ireland withdraws support
|

Ireland withdraws support for Infantino as FIFA pressure mounts

ByJustpaste.in

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has withdrawn its previous support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to growing pressure on the football governing body’s leadership.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 New Zealand has also withdrawn its backing, while several European associations have publicly opposed Infantino’s leadership.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.

Similar Posts

  • |

    NewJeans’ fourth anniversary comeback sparks fan concern

    ByJustpaste.in

    K-pop girl group NewJeans celebrated their fourth debut anniversary by releasing new promotional content, raising speculation about a possible four-member comeback after nearly two years away from the music scene. At midnight on July 22 (KST), the group unveiled a series of summer-themed videos and photos under the title “2026 Summer of NewJeans.” The newly released content featured Hanni, Haerin, Minji and Hyein, marking the group’s first official update together in a long time. The release also confirmed Minji’s return to group activities following months of uncertainty. However, Danielle was absent from the anniversary content after officially leaving the agency at the end of 2025. The cheerful summer concept has led many fans to believe that NewJeans may finally be preparing for a long-awaited musical comeback. Although no official announcement about a new album or single has been made, the timing of the promotional campaign has fuelled excitement across social media. Despite the anticipation surrounding the group’s return, the new photos and videos also sparked mixed reactions among fans. While many welcomed seeing the members together again, others expressed concern over their appearance and questioned whether the group was genuinely happy. Several fans claimed that the members looked unhappy in the promotional images, with some describing the content as rushed and lacking the group’s usual energy. Social media users shared comments suggesting the members appeared exhausted, while others said the videos did not reflect the bright and lively image NewJeans had been known for since their debut. The group’s activities have remained uncertain since the highly publicised legal dispute involving their agency, ADOR, and its former CEO Min Hee-jin. The conflict dominated headlines throughout 2025 and significantly affected NewJeans’ career, forcing the members to pause group promotions for an extended period. A major legal development came when a Seoul court ruled that the members’ exclusive contracts with ADOR remained legally valid. Following the ruling, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein gradually resumed activities with the agency, while discussions regarding Minji’s future also progressed positively before her eventual return. Danielle, however, officially ended her contract with the company and continues to face an ongoing legal dispute related to damages claimed by the agency. Soon after NewJeans released their anniversary content, Danielle shared a new post on Instagram that quickly attracted widespread attention. Alongside a selfie, she wrote an uplifting message about hope, resilience and staying grateful even during difficult times. Fans also noticed that Danielle was wearing a cap with the word “REVENGE” printed across it. The detail immediately sparked speculation online, with many wondering whether the choice of clothing carried a hidden message related to her former agency or the ongoing legal battle. However, Danielle has not commented on the meaning behind the cap, and there is no confirmation that it was intended as a reference to the dispute. As NewJeans celebrate four years since their debut, fans remain divided between excitement over the possibility of new music and concern about the challenges the members have faced. Until an official comeback announcement is made, speculation surrounding the group’s future is likely to continue.

  • | | |

    Israeli lawyer calls Silwan demolitions ‘ethnic …

    ByJustpaste.in

    JERUSALEM: A new British media report has renewed international attention on the disputed East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan, where the demolition of Palestinian homes and land disputes continue to fuel tensions between Israeli authorities and Palestinian residents. According to the report, a prominent Israeli lawyer described Israel’s policy of removing Palestinians from their ancestral homes in Silwan as comparable to “ethnic cleansing,” adding to the growing debate over housing rights and displacement in the occupied territory. The report states that the continued threat of home demolitions has left many Palestinian families living in constant uncertainty, affecting their daily lives, financial stability and emotional well-being. Residents say they fear losing homes that have been in their families for generations. Palestinians living in Silwan argue that Israeli authorities frequently classify their properties as unauthorised constructions, leading to demolition orders that they consider unfair and discriminatory. Many residents say obtaining building permits is extremely difficult, leaving families vulnerable to eviction and the destruction of their homes. The issue of demolitions in East Jerusalem has remained one of the most contentious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, drawing criticism from international human rights organisations and foreign governments. Rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern that such actions contribute to the displacement of Palestinian communities and alter the demographic balance of the area. The latest report also comes amid continued regional tensions, with accusations of ceasefire violations and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict. Israeli authorities have consistently maintained that demolitions are carried out in accordance with municipal planning and building regulations, arguing that structures built without the required permits are subject to legal enforcement regardless of the owners’ identity. Silwan, located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City, remains one of the most sensitive areas in the decades-long conflict, with competing historical, religious and political claims. As international scrutiny grows, the situation in Silwan continues to highlight the broader challenges surrounding housing rights, land ownership and the future of Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem.

