FIFA

Also known as: FIFA Council · FIFA Congress · FIFA® · FIFA Disciplinary Committee · World Cup organisers Fifa

FIFA — world football governing body, currently proposing to sell competition stakes through private investment and facing criticism over leadership decisions.

2026-04-242026-07-30

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

July 2026
19 JulJoy Online
There have been 14 times more harmful posts and comments during the 2026 World Cup compared to the 2022 tournament, Fifa’s social media protection service has found. …
Huge rise in harmful social media posts this World Cup
18 JulJoy Online
… Fifa, football’s world governing body and organisers of the World Cup, said there would be no alternative time slots for European champions Spain to train on Saturday. …
Spain training session cancelled before World Cup final
17 JulJoy Online
… Argentina face potential disciplinary action from Fifa over the incident which could breach rules on political statements. …
White House defends Argentina team over Falklands banner
17 JulDaily Guide
Jude Bellingham England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, could come under FIFA disciplinary review after appearing to slap Argentina substitute Valentin Barco following his side’s 2-1 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. …
Bellingham Faces FIFA Scrutiny After Clash Following England’s World Cup Exit
17 JulDaily Guide
Jude Bellingham England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, could come under FIFA disciplinary review after appearing to slap Argentina substitute Valentin Barco following his side’s 2-1 defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. …
Bellingham Faces FIFA Scrutiny After Clash Following England’s World Cup Exit
17 JulDaily Guide
Participants in a group picture The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has successfully concluded the six-day FIFA Member Association (MA) Elite Refereeing Course at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Accra, reinforcing efforts to improve the standard of officiat …
GFA Concludes FIFA Elite Refereeing Course To Boost Officiating Standards
17 JulDaily Guide
Participants in a group picture The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has successfully concluded the six-day FIFA Member Association (MA) Elite Refereeing Course at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Accra, reinforcing efforts to improve the standard of officiat …
GFA Concludes FIFA Elite Refereeing Course To Boost Officiating Standards
17 JulDaily Guide
Some young footballers at the event The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing women’s football by outlining its long-term vision during the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign held in Dabala. …
GFA Outlines Vision For Women’s Football Development
17 JulDaily Guide
Some young footballers at the event The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing women’s football by outlining its long-term vision during the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign held in Dabala. …
GFA Outlines Vision For Women’s Football Development
17 JulThe Chronicle
… Bellingham could face action from Fifa’s disciplinary committee for violent conduct. …
Bellingham slapped Argentina substitute after England exit

Business

FIFA offers member associations $40m to approve commercial plan

The News

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered up to $40 million in funding to member associations that approve selling minority stakes in FIFA's flagship competitions by 19 September, with funds coming from the sale of a stake in a commercial subsidiary expected to generate $10 billion. The proposal has sparked opposition from football bodies in Europe, Asia and North America over concerns about lack of transparency and proper consultation.

3 hours ago · Daily Guide →

Today

FIFA offers member associations $40m to approve commercial plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered up to $40 million in funding to member associations that approve selling minority stakes in FIFA's flagship competitions by 19 September, with funds coming from the sale of a stake in a commercial subsidiary expected to generate $10 billion. The proposal has sparked opposition from football bodies in Europe, Asia and North America over concerns about lack of transparency and proper consultation.
3 hours ago · Daily Guide →
FIFA accelerates financing for new World Cup spinoff venture
FIFA plans to secure up to $4.2bn in private investment by October for a new World Cup spinoff subsidiary (FIFA Forward Enterprise), even as President Infantino claims a consultation process has only just begun. The move has drawn criticism from UEFA and others, who say the rushed process lacks consultation with football associations and crosses a line by partly selling off the governing body's revenue-generating operations.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
UEFA holds emergency meeting on FIFA World Cup sponsorship plan
UEFA will meet Thursday to discuss its response to FIFA's controversial proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions to private investors, after FIFA set a 19 September deadline for member associations to accept the deal or forfeit the first $20m of a $40m initial payout.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
Fifa offers $40m to nations backing World Cup competition stakes sale
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has offered each member association $40m if they back his plan to sell stakes in major competitions including the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary, with a 19 September deadline for nations to access an initial $20m. The proposal, which could raise $10bn and has drawn condemnation from Uefa, Europe, Asia and North America, appears to have surprised even some of Fifa's own vice-presidents.
14 hours ago · The Chronicle →
FIFA offers $40m to nations backing competitive asset-sale plan
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to 211 member associations offering $40m if they back his plan to sell stakes in major competitions, including the World Cup, with a 19 September deadline for access to an initial $20m. UEFA accused FIFA of using football to enrich themselves and their friends.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →

Yesterday

FIFA opens disciplinary case against Argentina squad
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over behaviour after their World Cup final loss to Spain, investigating players Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes for alleged assault and unsporting conduct, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala. The Argentine Football Association also faces proceedings for potential breaches including discriminatory chants, team misconduct, and match security violations across multiple matches.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →
FIFA plans to sell stakes in World Cup to private investors
FIFA announced plans to sell off stakes in its football competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors associated with US President Donald Trump, which Infantino characterizes as democratisation of football but which has met criticism from fans, politicians and regional governing bodies. The plan would distribute $40m in funding to FIFA member associations, with a deadline of 19 September for federations to accept in order to access an initial $20m.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →
FIFA offers $40m for nations to back competition stake plan
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations offering $40m in exchange for backing his plan to sell stakes in major competitions like the World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary. The plan, which could raise $10bn and has drawn quick condemnation from multiple regions, sets a 19 September deadline for nations to accept and receive an initial $20m.
22 hours ago · Joy Online →
UEFA may discuss World Cup boycott over FIFA investment plan
FIFA's proposal to create a commercial subsidiary to run major competitions including the World Cup and sell stakes to external investors has prompted UEFA's 55 member associations to call an emergency meeting to discuss a potential plan of action, including the possibility of a boycott.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 28 July

Fifa seeks private investment in World Cup via new venture
Fifa plans to invite third-party investment in a subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise to expand football development funding to more than $10bn, a proposal criticised by Uefa and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The plan requires approval from Fifa's 211 member nations and would see American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal lead the investor group.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 27 July

Infantino dismisses FIFA critics via social media post
FIFA president Gianni Infantino told critics to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" instead of spreading criticism about his leadership and the World Cup. He claimed FIFA delivered the "greatest event on earth" and praised the 2026 tournament's safety and unity, including Iran's participation, contradicting accounts from Iran's head coach who said his team were the "most oppressed" at the World Cup.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 26 July

IOC declines to investigate FIFA president Infantino complaint
The International Olympic Committee says a complaint by human rights group FairSquare about FIFA president Gianni Infantino breaching the Olympic Charter's political neutrality rules falls outside its scope and will not be investigated. The complaint alleged Infantino showed support for US President Donald Trump after Trump intervened to suspend a red card given to a US footballer during the World Cup.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 24 July

Government to recoup GHS58 million Black Stars support from FIFA fees
Finance Minister Ato Forson said the government will recover GHS58 million it spent to support the Black Stars' preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup once FIFA pays the team's World Cup appearance fee. Forson explained that the government had to fund the team's preparations before FIFA's payment arrived.
24 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Norway considers FIFA ethics complaint over Balogun suspension
The Norwegian Football Federation is considering filing a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee over the suspension of Folarin Balogun's one-match ban, which was suspended for 12 months after US President Donald Trump's intervention. Federation president Lise Klaveness said the decision to include the Balogun case in an existing inquiry about FIFA's peace prize award to Trump would be made at the federation's next board meeting.
24 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Norway weighs FIFA ethics complaint over Balogun ban suspension
The Norwegian Football Federation is considering filing a formal complaint to FIFA's ethics committee over the decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban after he received a straight red card, following an intervention by US President Donald Trump. The federation will decide on filing the complaint at its next board meeting.
24 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 23 July

