Gianni Infantino gave an apology to the toughest critics who want to oust him as FIFA president but no new details or documents on issues that most concern them at a showdown meeting of the ruling council of soccer's governing body on Thursday.
Infantino provided no documents about the $4.2 billion World Cup sell-off plan he launched and quickly dropped in July.
Nor did he give details to explain the Folarin Balogun red-card case at the World Cup or how U.S. President Donald Trump intervened to help the national team forward.
FIFA will, however, review whether to continue awarding the peace prize that was created to give to Trump last December.
Infantino was pressed by European soccer officials for written evidence about his secretive private equity plan for the World Cup with investor Joshua Kushner, which provoked a global rift and the biggest crisis of his near 11-year presidency.
He frustrated them further by asking for written questions, FIFA vice president Debbie Hewitt said

Gianni Infantino

Infantino provided no documents about the $4.2 billion World Cup sell-off plan he launched and quickly dropped in July

Press Trust of India

- Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic has been given a 24-year ban for allegedly fixing multiple matches and recruiting other players into a "corrupt network," the International Tennis Integrity Agency said Thursday.
The agency said the 29-year-old Milicevic was charged with fixing six matches - including five of his own - and trying to fix six more between 2022 and 2024. He is banned from tennis until 2050.
Milicevic never reached a singles ranking higher than 1,338 and only played in lower-tier events. But the ITIA also charged him with recruiting "multiple professional players as part of a corrupt network" that resulted in "a number of other players fixing matches" during those same years.
The agency did not give details about which matches were fixed, or name any of the other players involved.
It said Milicevic did not cooperate into its investigation into the fixed matches and did not respond to its findings. It also fined Milicevic $70,000.

Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic

The agency said the 29-year-old Milicevic was charged with fixing six matches - including five of his own - and trying to fix six more between 2022 and 2024. He is banned from tennis until 2050

Sunderland needed an injury-time goal from Noah Sadiki to beat Portuguese second-division side Torreense 2-1 in the Europa League .
Alphadjo Cisse's hat trick sparked Italian giant AC Milan's 4-0 rout of Salzburg and Leverkusen also cruised 4-0 past Lech Poznan after Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot.
Juventus also struck late for a comeback 2-1 victory at Celta.
Bournemouth marked its first European home game with a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz but another English side Crystal Palace lost 3-2 at Lyon.
Sunderland and Juventus get late winner
=========================
Substitute Granit Xhaka set up Sadiki to volley home the winner in stoppage time and complete a comeback at the surprise winner of the Portuguese Cup.
Sunderland dominated play but its first European campaign since 1973 received a scare when Volnei Feltes gave goalkeeper Robin Roefs no chance with a perfect strike into the top corner in the 37th minute.
Jules Ahoka equalized after the visitors stepped

AC Milan

Alphadjo Cisse's hat trick sparked Italian giant AC Milan's 4-0 rout of Salzburg and Leverkusen also cruised 4-0 past Lech Poznan after Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot

Nielsen's Fan Insights data showed that US soccer fandom grew 27 per cent between 2022 and 2026, adding 16 million fans over five years

FIFA World Cup 2026

Business Standard

NorthEast United FC versus Mohun Bagan Super Giant was the most-viewed fixture on the English feed, recording 17 million views

Still from NEU vs MBSG match in ISL 2026-27

Indian shooting great Abhinav Bindra on Friday said the country needs athletes who question their own work, the methods recommended to them and "the structures they operate within" as speaking freely is essential even if some perceive it to be an act of "indiscipline".
The former rifle shooter, who became India's first individual Olympic gold-medallist back in 2008, said his achievements were largely thanks to his inquisitive mind and ability to ask questions.
"Throughout my sporting career, I questioned my coaches, challenged ideas and remained curious. Not because I lacked respect but because I wanted to understand, learn and get better," he posted on 'X' without specifying the context of his advice to the athletes.
"I worry that when athletes feel they cannot speak freely, something far more troubling happens over time. They slowly stop questioning even in their own minds. And when that happens we loose something essential to sporting excellence," he added.
Bindra said India nee

Abhinav Bindra

The former rifle shooter, who became India's first individual Olympic gold-medallist back in 2008, said his achievements were largely thanks to his inquisitive mind and ability to ask questions

Jose Mourinho was treated like a returning hero when he brought Real Madrid to face Roma, one of his many former clubs, on Wednesday.
And he snatched the victory, too, as Madrid came back from two goals down for a 4-3 win with three goals in the final 10 minutes - with all three scores following corner kicks.
Even before the coach walked out into the Stadio Olimpico ahead of kickoff for a Champions League match, there was a long applause when the stadium announcer read out the teams and Mourinho's name.
Then early in the first half, the end of the stadium where Roma's hard-core "ultra" fans sit held up three huge signs featuring images of Mourinho - one of which depicted him cradling the Conference League trophy that Roma won in 2022 to conclude his first season in charge.
The Conference title was Roma's first significant European trophy.
Mourinho also led Roma to the Europa League final in 2023. He left the club in January 2024 without really saying goodbye.
"Whoever brings glor

