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The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership. The FAI confirmed the decision after a board meeting and said it had formally written to FIFA to explain why it was rescinding a letter of support issued earlier this year. The association cited concerns over governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation. The decision comes amid a widening dispute over FIFA’s leadership and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have criticised Infantino’s handling of the issue, accusing FIFA of a serious breakdown in trust. Ireland’s move represents another setback for Infantino as he seeks another term in office at the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership. Northern Ireland’s football association, meanwhile, has backed UEFA’s position and said it would continue engaging on issues related to football governance. The contrasting positions on the island underline the wider divisions emerging within international football. Despite the growing opposition, Infantino retains support from several influential football bodies, including the African confederation and a number of Arab football associations. The FIFA presidency therefore remains a closely contested political battle rather than a settled outcome. With more national associations reassessing their positions, the dispute is expected to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. Ireland’s decision further highlights the mounting calls for greater transparency, consultation and accountability in the governance of world football.

FUNCHAL: Hundreds of Cristiano Ronaldo fans reportedly gathered outside a historic cathedral in Portugal over the weekend, hoping to catch a glimpse of the football superstar on his wedding day — only to discover that they had arrived for someone else’s ceremony. Rumors circulating on social media and in media reports claimed that Ronaldo was set to marry his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Saturday in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira island. Although Ronaldo’s family reportedly denied the claims, the speculation was enough to send scores of excited fans and journalists to the city’s historic Sé Cathedral. Many waited outside for hours, holding mobile phones and cameras in anticipation of the arrival of the Al Nassr star and Rodriguez. But the expected celebrity wedding never happened. Instead, the cathedral was preparing to host the wedding of a local couple, Nicole and Fabio. Fabio had already arrived at the church, while Nicole faced an unexpected challenge: getting through the crowd that had gathered outside believing Ronaldo would soon appear. The unusual situation created confusion around the cathedral, with tourists, fans and members of the media filling the surrounding streets. The Sé Cathedral administration later addressed the incident on its official Facebook page, congratulating the newly married couple while explaining that the large number of journalists and tourists had caused considerable confusion. The church eventually had to be closed while the wedding ceremony took place. In another post, the cathedral described the scene outside as something it had never experienced before, noting that the bride had difficulty entering the church because of the crowd. The guests also appeared to find the situation amusing. One guest joked to local media that they suddenly felt like celebrities themselves. Another questioned how anyone could have believed Ronaldo would arrive for a wedding without significant security arrangements. Ronaldo himself appeared to see the funny side of the episode. The footballer reportedly reacted to an Instagram post about the confusion with laughing-with-tears emojis, giving fans a glimpse of his reaction without directly confirming or denying any future wedding plans. Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together for years and became engaged last year. Reports have previously claimed that Ronaldo presented Rodriguez with an expensive engagement ring featuring a large diamond. Despite the latest frenzy in Madeira, the couple has not announced a wedding date. For now, fans hoping to witness Ronaldo walk down the aisle will have to wait — and perhaps check the guest list before heading to the church.

West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has responded sharply to comments made by head coach Daren Sammy. The issue stems from his exclusion from the Test squad for the ongoing series against Pakistan. Joseph did not make the cut for the series. Cricket West Indies had initially explained his absence, citing personal reasons. Later, Sammy offered a different version. He said the pacer had declined the chance to play. Speaking to a Caribbean news outlet, Joseph addressed Sammy’s remarks directly. He said he had already spoken with both Sammy and Cricket West Indies about the matter. He pointed out that the official statement clearly mentioned personal reasons. Given Sammy’s long experience in the game, Joseph said the coach would have known exactly how his comments might land publicly. He added that he had nothing more to say on the issue. The 29-year-old then turned to his fitness struggles. He explained that he has been out of action for a full year. This followed a second stress fracture, which kept him away from international cricket at full intensity for a long stretch. Joseph called Sammy’s remarks controversial. He argued that his body simply was not ready for the physical demands of a Test series. He recalled recent conversations about his workload. This included playing two Test matches alongside five back-to-back ODIs against New Zealand earlier this month. He said he personally knew his body needed time before taking on another long format series. Without proper context, he felt the statement gave an incomplete picture of the situation. Despite the disagreement, Joseph made his priorities clear. He said his focus remains firmly on his job. He is representing the West Indies, not any individual, including the head coach. He added that he is not there to build friendships. His only goal, he said, is to work hard and represent the people of the West Indies. On the field, West Indies currently lead the two-match Test series 1-0. A win in the second Test would give them their first series victory over Pakistan since 2000. This adds even more weight to a contest that has already stirred plenty of conversation off the field. As the series heads toward its conclusion, all attention now shifts to how this selection controversy might shape team dynamics going forward, both on and off the pitch.

A letter written by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia has reportedly surfaced amid an ongoing FIFA investigation into the post-match confrontation following the 2026 World Cup final. In the letter, Infantino referred to Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final played on July 19, 2026. He congratulated Argentina on securing the silver medal and praised the team’s overall performance throughout the tournament. Infantino described Argentina’s World Cup campaign as an impressive achievement. He also praised the players and head coach Lionel Scaloni for their hard work, professionalism and commitment to football. The letter has emerged at a sensitive time for Argentine football. FIFA is currently investigating a confrontation between players following the final. Tensions reportedly rose after Argentina lost to Spain in extra time. The atmosphere remained tense during the trophy presentation, with most Argentine players reportedly turning their backs while the Spanish team received the trophy. A physical altercation between players also reportedly took place after the match. FIFA is examining the incident as part of its formal disciplinary process. The leaked correspondence, however, focuses on Argentina’s sporting achievement rather than the post-match controversy. Infantino’s message praised the team for reaching the final and securing the runners-up position. Sending formal congratulatory letters to medal-winning teams is a customary FIFA practice following the conclusion of major international tournaments. Argentina’s silver-medal finish marked the culmination of a strong World Cup campaign, despite the team falling short against Spain in the final.