Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter criticized the 2026 World Cup, claiming it "lost its credibility" due to political influence and urging stakeholders to reclaim the sport. This came after Spain's victory in the 48-team tournament, which FIFA hailed as a success despite various off-field controversies.
The Council of Europe's secretary general, Alain Berset, has accused Fifa of enabling fraud and political interference, undermining the World Cup's integrity. In an open letter, Berset called for a new integrity framework by 2030, referencing a suspended player sanction and increased betting risks.
The crypto industry is nearing a significant legislative victory with the CLARITY Act, showcasing years of advocacy and substantial campaign spending. Despite some opposition, key law enforcement groups have shifted to neutral or supportive stances, indicating growing influence.
Argentina's 3-2 World Cup victory against Egypt in Atlanta was marred by a controversial VAR decision that disallowed Egypt's second goal, leading to accusations of external pressure and political influence on the game. Experts and officials debated refereeing standards and the blurring lines between sport and politics.
Tech giants like Google and Amazon are seeing increased carbon emissions due to AI investments, jeopardizing net-zero goals. Meanwhile, Meta is exploring new revenue streams like cloud computing and prediction markets amid stock decline and legal challenges.
The European Commission has called for "fair play and transparent competition" in sports following a controversial decision by FIFA to overturn a suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun after a call between Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. EU officials stressed the autonomy of sport but insisted decisions must be objective and transparent.
Sepp Blatter criticizes FIFA for overturning Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban after a call from Donald Trump, questioning the sport's independence from political influence. Belgium expresses anger, while the US coach welcomes the decision.
A complaint to the UK standards watchdog over Nigel Farage's reported interactions with the Bank of England has intensified the debate over the UK's digital pound, focusing on who shapes public payment infrastructure amid scrutiny of crypto-linked political donations.
Former Indonesian President Jokowi is actively engaging in politics post-presidency, appearing with the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) and accepting a royal title in Lampung. Analysts suggest this signals his intent to bolster PSI's relevance and maintain his own political influence.
Donald Trump reportedly made over $1 billion in 2025 from cryptocurrency investments, primarily through his World Liberty Financial business and meme coin sales. This comes as US crypto policies become more favorable. The article explores crypto's growing influence in politics globally, including cases in the UK, Czechia, Spain, and Argentina, and discusses concerns about foreign interference and conflicts of interest.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he does not wish to change the US Constitution to run for president, despite meeting the age requirement. Born in Uganda, he is ineligible due to the natural-born citizen clause.
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he does not want the US Constitution changed to allow him to run for president, despite his recent political success and upcoming age eligibility. Born in Uganda, he is not a natural-born citizen, a constitutional requirement. He emphasized focusing on NYC and fighting for working people.
Venezuela declared a state of emergency after powerful earthquakes killed at least 164 people and wounded nearly 1,000, collapsing buildings in cities including Caracas. The US offered assistance, mobilising aid despite historical sanctions, with President Trump pledging support and interim President Delcy Rodriguez expressing gratitude.
Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved personnel changes at the National Communications Commission (NCC) as three commissioners, including the acting chair, are set to retire in July. Legislator Chen Ching-jung questioned if these moves aim to replicate a prosecutor-general interim model, potentially allowing loyalists to control the NCC and undermine its regulatory functions. An official stated the changes are to enhance personnel experience and respect the independent agency.
Asia's NewSpace economy is shifting from scientific exploration to a strategic domain linked to sovereignty, economic security, and geopolitical competition. Commercial satellite systems and private launch industries are growing, making orbital infrastructure a key element in global power dynamics and national security.
An alleged Myanmar crime boss and syndicate members are on trial in China for operating scam compounds that defrauded Chinese victims of over 24 billion yuan ($3.5 billion) and allegedly involved two murders. The trial, which concluded Friday, is part of Beijing's crackdown on cross-border scam networks.
Montenegro celebrates 20 years since its independence referendum, positioning itself as a frontrunner in the Western Balkans' EU accession process. Despite progress, challenges like corruption and Serbian influence persist.
K.A. Sengottaiyan, a veteran politician with a five-decade career, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming a 10-time legislator in Tamil Nadu. His journey began in grassroots politics in the 1970s, leading to significant roles, including School Education Minister. Following his expulsion from AIADMK, he joined the TVK party, further demonstrating his enduring political influence.
The author argues that the FIFA World Cup should be decentralized and spread across multiple global cities to prevent authoritarian leaders from using the tournament for image-laundering and to reduce the financial and ethical burdens on host nations.