Jose Mourinho

Even before the coach walked out into the Stadio Olimpico ahead of kickoff for a Champions League match, there was a long applause when the stadium announcer read out the teams and Mourinho's name

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been banned for four league matches, including the "clasico" against Barcelona, after pulling the hair of an opponent in Saturday's 1-0 win over Villarreal.
Vinicius was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute for having tugged hard on the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba when they were sprinting down the field, moments before the Madrid player scored a goal. The goal was also ruled out.
The Spanish soccer federation's disciplinary committee announced the four-match suspension shortly before Madrid's Champions League match at Roma on Wednesday. Madrid came from two goals down to snatch a 4-3 win in the Italian capital and coach Jose Mourinho slammed the timing of the announcement afterwards.
"Do you think it's normal for a player from a Spanish team, preparing for an important match that's also crucial for Spanish soccer, to find out about his four-match suspension just two hours before kickoff?" Mourinho said.
"Couldn't they have ...

Vinicius Jr Saudi Pro League Real Madrid

Vinicius was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute for having tugged hard on the hair of Villarreal's Nathan Saliba when they were sprinting down the field

Manchester City wowed fans with a spectacular fireworks show and a highlights reel of some of its greatest hits before the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
It quickly went downhill from there.
In what could be interpreted as a latest display of defiance from the embattled club - which has been found guilty of widespread financial wrongdoing - City produced a slick pre-match show reminding supporters of the good times with footage of its most iconic moments on the Etihad Stadium's big screens.
On the field, however, the highlights belonged to PSG in a blistering first-half performance, which saw the back-to-back European champion race to a 3-0 lead at the break, including two goals in quick succession.
And even if City mounted a spirited second-half fightback, a 4-2 loss brought the club down to earth after the triumphalism that some found off-putting in the wake of Sunday's 3-0 Premier League victory against Liverpool.
"Against this kind of team it's already diffic

Dembele

Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha all scored and the defending champion created numerous other chances to secure the win

Rodrigo De Paul scored on an assist from Lionel Messi and German Berterame added a goal to send reigning champion Inter Miami back to the MLS playoffs with a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday night.
Luis Suarez also assisted for Inter Miami, which has won back-to-back matches for the first time since July.
Miami missed the postseason when Messi arrived in 2023, but has reached the playoffs the past three seasons, losing in the first round to Atlanta United in 2024 then beating Vancouver last year to win the club's first MLS Cup.
Wednesday's victory came after Miami routed DC United 4-0 last Saturday on a pair of goals from Messi and Suarez, and it was the second league win for new coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez, who took over Sept. 16.
Berterame scored in the 20th for his eighth goal of the season. De Paul doubled Miami's lead right before the end of the first half. Dayne St. Clair denied Nicolas Fernandez on a penalty in the final minute of the match for his second straig

Lionel Messi

Miami missed the postseason when Messi arrived in 2023, but has reached the playoffs the past three seasons

Tendulkar announced the collaboration on X, saying he was looking forward to exploring new possibilities with ChatGPT and sharing what he found useful

Sachin Tendulkar (on right)

The plan also includes $99 million for each of FIFA's six continental confederations over the same period

FIFA

Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after disciplinary proceedings were initiated following his departure from the national team camp

Cristiano Ronaldo

Lionel Messi scored two goals to give him a league-leading 23 this season, and Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0.
Luis Suarez also scored twice and German Berterame had two assists for Inter Miami, which snapped a five-match winless skid. Miami had four draws and one loss before Saturday's outburst.
Four days after playing his farewell match that ended a 21-year tenure with the Argentine national team, Messi played the entire 90 minutes.
The win was Miami's first since a 7-1 rout of CF Montreal on Aug. 29. It was also the first league win for new coach Cristian "Kily" Gonzalez, who took over Sept. 16.
D.C. United is winless in its last five matches.
Messi scored his first in the 47th minute after Suarez tallied twice in the first half to give Inter Miami a 2-0 lead at the break. Suarez centered a pass near the 6-yard box, where Messi retrieved it and tapped in a shot inside the right post.
Inter Miami padded its lead when Messi struck again in the 60th minute. He received Rodrigo 

Luis Suarez also scored twice and German Berterame had two assists for Inter Miami, which snapped a five-match winless skid

