FIFA has abandoned its $4.2 billion plan to sell a 20% stake in a new unit for its events, including the World Cup, following strong opposition from member associations like UEFA and AFC, raising doubts about President Gianni Infantino's leadership ahead of his re-election bid.
UEFA members unanimously voted to boycott FIFA tournaments if Gianni Infantino's private investment plan (FFE) isn't scrapped by September 19. This decision marks a victory for UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, but FIFA is expected to resist, setting the stage for an escalating power struggle within global football governance.
FIFA's plan to sell a minority stake in its World Cup commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), for $4.2 billion, valuing it at $20 billion, faces strong opposition. UEFA and Concacaf reject the proposal over concerns of outside influence, with UEFA threatening a boycott. A FIFA advisor resigned in protest.
UEFA and Concacaf members unanimously voted to boycott future World Cups if FIFA sells stakes in its competitions to private investors. FIFA denied "selling football" and plans a consultation, but appeared to back off from establishing a public equity group without member agreement.
European football's 55 member associations have voted to boycott all Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, if the governing body proceeds with its plan to sell stakes in its events to private investors. Concacaf also rejected the proposal, citing a lack of due process and an "artificially short deadline."
The European Parliament plans to summon FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a hearing regarding his controversial proposal to allow private investment in FIFA competitions. This plan has prompted strong opposition from European football associations and concerns among MEPs about transparency and governance, with threats of a World Cup boycott.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors, including Joshua Kushner, following widespread backlash from European federations, senior staff resignations, and threats of boycotts, casting doubt on his re-election prospects.
Former England defender Anita Asante warns women's football will suffer first if Fifa sells competition stakes to private investors, as Uefa's 55 member associations boycott Fifa competitions.
Uefa and Andy Burnham have condemned Fifa’s plan to invite private investment into a new commercial subsidiary. Fifa says the move would expand football development funding, but critics fear it could commercialise the World Cup further.
Micron announced a $3 billion investment, including $500 million for GlobalWafers' Texas expansion, and will increase its total U.S. investment to $250 billion by 2035 to boost the semiconductor supply chain amid soaring AI demand.
Former NATO chief George Robertson has criticized the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as insufficient and delayed, potentially damaging industry confidence and allied relations ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The plan faces criticism for its funding gaps and lack of clear spending targets.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to attend the annual Nato summit in Ankara amid pressure from the US to increase defence spending. Despite a recent £15bn boost, the UK's commitment as a proportion of GDP is projected to rise slowly, falling short of Nato's targets. US Ambassador to Nato, Matt Whitaker, has urged members lagging behind to step up, implying the UK is among them. New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is pushing for a dramatic increase post-2030.
The UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) boosts military spending by £15bn over four years. Funding challenges have led to talk of a £5bn "defence black hole", with an annual shortfall of around £1.2bn needing to be addressed in the next Budget.
Keir Starmer has proposed that Andy Burnham borrow billions more to cover a £4.7bn gap in the government's defence investment plan. Economists warn this move could significantly reduce the next prime minister's fiscal headroom.
The UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) boosts military spending by £15bn over four years, but a £1.2bn annual funding gap remains. Critics deem the increase insufficient, while experts debate the best way to frame the shortfall.
The UK's Defence Investment Plan, increasing military spending by £15bn over four years, faces an annual £1.2bn funding shortfall. The Treasury's identified savings from other departments and asset sales don't fully cover the rise, posing a challenge for the next Budget and potential Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Kemi Badenoch criticizes a £5bn shortfall in the UK's new defence investment plan, questioning if successor Andy Burnham will fund it. PM Sir Keir Starmer defends the plan, blaming Conservatives for past cuts.
Keir Starmer defended his £298bn defence investment plan in the Commons, facing criticism over a projected £4.7bn funding gap that critics say will burden his successor, Andy Burnham. The plan aims to raise defence spending to 2.7% of GDP by 2030, falling short of a Nato target.
The UK government unveiled its long-delayed £298bn defence investment plan for the next four years, increasing annual spending to £80bn by 2029. While Prime Minister Starmer called it a "historic shift," the plan faces criticism for being underfunded and falling short of Nato's 3% GDP target, despite new investments in nuclear deterrents, combat aircraft, and counter-drone systems.
Labour and Reform MPs Hamish Falconer and Robert Jenrick express anger over the cancellation/delay of transport projects in their constituencies, including the A46 Newark bypass, to fund a £15bn increase in UK defence spending. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward also criticizes the lack of consultation.
Labour minister Hamish Falconer and Reform MP Robert Jenrick express anger over the cancellation or delay of local transport projects, including the A46 Newark bypass, to fund a £15bn increase in the UK's defence spending plan. East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward also criticizes the lack of prior consultation on the cuts.
UK newspapers focus on a £4.7bn deficit in the Defence Investment Plan, with implications for Andy Burnham's hypothetical budget. Nigel Farage's earnings as a brand ambassador are also a prominent story, alongside Serena Williams' Wimbledon return.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a £298bn Defence Investment Plan over four years, boosting military capabilities with £15bn extra for drones, AI, cyber warfare, and nuclear deterrence. The plan aligns with NATO goals, aiming to deter aggression amid warnings of potential Russian attacks by 2030.
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast, leaving over 1,700 dead and tens of thousands missing. Survivors are being rescued days later, but hope fades amid economic crisis. International aid is arriving, but the government's response and past corruption are questioned.
