FIFA President Gianni Infantino convened a crisis meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, in Morocco to address the controversy surrounding FIFA's proposal to open the World Cup to private investors. In a joint letter with Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Infantino acknowledged “mistakes” and a lack of consultation in the process. Despite the backlash, FIFA officials expressed their “full support” for Infantino's leadership.

In related sports news across Europe, Real Madrid is expected to announce the signing of Yan Diomandé from Leipzig in a deal reportedly worth €140 million, potentially making him the club’s most expensive player. Mohamed Salah arrived in Turkey ahead of signing with Trabzonspor.

In football pre-season matches, PSG suffered a 3-0 defeat to Mallorca one week before the UEFA Super Cup. Inter Milan and AC Milan drew 1-1, Juventus defeated Chelsea 1-0, and Arsenal lost 3-1 to Real Betis.

Other sporting highlights include Demi Vollering winning the fifth stage of the Tour de France Femmes, remaining second overall, 12 seconds behind leader Marlen Reusser. In diving, Jules Bouyer secured France’s first European medal with a silver in the 3-metre springboard event. At the Montreal Masters 1000 tennis tournament, Terence Atmane, Arthur Fils, and Arthur Rinderknech all won their matches, while Alexander Zverev was eliminated in his opening match.

Sources

France 24 English