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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
FIFA honours Shaheen Shah Afridi
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has paid a unique tribute to Pakistan's star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi by featuring him alongside football legends in a recent social media post. In an Instagram post shared by the official FIFA World Cup account, Afridi was seen alongside global football icons Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modric — athletes all famously associated with the iconic number 10 jersey. The caption simply read, "The iconic," celebrating global sporting legends who have worn the legendary number. According to sources, FIFA's intent behind the post was to engage Pakistani fans ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Local digital teams are reportedly working on enhancing fan engagement through tailored social media campaigns in various countries, including Pakistan. The tribute from FIFA reflects Afridi's growing influence and global recognition as an athlete. He now joins the ranks of legendary sports figures symbolically associated with the iconic number 10 jersey. It is pertinent to mention that under Shaheen Afridi's captaincy, Lahore Qalandars clinched the title in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Chasing a target of 202, the Qalandars needed 13 runs in the final over. Sikandar Raza rose to the occasion, hitting a four and a six to seal the win with just one delivery remaining. With this triumph, Shaheen further extended his record as the most successful captain in PSL history. Already the only skipper to win back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, Afridi has now become the first captain to lift the PSL trophy three times. At just 25 years old, he stands alone atop the list of PSL-winning captains. All other captains in the league's history have secured the title only once.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gianni Infantino hit with UEFA backlash for FIFA Congress delay following Donald Trump meeting
President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association Gianni Infantino (via Getty Images) FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced criticism from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) after an almost two-hour delay to the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay due to his meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump , officials say. The embarrassment has rekindled controversy between FIFA and UEFA as several European representatives complained about what they perceive as Gianni Infantino's continued disrespect for football governance at the expense of his political forays. UEFA criticises Gianni Infantino for Trump-tied hold-up at pivotal FIFA event FIFA Meeting Postponed Due to Infantino's Late Arrival | AD15 The consequences of the postponed FIFA Congress have increased the already-strained relationship between UEFA and Gianni Infantino. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin led a protest walkout following the postponement of the congress by Infantino's late arrival from the Middle East, where Gianni Infantino was reported to be travelling with Donald Trump. The delay disrupted the tightly choreographed event and was met with outright condemnation from UEFA's leadership, The Athletic reports. Gianni Infantino Addresses 75th FIFA Congress in Asuncion | Soccer | Amaravati Today World News In a refreshingly blunt remark, UEFA denounced the 'last-minute timetable alterations' as not only inconvenient but 'deeply regrettable'. The body also accused Gianni Infantino of prioritizing 'private political interests' over his responsibilities to international football. This response is at a very sensitive moment, with FIFA currently in talks regarding hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup , a process during which Saudi Arabia remains a favorite While Infantino's justification was that flight problems were the culprit, UEFA representatives remained skeptical, particularly considering the visuals of his relationship with Donald Trump during a time of major policy-making in world soccer. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Expertinspector Click Here Undo UEFA and FIFA have had a growingly awkward relationship in recent years, with disagreements over formats of tournaments, models of revenue, and expansion plans globally. Infantino's close interaction with political leaders, particularly during key decision times, is still a serious point of conflict. Also read: European football leaders stage walkout after Gianni Infantino delays FIFA Congress As football politics become more and more involved with international politics, Gianni Infantino's behavior is again being scrutinized by the game's major players. UEFA's strong pushback indicates that European football will not take the decisions quietly that are thought to be driven by private friendships or political interests. With the bidding process for the 2034 World Cup having started, FIFA's leadership has to now walk carefully to maintain credibility and harmony across the game.
Rakyat Post
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Rakyat Post
Malaysian Parusuraman Subramaniam Retains Deputy Chairperson Role In FIFA
Subscribe to our FREE The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or more commonly known by its acronym FIFA, has voted on the The lineup should excite Malaysian football fans because Parusuraman Subramaniam still holds the position as the Deputy Chairperson of the Investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, making him the first and only Malaysian to hold a position in FIFA to date. He was selected out of 209 representatives from other countries. If the name sounds familiar it's because SAC Parusuraman is currently the head of the Sarawak Police's Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department. He garnered 139 votes during the 2021 FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland previously, resulting in him serving as the Deputy Chairperson from Part of his duties as the Deputy Chairperson is to hear and decide cases relating to ethical violations by any football official or player following FIFA legislation. His peers in the police force have extended their warmest congratulations, noting that his new role is a great recognition and a source of pride for Malaysians. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that the 76th FIFA Congress will take place on 30 April 2026 in Vancouver, Canada. JUST ANNOUNCED! Vancouver, Canada, will host the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026. 🇨🇦 — Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New York Post
06-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump taps Rudy Giuliani's son to head World Cup task force
