Hua Hin Table Tennis Championship held at Bluport

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun investigating Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia as part of a wider inquiry into the alleged laundering of more than $300 million in sponsorship funds linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to international media reports, the investigation gained attention after Argentina’s national football team completed its World Cup campaign and was preparing to return to Buenos Aires from the United States on a charter flight. Reports said US authorities stopped Claudio Tapia before departure and questioned him for approximately 30 minutes. During the questioning, investigators reportedly took possession of his mobile phone as part of the ongoing inquiry into financial transactions connected to the case. Following the incident, some media outlets reported that Tapia had been arrested. However, the Argentine Football Association strongly rejected those claims. The association said neither Tapia nor AFA Treasurer Pablo Toviggino had been arrested or summoned by any US court. The football body did confirm that a third individual had received a subpoena to appear before a US grand jury. According to the association, investigators may seek information from that individual regarding certain officials and financial matters linked to the organisation. US investigators are reportedly reviewing commercial and sponsorship agreements valued at more than $300 million. The inquiry is focused on determining whether any funds connected to those agreements were transferred through the US banking system in a way that could indicate money laundering or other financial crimes. Investigators are also examining banking records showing that millions of dollars moved through several US financial institutions. Reports suggest that some of the funds remained in certain accounts for only a short period before being transferred to other destinations, prompting further scrutiny of the transactions. Authorities are analysing financial documents, payment records, and banking activities to determine whether the movement of funds complied with US financial regulations or involved attempts to conceal the origin or destination of the money. The investigation forms part of a broader examination of financial activities connected to Argentine football. It follows law enforcement operations conducted in Argentina last year as part of separate investigations into suspected money laundering involving football-related finances.

LEEDS: Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign suffered another setback on Friday as they slipped to the bottom of the WTC 2025-27 standings after England completed a crushing innings victory in the first Test at Headingley. The defeat leaves Pakistan with just two wins from seven matches and a points percentage of 19.05, increasing the pressure on the team ahead of the remaining two Tests of the three-match series. England, meanwhile, remain seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 29.76, having won five of their 14 matches. Australia continue to dominate the WTC table. They sit top with seven wins from nine Tests, collecting 84 points at a winning percentage of 77.78. Defending champions South Africa are second with three wins from four matches and a 75% percentage. New Zealand occupy third place, followed by Bangladesh and India. Pakistan’s latest defeat exposed familiar problems with both their batting and ability to handle England’s pace attack. After being asked to bat, Pakistan were dismissed for just 171 in their first innings. England’s bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were particularly effective, claiming five wickets each. England then turned their advantage into a commanding position, piling up 409 runs in their first innings. Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence all contributed half-centuries, while Pakistan spinner Ali Usman fought back with an impressive five-wicket haul. Pakistan entered their second innings facing a massive 238-run deficit and needed a determined batting effort to save the match. Instead, their resistance lasted only 37.3 overs. Pakistan were bowled out for 135, handing England a comprehensive innings victory and leaving their opponents with a 1-0 lead in the series. Robinson was the standout performer. His eight wickets across the match earned him the Player of the Match award and helped England secure a dominant start to the series. Pakistan had entered the England tour after drawing their two-Test series against the West Indies 1-1, but their Headingley collapse has put their WTC campaign under renewed pressure. With two Tests still remaining, Pakistan will need a dramatic turnaround in batting consistency and bowling execution to keep their hopes of climbing the championship table alive.

LONDON: Pakistan’s national shooting team delivered an impressive performance at the F-Class British Open 2026, winning 13 medals, including seven gold medals. The team was led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez. Pakistan competed with a relatively small contingent compared with several other participating countries but still produced strong results. The F-Class British Open was held from August 3 to 8 in Bisley, United Kingdom. Around 185 elite shooters from 24 countries took part in the prestigious international competition. Pakistan participated with a 12-member shooting team. Despite the limited size of the contingent, Pakistani shooters produced notable results in both individual and aggregate events. The team secured a total of 13 medals. These included seven gold, two silver and four bronze medals. The performance highlighted the consistency and competitive ability of Pakistani shooters against some of the world’s experienced F-Class rifle competitors. The British Open was also considered an important preparation event for the 7th F-Class World Championship. The world championship is being held in Bisley from August 10 to 16. Following their strong showing at the British Open, Pakistani shooters are now competing at the world championship. They are facing some of the leading teams and top shooters from around the world. Officials associated with the team said the results at the British Open demonstrated Pakistan’s growing strength in long-range competitive rifle shooting. They said Pakistani shooters have shown that they can compete successfully at the highest international level. The national team, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, will now aim to build on its medal-winning performance at the F-Class World Championship.