French international has reportedly returned to the grass for the first time since the summer, sparking hope that his absence from Mikel Arteta’s starting XI is finally nearing its end.
Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez has offered strong backing to Italy as the four-time world champions attempt to rebuild following their historic absence from the international stage. The Spanish shot-stopper insists the talent pool remains elite under Roberto Mancini, arguing that restoring collective belief will prove decisive during this transitional period.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
