Latest news with #GianniInfantino
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ronaldo Prefers Rest to Playing in Club World Cup After Renewing Al-Nassr Contract
Cristiano Ronaldo preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped Club World Cup, the Portuguese international said on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which would keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday. Speculation over the 40-year-old's plans intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said discussions were underway about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify. "I had some offers to play in the World Cup but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year," Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X. "I want to be ready not only for Al-Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything," he added. "And of course, to be in this club, which I love". Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month which ended 2-2 before his side went on to beat the European champions on penalties. The Portugal captain said his aim in staying at Al-Nassr was to win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side. "My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that" Ronaldo added. "This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia". Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for them in all competitions. Ronaldo is also eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. He has scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal to take his tally to 932.
Reuters
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Ronaldo prefers rest to playing in Club World Cup
June 28 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo preferred to take a rest rather than play in the revamped Club World Cup, the Portuguese international said on Saturday after renewing his contract with Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League club announced on Thursday that Ronaldo had signed a two-year contract which would keep him at the club past his 42nd birthday. Speculation over the 40-year-old's plans intensified last month when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said discussions were underway about Ronaldo playing in the Club World Cup, despite Al-Nassr failing to qualify. "I had some offers to play in the World Cup but I think it didn't make sense because I prefer to have a good rest, a good preparation, because this season will be very long as it is the World Cup season at the end of the year," Ronaldo said in a video posted by Al-Nassr on X. "I want to be ready not only for Al-Nassr but also for the national team. So, this is why I decided to play the last game for the Nations League and not listen to anything," he added. "And of course, to be in this club, which I love". Ronaldo scored for Portugal in the Nations League final against Spain earlier this month which ended 2-2 before his side went on to beat the European champions on penalties. The Portugal captain said his aim in staying at Al-Nassr was to win a major trophy with the Riyadh-based side. "My goal, it's always to win something important for Al-Nassr. And of course I still believe in that" Ronaldo added. "This is why I renewed the two years more because I believe that I will be a champion in Saudi Arabia". Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, has scored 93 goals in 105 appearances for them in all competitions. Ronaldo is also eyeing the 1,000-goal milestone in his career. He has scored 794 goals in club football and 138 for Portugal to take his tally to 932.
USA Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
FIFA Club World Cup group stage sees lack of fans attending games across USA
The FIFA Club World Cup now advances to the round of 16, showcasing a diverse array of teams from 10 different countries. The group stage, held across the USA, saw a lower-than-expected turnout of fans at the 48 matches. According to the Associated Press, there have been one million empty seats during the group stage of the tournament, even though the world's top clubs are participating. This is despite FIFA claiming it has sold about 1.5 million tickets for the group stage. The organization says fans from more than 130 countries have purchased Club World Cup tickets, with a majority of the sales coming from the United States. This has sparked curiosity about how the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America next year, will turn out. "FIFA is proud of the unique and multicultural atmosphere and support this new competition has already generated – and thanks every fan who has brought their voice, passion, and presence as the FIFA Club World Cup continues to grow into the undisputed pinnacle of global club football," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. The Round of 16 teams include Fluminense, Al Hilal, Inter Miami CF, Monterrey, Palmeiras, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Chelsea, Benfica, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Botafogo, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Flamengo, and Manchester City. The Round of 16 kicks off on Saturday, June 28. FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 schedule All times Eastern. Saturday, June 28 Sunday, June 29 Monday, June 30 Tuesday, July 1 How to watch the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16? All rounds of the 16 matches of the Club World Cup will be available for free streaming on DAZN, and select games will also be broadcast in English on TNT. Univision, TUDN, and ViX will all carry games in the U.S. in Spanish.