President Trump announced Tuesday that Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, will head up the White House task force on the World Cup. The task force, established in March via executive order, aims to assist in the planning, organization and execution of events surrounding next month's FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournament and the higher-profile 2026 FIFA World Cup — which includes matches in several US cities. 'I am proud to announce the appointment of Andrew Giuliani as the Executive Director of the President's Task Force on the 2026 FIFA World Cup,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement 3 Andrew will be tasked with coordinating the government agencies in preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the US, Mexico and Canada. REUTERS Giuliani, 39, served as a special assistant to the president and associate director of the White House Office of Public Liaison during Trump's first term. The president noted that during his previous administration, Giuliani played 'a key role in creating the system that enabled athletes from around the World to re-enter the United States during the Reopening of America in 2020.' Advertisement 'Additionally, Carlos Cordeiro will serve as Senior Advisor,' Trump announced. 'Carlos is currently Senior Advisor to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and was previously the President of the United States Soccer Federation, where he was Chairman of the winning bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.' 'I know Andrew and Carlos will work tirelessly to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup an unprecedented success,' the president added. 'Congratulations Andrew and Carlos!' Trump attended the task force's first public meeting at the White House Tuesday and vowed the 2026 World Cup will be the 'biggest, safest and most extraordinary soccer tournament in history.' 'We can't wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe,' the president added, noting that his youngest son, Barron, is a massive fan of the game. Advertisement 3 Andrew's father, Rudy Giuliani, was Trump's former lawyer and is a close associate of the president. AP The former New York City mayor's son was thrust into national pop culture as a young child, after late comedian Chris Farley spoofed Andrew in a series of 'Saturday Night Live' skits inspired by the then 7-year-old's antics during his father's 1994 inaugural mayoral speech – which included blowing kisses at television cameras, making faces and yelling. After four years in the Trump administration, Andrew launched a bid for the New York governorship in 2021 but came up short in the GOP primary, finishing second to current EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who lost to Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2022 general election. 3 Trump attended the White House World Cup task force meeting on Tuesday. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. Matches will take place in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026. The tournament of the top global soccer powers is projected to draw massive crowds and the White House expects the games to 'significantly' boost local businesses and lead to 'infrastructure development and job creation.' '2026 World Cup host cities can expect to see up to 450,000 visitors and a potential net economic impact of up to $480 million,' the White House said in a March statement. The club World Cup kicks off on June 14 – Trump's 79th birthday – and runs through July 13. Matches will be played in twelve US cities.
CBC
26-03-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Former Afghan women's soccer captain fights for team's chance to compete in World Cup
Khalida Popal, the former captain of Afghanistan's national women's football team, is making a call to the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to allow Afghan women to participate in the 2027 Women's World Cup. "It has been more than three years that I've been sending emails with the support of different organizations, to get [a] response from FIFA, to get FIFA on board, to collaborate with us," Popal told As It Happens host Nil Köksal. Football's world governing body requires the Afghanistan women's national football team to receive recognition from the Taliban controlled Afghanistan Football Federation in order to participate. But under the Taliban's oppressive regime, this is not possible, says Popal, who founded the team and now acts as its program and event director. If FIFA does not revise its regulations, the team will miss out on the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers draw, happening March 27, which feeds into qualification for the upcoming World Cup. It'll mark the second time they've missed the opportunity to join the World Cup qualifying cycle since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. Following advocacy by players and allies, FIFA did send a letter on March 21 to the Sports & Rights Alliance, a human rights coalition that has been advocating for the team's recognition. Popal says she draws some hope from FIFA's letter because it mentioned developing a plan to offer football opportunities for Afghan women both inside and outside the country. But it did not specify whether FIFA intends to officially recognize the team or how the funding would be distributed. Another barrier they're facing for the women's team to play in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, is FIFA's concern that the games are played in countries that are not safe for Afghan women, says Popal. Popal, who stopped playing in 2011 to focus on coordinating the team as a director at the Afghanistan Football Association, says she hopes they can still qualify for the World Cup through a wild card that will give them exceptional access. Exiled from Afghanistan After Afghanistan was seized by the Taliban, the regime imposed decrees that severely restricted the rights of women and girls. Girls over the age of 12 have been banned from receiving an education, and women are prohibited from participating in any sports. Popal was forced to seek asylum in Denmark in 2016 after receiving threats to her life, and she also assisted dozens of others in escaping. WATCH / Khalida Popal on the implications of Taliban's take-over: 'I feel sad for my people': former captain of Afghanistan's women's soccer team 4 years ago Duration 6:42 The former captain of Afghanistan's national soccer team, Khalida Popal, says she feels sad for her people who will experience 'another dark period of Taliban.' She urges the international community to speak up and not let the women of Afghanistan feel abandoned by the world. She says there are now hundreds of Afghan women football players of all ages who are dispersed around the world after escaping persecution. Even as they work to rebuild their lives in exile abroad, Popal says they remain ready and eager for the opportunity to represent Afghanistan on the international stage. More than football Popal says having Afghan women compete in FIFA is about more than just asserting their right to play football. It's a way for Afghan women to ensure the plights they're facing are not forgotten by the world. "For us, football is our tool. It's our power," said Popal. She says it gives them the platform to share how the Tablian is "erasing women from the society." As well, if they are able to play on the world stage, it will send a message of hope for Afghan women in Afghanistan. "You are not forgotten. You are seen and you are heard," Popal said. That motivates Popal to continue her advocacy.