Gavi says Paredes should not face suspension
Spain's Gavi has said he does not believe Argentina's Leandro Paredes should be suspended for his involvement in a post-match confrontation following the World Cup final. Gavi, who was himself pushed by Paredes during the fracas, argued that such physical play is part of football and that disciplinary action during the match would have been more appropriate than a later suspension.
23 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Spain's Gavi opposes suspension for Argentina's Paredes
Following a post-match confrontation after the World Cup final, Spain midfielder Gavi said he does not believe Argentina's Leandro Paredes should be suspended, arguing that while the incident was not a good image, such physicality is part of football and Paredes should have been sent off during the match instead.
23 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 22 July

EduSpots selected for FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
EduSpots, a Ghanaian community-based organisation, has been selected as one of 31 organisations worldwide for the second cohort of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports expanding access to quality education and sport for children and young people in underserved communities.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →
English referee Anthony Taylor retires after 20-year career
Anthony Taylor, 47, has announced his immediate retirement from refereeing after 20 years spanning 831 matches, citing intense pressure and constant scrutiny as contributing factors. His final match was Spain's 1-0 World Cup win over Portugal on 6 July.
22 July 2026 · Daily Guide →
UEFA chief boycotts World Cup final in FIFA protest
UEFA head Aleksander Ceferin skipped the World Cup final to protest FIFA's decisions, including suspending a red card for a US striker after President Trump's intervention and its handling of referee and team treatment issues during the tournament.
22 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Referee Anthony Taylor retires after 20-year career
Anthony Taylor, 47, has retired from refereeing after 20 years and 831 matches, with his final game Spain's 1-0 World Cup win over Portugal on 6 July. Taylor officiated 432 Premier League matches and 163 international games across two decades.
22 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
FIFA investigates Argentina players for World Cup final violence
FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into violent scenes following Spain's World Cup final win, with several Argentina players potentially facing bans. The investigation covers post-match incidents including altercations between players, and also examines Argentina's conduct after their semi-final win when players displayed a politically-themed banner.
22 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Fernandez says Argentina represented nation best possible way
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has claimed his team represented their nation "in the best possible way" during the World Cup, despite being sent off in their 1-0 final loss to Spain after extra time in New Jersey. Members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players celebrating their victory, prompting FIFA's disciplinary committee to appoint a prosecutor to assess the incidents.
22 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
La Liga president calls for Infantino to step down as Fifa chief
La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming the world governing body is "destroying the football industry" and criticising his decisions on World Cup hydration breaks, the final's half-time interval, and other matters. Tebas acknowledged that Infantino has the support of national federations and that Fifa's election system makes his departure unlikely.
22 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
La Liga president calls for FIFA's Infantino to step down
La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming FIFA is "destroying the football industry" and criticising decisions including World Cup hydration breaks and the final's half-time interval. Tebas acknowledged that Infantino has support from national federations and is expected to be re-elected at FIFA's March congress.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 21 July

Challenging Heights receives FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund grant
Ghanaian child rights organisation Challenging Heights has been selected as one of 31 organisations worldwide to benefit from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to mobilise US$100 million by the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final to support organisations serving vulnerable children. The grant will enable Challenging Heights to renovate and equip classrooms at its Recovery Centre, providing trauma-informed learning environments, counselling, and creative opportunities for children affected by trafficking and exploitation.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Spain tops FIFA rankings; Morocco, Ghana, Egypt climb
Spain claimed the top spot in the FIFA men's rankings after beating Argentina 1-0, with Morocco reaching a record-high sixth place. Ghana moved up eight places in the latest rankings.
21 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Spain beats Argentina 1-0 to win World Cup final
Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory over holders Argentina in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, ending Lionel Messi's bid for a second World Cup title in what was likely his final appearance in the tournament.
21 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
UEFA president skips World Cup final over FIFA governance disputes
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin did not attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in protest against FIFA decisions, citing issues including US President Donald Trump's intervention in a suspension case and other changes driven by FIFA president Gianni Infantino such as extended half-time shows and a proposed 64-team World Cup format.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 20 July

Messi says pain immense after Argentina loses World Cup final
Lionel Messi said "the pain is immense" and that it "will take time to heal" after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time. Messi has now lost two World Cup finals, and at 39 years old is unlikely to feature at the 2030 tournament.
20 July 2026 · Joy Online →