  • |

    India expects weaker August monsoon raising concerns for crops

    ByJustpaste.in

    India is likely to receive below average rainfall in August after recording near normal monsoon rains in July, according to the country’s weather department. The forecast has raised concerns about crop production and economic activity because millions of farmers depend on seasonal rainfall for agriculture. The India Meteorological Department said rainfall in August is expected to remain below 94 percent of the long period average. Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the combined rainfall for August and September, which make up the second half of the monsoon season, is also expected to stay below the long term average. The annual monsoon is vital for India’s economy, providing nearly 70 percent of the country’s yearly rainfall. It replenishes reservoirs, rivers and groundwater supplies while supporting agriculture in a country where almost half of all farmland relies entirely on rain instead of irrigation. Farming remains the primary source of income for about half of India’s population. Weather officials said moderate El Nino conditions are currently present in the Pacific Ocean and are expected to strengthen in the coming weeks. The phenomenon could become strong by September, increasing the likelihood of reduced rainfall across parts of India and other areas of Southeast Asia. El Nino is a recurring climate pattern caused by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It often disrupts weather systems around the world and has historically been linked to weaker monsoon seasons in India. Previous El Nino years have brought drought conditions that damaged crops, reduced agricultural output and forced the government to restrict exports of certain food grains. Despite the weaker outlook for August, rainfall improved significantly during July. India received one percent more rain than the long period average during the month, helping reduce the overall seasonal rainfall deficit. Since the monsoon began on June 1, the deficit has narrowed to 12.6 percent after reaching 35.4 percent at the end of June. The stronger rainfall in July also helped farmers recover from delays in planting caused by a slow start to the season. Agricultural experts say the improved weather allowed growers to speed up sowing in many regions after an uncertain beginning. However, analysts warn that below normal rainfall during August could still affect the development of crops that have recently been planted. Adequate rainfall during this stage of the growing season is considered essential for healthy crop growth and stable harvests. Government data shows that summer crop planting was nearly 25 percent lower than the previous year at the end of June. Since then, the situation has improved considerably, with the shortfall shrinking to less than five percent as better rainfall encouraged farmers to increase sowing. The latest weather forecast has increased attention on the remainder of the monsoon season, as rainfall over the next two months will play a key role in determining agricultural output, food supplies and overall economic performance in one of the world’s largest farming economies.

