US rules out extending ceasefire deal as Iran threatens new offensive

  The Irish Football Association (FAI) has formally confirmed that it has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, delivering another setback to his bid to secure a fourth term as the head of world football’s governing body. According to international media reports, the FAI informed Infantino of its decision through a formal letter. The association said that recent developments had raised serious concerns regarding governance, transparency and consultation within FIFA. The decision reflects growing unease among football organisations over the way important matters have been handled under Infantino’s leadership. The withdrawal of support from Ireland adds to increasing pressure on Infantino as he prepares to seek another term as FIFA president. Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 and again in 2023. A fourth term would extend his leadership of the organisation, but recent disagreements with several football bodies could make the process more challenging. European football’s governing body UEFA, along with CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, have already expressed serious concerns about Infantino’s leadership. These organisations have accused him of undermining trust and have raised questions about governance and communication. The FAI’s decision is particularly significant because Ireland is one of the associations within the British Isles football community, where several national football bodies have recently reconsidered their positions regarding Infantino. The Football Association of Wales became the first of the four British home nations to withdraw its support for Infantino. The English Football Association has also stepped back from supporting the FIFA president. The latest decision by the Irish association further increases the number of football bodies distancing themselves from Infantino. Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Football Association has also expressed support for UEFA’s position. Although the four home nations operate independently in international football, their positions can carry political and symbolic importance within the wider European football structure. The growing disagreement centres largely on concerns about FIFA’s governance practices and the level of consultation with national and regional football organisations. Critics believe that major decisions affecting international football should involve greater communication and consultation with the organisations directly responsible for the sport in their respective regions. The FAI’s letter is therefore being viewed as another indication of the growing divisions between FIFA leadership and some of its member associations. While withdrawing support does not automatically prevent Infantino from seeking another term, it demonstrates that his leadership is facing opposition from several influential football organisations. Infantino has previously defended FIFA’s approach and has promoted reforms aimed at expanding football’s global reach and increasing opportunities for national associations. Under his presidency, FIFA has also pursued major changes to international competitions and commercial strategies. However, disagreements over governance and transparency have increasingly become a source of tension between FIFA and some football confederations. With the Irish Football Association now joining other organisations in withdrawing or reconsidering their support, Infantino’s campaign for a fourth presidential term faces a growing political challenge. The developments are likely to increase pressure on FIFA to address concerns about transparency, consultation and trust before the next presidential election. The extent to which other national football associations follow Ireland, Wales and England could play an important role in determining the strength of Infantino’s bid for another term. For now, the FAI’s decision represents another significant warning for the FIFA president as opposition to his leadership continues to grow across parts of the international football community.

  Brazilian football icon Neymar has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the Brazil national team. The 34-year-old forward made the emotional announcement after Brazil’s disappointing elimination from the FIFA World Cup, saying he no longer intends to represent his country at the international level. Speaking to reporters after Santos secured a 4-2 victory over Venezuelan side UCV in the Copa Sudamericana on Tuesday, Neymar reflected on his journey with the national team and admitted that the time had come to move on. “My time with the national team is over. I made history, I was very happy, and I gave my blood and my life for Brazil. But now, I don’t want it anymore,” Neymar said, struggling to hold back tears as he addressed the media. Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak following a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16. Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal from the penalty spot, but it was not enough to prevent the five-time world champions from crashing out of the tournament earlier than expected. After the final whistle, the veteran forward emotionally confirmed that his international career had come to an end, saying simply, “It ends here.” The tournament marked Neymar’s return to the Brazil squad after an absence of nearly three years. Despite his reputation and experience, he featured for only 37 minutes across two World Cup matches, as the coaching staff carefully managed his playing time. Although his comeback generated excitement among supporters, Brazil’s early exit prevented him from making a greater impact on the competition. Neymar leaves international football as Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the country’s greatest-ever players. Throughout his career with the national team, he played a central role in numerous international tournaments, producing memorable performances and becoming one of the most recognizable figures in world football. His technical brilliance, creativity, and ability to score spectacular goals earned him admiration from fans across the globe. While his chapter with Brazil has come to a close, Neymar’s club career continues. He remains under contract with Santos until the end of the year as the Brazilian club battles to avoid relegation. Since returning to his boyhood club, Neymar has shown flashes of the quality that made him one of football’s biggest stars. Earlier this month, he scored twice in his first match back for Santos, delivering an impressive performance in response to criticism surrounding his recent off-field activities. Following one of his goals, Neymar celebrated with a card-dealing gesture, a light-hearted reference to the backlash he received after participating in a poker tournament while Santos were playing an away Copa Sudamericana fixture in Venezuela. For Tuesday’s second-leg clash against UCV, Neymar began the match on the substitutes’ bench. Even without him in the starting lineup, Santos produced a confident display and recorded a 4-2 victory to comfortably book their place in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16. Although Neymar’s international career has ended on a disappointing note, his achievements with Brazil have secured his place among the nation’s football legends. His legacy will be remembered for his record-breaking goals, unforgettable performances, and his lasting influence on Brazilian football.