Vibin Mohanan and Andre Green struck a goal each to help Kerala Blasters FC begin their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi here on Sunday.
Mohanan opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Green struck in stoppage time to seal all three points for the Blasters.
Kerala Blasters started on the front foot, with Freddy Lallawmawma firing from distance in the fifth minute.
Kashi responded a minute later as Rosenberg Gabriel tested goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh with an effort from the left side of the box, but the Kerala custodian was equal to the task.
Manvir Singh also threatened for Inter Kashi, sending an attempt over the crossbar as both sides looked to establish control in the opening exchanges.
Korou Singh provided the assist, setting up Mohanan to finish with a right-footed effort from the centre of the box and give Kerala the advantage.
Blasters continued to push for a second goal after the restart, with substitute Momo Yansane sending an effort

Kerala Blasters, ISL

Mohanan opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Green struck in stoppage time to seal all three points for the Blasters

The power struggle in the Boxing Federation of India intensified on Wednesday with president Ajay Singh and secretary general Pramod Kumar suspending each other, both alleging violations of the federation's constitution.
Singh suspended Kumar on Tuesday pending an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations and misuse of authority.
On Wednesday, Kumar issued a counter-order suspending Singh pending the outcome of a no-confidence motion, which he had planned to move during a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. He had claimed the support of a majority of affiliated state units to move the no-confidence motion.
Kumar accused Singh of continuing to exercise executive control over the federation despite being served a cease-and-desist notice on October 8.
However, Singh rejected his suspension, calling it "unauthorised and without constitutional basis".
"The constitution does not confer an independent power on the Secretary General to sus

SAI halts BFI’s selection trials for CWG and Asain Games 2026

SAI halts BFI's selection trials for CWG and Asain Games 2026

Kumar, in an earlier letter to the president, had stated that Pinnacle committed Rs two crore towards sponsorship and broadcasting of the event

Four senior India hockey players -- Mandeep Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma -- are set to play their last matches for the country during the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Jalandhar and Mohali, according to sources.
Hockey India sources confirmed to PTI that these four players will make their last India appearances at the ACT to be held from October 27 to November 5 as fresh legs are needed in the team, keeping in mind the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"Yes, it has been in discussion for sometime among the selectors because we need to bring in and groom young players for the LA Olympics. These four players have served the country for a long time but now it's time for fresh legs. We are thankful to their services," a Hockey India source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Striker Mandeep, 31, has played 301 matches for India, scoring 128 goals with 11 hat-tricks as per the statistics of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
An Arjuna ...

Indian hockey team

Hockey India sources confirmed to PTI that these four players will make their last India appearances at the ACT to be held from October 27 to November 5

Barcelona survived a scare against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday. But Bayern Munich was stunned by a late equaliser from Viking in a 3-3 draw in Norway.
Arsenal rolled over Lille and it was more misery for Manchester United.
Barcelona's 100 per cent  start to the season was under threat down 1-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul, but the Spanish champion rallied to a 4-1 win.
Bayern was in even more trouble against Viking, trailing 2-0 at halftime before Harry Kane turned the game around with two goals after the break. Luis Diaz looked to have completed the comeback, but a red card for Michael Olise and a 90th minute goal from Herman Haugen provided another twist.
Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 win at home over Lille and Atletico Madrid piled more pressure on United coach Michael Carrick with a 2-0 win at the Metropolitano.
Inter Milan fell to a surprise 4-3 home loss to Club Brugge, and Villarreal beat Napoli 3-1.
10 out of 10 for Barcelona
================
It's 10 straigh

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona's 100 per cent start to the season was under threat down 1-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul, but the Spanish champion rallied to a 4-1 win

Lisandro Martinez added to Manchester United's troubled start to the season by calling out the club's hierarchy following a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
In a post-game interview on Tuesday, Martinez questioned the club's off-season recruitment after it had secured a return to the Champions League this season.
"I have to control myself a lot. But sometimes it's a reflection in the mirror of how is our club at the moment," Martinez told Amazon Prime.
"We did a fantastic season last season. And now we expect more from the top, from up, to bring more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well, and today also Atletico they have an amazing team and they deserved to win today.
"I expect more from our technical director. I would have to be honest, as the players, we have to do more, but it's just important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night."
Jason Wilcox is United's director of football and the club spent around U

Lisandro Martinez

In a post-game interview on Tuesday, Martinez questioned the club's off-season recruitment after it had secured a return to the Champions League this season

Under the arrangement, one match on every matchday will be available free of charge, while a national free-to-air broadcaster will show every Spain match

Fifa World Cup 2026

Kohli reportedly turned down a renewal offer worth Rs 300 crore over eight years from Puma, choosing an equity-based partnership with Agilitas Sports instead

Virat Kohli (in centre)

India finished fourth at the Aichi-Nagoya Games with 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze, compared with 106 medals at Hangzhou in 2022

At least nine federations could face questions over their medal returns in Asian Games 2026

DDCA president Rohan Jaitley said the partnerships were part of the association's efforts to strengthen its commercial relationships and provide institutional support to its teams

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA)

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