  • | |

    Pakistan’s IT exports hit record $4.6 billio…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s information technology (IT) sector achieved a historic milestone in the fiscal year 2025-26, with IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports reaching a record $4.6 billion, marking an impressive 21 percent increase from the previous year’s $3.81 billion. Although the sector narrowly missed the government’s $5 billion export target, the achievement reinforces Pakistan’s position as one of the country’s fastest-growing export industries and strengthens its long-term goal of reaching $10 billion in IT exports by FY2028-29. Industry experts believe the strong performance reflects the steady expansion of Pakistan’s digital economy, driven by a growing pool of skilled professionals, rising demand for remote services, improved internet infrastructure and favourable tax incentives. However, they also caution that the sector must overcome structural challenges and shift towards innovation-led growth to sustain momentum. Pakistan is home to more than 600,000 IT professionals and freelancers, alongside tens of thousands of registered software and IT-enabled services companies operating from major technology hubs in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Secondary cities such as Faisalabad, Sialkot and Sukkur are also emerging as important contributors to the country’s digital workforce. Software development, business process outsourcing (BPO), enterprise technology services, call centres and freelancing remain the backbone of Pakistan’s IT exports. Meanwhile, demand for advanced services including artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, automation and digital consulting is expanding rapidly as global businesses seek specialised technology solutions. The United States continues to be Pakistan’s largest export destination for IT services, followed by the United Kingdom, the Gulf region, Europe, Canada and several Asian markets. Experts say significant opportunities remain untapped in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Africa and Central Asia, particularly in high-value technology sectors. Industry leaders stress that Pakistan must diversify both its export markets and service offerings. They argue that relying mainly on traditional software development and low-cost outsourcing will limit future growth, while greater investment in AI-powered solutions, enterprise software, cybersecurity and digital transformation services can significantly increase export earnings. Freelancers have also emerged as a major force in Pakistan’s digital economy, contributing an estimated $1.1 billion, or roughly a quarter of total IT exports, during FY2025-26. Online platforms have enabled thousands of professionals to access global clients, creating new employment opportunities and boosting foreign exchange inflows. Beyond export revenues, the sector continues to generate employment, with thousands of technical positions available across the country. The expansion of remote work has also increased opportunities for women and professionals living outside major urban centres. Experts believe the next phase of growth depends on moving beyond providing outsourced services to creating globally competitive technology products and intellectual property. They argue that Pakistan must position itself as a producer of innovation rather than simply a destination for low-cost software development. The country’s AI ambitions are also gaining momentum. Under the National AI Policy 2025, Pakistan plans to establish AI centres of excellence, launch dedicated funding programmes, expand public-sector AI adoption and train around one million people in AI-related skills by 2030. New AI hubs are also being developed to support startups and accelerate innovation. International partnerships are expected to play a key role in this transformation. Pakistan has strengthened technology cooperation with China through joint AI and IT initiatives and recently became a founding member of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO). At the same time, interest from the United States has grown, with American investors pledging more than $20 million for Pakistan’s technology sector during a recent investment conference. Connectivity has also improved through expanded submarine cable capacity, cross-border fibre links and stronger cloud infrastructure, making it easier for local companies to deliver digital services worldwide. Despite the progress, industry stakeholders warn that policy uncertainty, foreign exchange restrictions, internet disruptions, energy costs, weak intellectual property protection and limited access to global payment systems continue to hinder faster growth. They believe addressing these challenges while promoting innovation and AI-driven technologies will be essential if Pakistan hopes to transform its record-breaking IT industry into a global technology powerhouse.

  • | |

    Balochistan becomes regular police area after Levi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    QUETTA: The Balochistan cabinet has approved several major measures aimed at improving security, governance, education and public services across the province. One of the key decisions was to declare the entire province a regular police area following the integration of the Levies Force into the police system. The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed several matters linked to law and order, development, administrative reforms and public welfare. The cabinet also approved the third phase of the Chief Minister Scholarship Programme. Under the programme, 300 children of registered workers from Balochistan will receive admission to a quality boarding school in Islamabad. The initiative aims to provide better educational opportunities to children of workers and help them build stronger prospects for the future. The cabinet approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Nabeel Ahmed as chief operating officer of the Balochistan Safe City Authority. It also approved the establishment of a Provincial Parole Board on the recommendation of the Home Department. A new police station was approved for Hub Marble City. The move is aimed at improving security in the growing industrial and commercial area. The cabinet also approved a Service Level Agreement for the Quetta Safe City Project. The project will support the expansion of modern surveillance systems and technology-based policing in the provincial capital. Several decisions were also taken to strengthen local government institutions. Union Council Mesi Zai and Union Council Mai Zai were upgraded to municipal committees. The cabinet also approved a new Municipal Committee in Gulistan. The measures are intended to improve administrative services and strengthen local governance. For improved planning of development schemes, the cabinet approved the Balochistan Planning Manual. The meeting also endorsed the Balochistan Child Protection Rules 2026. The rules are aimed at strengthening safeguards for children and improving their welfare across the province. The cabinet approved amendments to the Balochistan Cadet Colleges Act 2026. It also extended the contract of the prosecutor general for another two years. Another major decision involved approval of the Balochistan Hybrid Weighted Procurement Policy 2026. The policy is intended to improve transparency and efficiency in government procurement. The cabinet also approved a financing proposal for the Harnai-Sibi Road Project. Other decisions included approval of the Gwadar Development Authority Service Rules 2024 and the creation of a new tehsil and subdivision in Nasirabad district. Officials said the administrative changes would help improve public service delivery and make development planning more effective. The meeting began with prayers for security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in recent incidents. Cabinet members paid tribute to those who died and expressed sympathy with their families. Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said his government was focused on improving law and order across Balochistan.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *