Sports
UEFA tackles FIFA over Balogun’s suspension reversal
The row erupted after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended for one year the one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
European football governing body UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA’s decision to reverse Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension, warning that the move threatens the integrity, credibility and consistency of football’s disciplinary system.
In a sharply worded statement released on Monday, UEFA said FIFA had ignored one of football’s fundamental disciplinary principles by overturning a mandatory sanction.
The row erupted after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended for one year the one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun had been ruled out of the fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
The dismissal followed a VAR review which found the striker had stamped on an opponent, an offence that carries an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA regulations.
Sports
UEFA Considers World Cup Boycott Over FIFA’s $20bn Investment Proposal
UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, insisting football “isn’t FIFA’s to sell” and criticising the lack of transparency surrounding the plan.
UEFA is preparing an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to discuss FIFA’s proposed $20 billion private investment plan, with a potential World Cup boycott among the options being considered.
The proposal, unveiled by FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, would create the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary responsible for the commercial and event operations of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
FIFA said the venture would seek minority investment while retaining full control of football governance, with funds intended to expand development programmes for its 211 member associations.
UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, insisting football “isn’t FIFA’s to sell” and criticising the lack of transparency surrounding the plan.
Sources told ESPN there is significant resistance within the European governing body.
Sports
Idi Amin’s grandson disqualified from Commonwealth boxing bout
He was jeered out of the ring after a tempestuous bout against England’s Damar Thomas in the super-heavyweight division.
•Aziz Abdul, Idi Amin’s boxer grandson
The grandson of former Ugandan president Idi Amin saw his bid for Commonwealth boxing gold end in disgrace as Aziz Abdul was disqualified for a headbutt in his quarter-final on Wednesday.
Amin famously declared himself the “King of Scotland” in 1976, having developed a fascination with the country with his remark inspiring an Oscar-winning film, “The Last King Of Scotland”.
Aziz arrived in Glasgow declaring his dream of becoming “the new king of Scotland.
But he was jeered out of the ring after a tempestuous bout against England’s Damar Thomas in the super-heavyweight division.
Despite landing three sweeping left hooks in the opening round, a short, stabbing left by Thomas earned a plainly displeased Aziz a standing count.
Aziz swung wildly throughout the second and was deducted his second point for persistently punching Thomas in the face as they exited a clinch.
AFP
Sports
Real Madrid generate €1.2bn revenue despite failing to win a trophy
The club’s strong financial showing was boosted by an increase in income from their renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium, up by 11 percent to 363 million euros ($413m), along with new sponsorships.
•Real Madrid President Florentino Perez . (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Spanish giants Real Madrid said Tuesday they generated a record 1.221 billion euros ($1.39 billion) in revenue in the 2025/2026 season, despite failing to win a trophy.
“Operating revenue, excluding income from player transfers, reached €1.221 billion, 3.1 percent more than in the previous financial year,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
“Real Madrid has therefore exceeded the €1.2 billion mark for the first time, a figure that no other sports organisation in the world has achieved to date, consolidating the club’s position as the revenue leader in the sports industry.”
Madrid said they made 26 million euros ($30m) profit after tax, up by 8 percent on the earnings from 2024/25.
The club’s strong financial showing was boosted by an increase in income from their renovated Santiago Bernabeu stadium, up by 11 percent to 363 million euros ($413m), along with new sponsorships.
-
International3 days agoJust In: People trapped in Japanese mall hit by earthquake, with others missing after factory chimney collapse
-
Business2 days agoFG Availing ₦3.6bn to 200,000 Tailors Nationwide
-
Entertainment3 days agoFace of Unijos student, Mbaya, killed over alleged phone theft
-
Sports3 days agoMancini is back as Italy’s national team coach
-
News3 days agoLASEMA rescues 12, 3 dead bodies at Ajuwon building collapse
-
Politics3 days ago2027: ADC and Four Other Parties Remain Duly Registered – Appeal Court (Video)
-
Sports3 days agoManchester City renews Gvardiol contract until 2031
-
News3 days agoBillionaire Dangote to donate one-third of wealth to philanthropy,says daughter
