FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing criticism after abandoning a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup, a move that has raised questions about his leadership and decision-making within world football’s governing body. The proposal sparked strong opposition from several football organizations, particularly regional confederations and professional leagues, who argued that such a major commercial decision should not have been pursued without broader consultation. Critics believe the plan exposed concerns over transparency and governance at FIFA. Claudius Schaefer, the chairman of the organization representing 53 professional men’s and women’s football leagues across Europe and the chief executive of the Swiss Football League, said the handling of the proposal had seriously damaged confidence in FIFA’s leadership. According to Schaefer, the situation would have significant consequences in most organizations, especially when a senior executive advances a major business initiative without informing or involving key governing bodies. He suggested that the controversy has left Infantino’s position under increased scrutiny. The proposal was officially withdrawn after widespread resistance from football stakeholders. The decision came following criticism from various regional football confederations, with UEFA and CONCACAF publicly expressing that they had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership after the episode. Schaefer argued that the failed proposal reflected a broader concern about FIFA’s priorities. He said the organization appeared increasingly focused on generating greater commercial revenue rather than protecting the long-term interests of football competitions, players, clubs, and domestic leagues. He also warned that expanding commercial opportunities could encourage FIFA to create even larger tournaments and increase the number of international matches. Such developments, he said, would place additional pressure on an already crowded football calendar. Professional leagues have repeatedly voiced concerns over fixture congestion, arguing that players are being asked to participate in too many matches throughout the season. Domestic competitions, they say, often bear the consequences when international tournaments continue to expand. Schaefer emphasized that national leagues remain the foundation of professional football and should not be weakened by decisions aimed primarily at increasing commercial returns. He argued that any future reforms to international competitions must balance financial objectives with the welfare of players and the health of domestic football. Another major point of criticism centered on FIFA’s decision-making process. Schaefer claimed that even members of the FIFA Council—the organization’s highest decision-making body—were reportedly unaware of the proposal before it became public. He described this lack of consultation as surprising and said it raised serious concerns about governance within FIFA. The controversy has intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in football administration. Many stakeholders believe decisions involving the commercial future of the World Cup should involve extensive discussion with FIFA’s governing bodies, member associations, leagues, and other key partners before being considered. Although FIFA has now withdrawn the proposal, the fallout continues to fuel debate over leadership, governance, and the future direction of world football. With criticism coming from influential football organizations across different regions, pressure remains on Infantino to rebuild trust and demonstrate a more inclusive approach to decision-making on matters affecting the global game.

Naseem Shah has responded to concerns about his fitness. He is preparing for his return to competitive cricket. The pacer says injuries are simply a part of the game. According to him, they should not be seen as a sign of poor conditioning. The 23-year-old has been out since April. He suffered a side strain while playing for Rawalpindiz in PSL 11. The injury ruled him out for the rest of that tournament. He has not played a competitive match since. He is now set to make his comeback. The stage will be the National Champions Cup. It is a 50-over tournament featuring four teams. These are Pakistan Greens, Pakistan Whites, Pakistan Blues and Pakistan Gold. The event runs from August 11 to 18. It will be held at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Naseem has been picked for the Pakistan Greens squad. All-rounder Shadab Khan will lead the side. The tournament also plays a bigger role. It forms part of Pakistan’s build-up to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Selectors are currently tracking a wider pool of 44 players. Speaking to the media, Naseem explained an important distinction. He said physical fitness and match fitness are not the same thing. An injury during a match or training session does not mean a player is unfit. He added that any player can get hurt while playing. He also spoke about workload management. He said today’s game demands careful planning from players. Cricket keeps evolving, and fast bowlers must adapt with it. This, he said, is now part of the job. Naseem also touched on Pakistan’s fast-bowling legacy. He said success was never just about raw pace. Line and length, he explained, matter just as much as speed. He credited this balance for the team’s past bowling success. On his own pace, Naseem stayed confident. He said he still bowls at competitive speeds. In T20 cricket, he touches close to 140 kilometres per hour. He noted that one-day cricket brings a different challenge altogether. He ended by addressing his availability. Naseem said he is ready for any format. He added that it is not his job to choose. His only responsibility, he said, is to play whenever Pakistan calls upon him.

South Korea’s football association has apologised over a controversial old scandal involving claims that foreign referees were provided inappropriate entertainment during visits to the country more than a decade ago. The apology came after a media report revived allegations surrounding incidents that reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, including during visits by referees involved in qualifying matches for major international tournaments. According to the report, foreign match officials were allegedly provided inappropriate entertainment on several occasions. It cited a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which reportedly found that such entertainment had been arranged seven times between March 2011 and March 2012. The allegations included visits to massage establishments where the costs of sexual services were reportedly covered. The claims have renewed questions over the standards and practices surrounding officials during that period. The Korea Football Association expressed regret over the matter and apologised for the controversy. The governing body also stressed that such practices are no longer taking place and that corporate cards are not being used in a similar manner. The resurfacing of the allegations comes at a difficult time for the association, which is already facing scrutiny over the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo. South Korean police reportedly raided the association’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment, which has attracted significant criticism. The latest developments have therefore placed the football body under renewed pressure to address concerns over governance and transparency. While the historical allegations date back more than a decade, the association’s apology has once again brought the episode into the spotlight, raising fresh questions about accountability within South Korean football.

Pakistan’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has been ruled out of the National Champions Cup after suffering a fracture to the middle finger of his right hand. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the injury on Friday, revealing that Nawaz is expected to remain away from competitive cricket for at least three weeks. Nawaz sustained the injury while fielding during the National Champions Cup match between Pakistan Gold and Pakistan Blues at Multan Cricket Stadium on August 12. Despite hurting his finger, the experienced all-rounder remarkably completed his full 10-over spell. His efforts, however, could not prevent Pakistan Gold from suffering a six-wicket defeat against Pakistan Blues. Medical scans conducted on August 13 confirmed the fracture, forcing Nawaz to withdraw from the ongoing domestic competition. The setback comes at an inconvenient time for the left-arm spinner, who has remained an important part of Pakistan’s experienced white-ball setup. According to the PCB, Nawaz will report to the board’s Sports and Exercise Medicine Department after two weeks. He will then undergo rehabilitation under medical supervision, with his recovery closely monitored before a decision is made regarding his return to competitive cricket. The medical team will assess his progress throughout the rehabilitation process, while the priority will be ensuring that the finger has recovered sufficiently before he resumes full cricketing activities. Nawaz’s absence is a blow to his team’s campaign in the Champions Cup, where the tournament provides Pakistan’s established players and emerging talent with valuable competitive exposure. For Nawaz, the immediate focus will now shift from domestic cricket to recovery. The three-week initial timeline could change depending on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation. The PCB is expected to provide further updates on his fitness as he progresses through the recovery programme.