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Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Low group stage turnout puts pressure on FIFA Club World Cup knock
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is entering its knockout stage with plenty to prove—especially off the pitch. After a group phase marked by underwhelming attendance, FIFA now faces the challenge of reigniting fan engagement. More than one million empty seats were recorded across 48 group-stage matches, prompting concern about the tournament's ability to capture global attention despite its expanded format. While FIFA touted the participation of fans from 168 countries as a success, many stadiums—including 2026 World Cup venues—saw less than half their capacities filled. With heavyweights like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Lionel Messi's Inter Miami now entering the fray, organisers will hope for a sharp rise in energy and excitement as the tournament progresses. Sparse Crowds Despite Global Reach Despite FIFA's emphasis on international ticket sales, average attendance during the group stage was just over 34,700—a figure that represents 56.7% of listed seating capacity. MetLife Stadium, set to host the 2026 World Cup final, recorded a mere 44.9% fill rate across five matches. Other key venues, such as the Rose Bowl and Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, fared similarly poorly. FIFA has remained tight-lipped on the matter, declining media requests for detailed comment from president Gianni Infantino. Knockouts Set to Feature European Dominance As the round of 16 kicks off, nine of the advancing teams are European clubs, with four from Brazil and one each from MLS, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. With heavyweights like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich in action, a Champions League–like dominance seems inevitable. Notably, Manchester City was the only side to win all three group games. Weather Worries and Star Power The group stage saw five weather delays amid extreme summer temperatures, raising concerns ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, global stars are making headlines—Lionel Messi continues to shine for Inter Miami, while Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé missed all group matches due to illness, with coach Xabi Alonso hopeful for his return. Brazil's Strong Showing All four Brazilian clubs have reached the knockout rounds, underlining the country's depth and competitive strength. Botafogo's win over PSG highlighted South America's challenge to European supremacy, while Flamengo, Fluminense, and Palmeiras have all impressed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation
MLS Faces FIFA Fire on Promotion and Relegation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is rattling cages in American soccer. He's urging Major League Soccer (MLS) to adopt promotion and relegation, a system defining global soccer leagues. Citing Wrexham AFC's meteoric climb from non-league to England's Championship, Infantino argues it fuels competition absent in MLS's closed structure. Advertisement Wrexham's Hollywood-backed saga, fueled by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, showcases soccer's underdog magic. Promotion and relegation let minnows dream big, toppling giants through grit. MLS, like the NFL or NBA, operates as a sealed fortress, with franchise fees soaring past $500 million, making owners wary of risking relegation according to Infantino's vision isn't just romantic; it's strategic. A 2016 study revealed 88% of 1,000 U.S. soccer fans backed promotion and relegation, craving heightened stakes says Yet, MLS's stability, with 2024 attendance hitting 11.4 million, suggests fans aren't fleeing its current model. 'It has to must be discussed with common sense and a dialogue in a positive spirit' - Gianni Infantino said in a 2025 fireside chat with Fox Sports. The United Soccer League (USL), MLS's rival, is stealing a march. In 2025, USL owners voted to launch a three-tier system with promotion and relegation by 2027, challenging MLS's dominance according to This move amplifies pressure on MLS to evolve or risk being outshone. Advertisement Infantino's claim that soccer will eclipse all U.S. sports in 'three to four, maximum five years' feels audacious. A 2025 poll of 2,501 Americans showed only 14% follow soccer, trailing football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and even the Olympics ( His timeline seems more hope than reality. MLS owners face a $500 million gamble. Relegation could devalue franchises, spooking investors who banked on guaranteed top-flight status says Unlike Wrexham's fairy tale, MLS clubs lack the cultural roots to survive a drop, critics argue. Football Role Models - Rob and Ryan are winning with Wrexham.(Photo by) Wrexham AFC's value has surged since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club for $2.55 million in 2021. As of April 2025, following their third successive promotion to the EFL Championship, football finance expert Kieran Maguire estimated the club's valuation at approximately $191 million (£150 million). This marks a 7,400% increase from the 2021 price. Yet, Infantino's push taps into soccer's global soul. Promotion and relegation reward ambition, not just wallets. European giants like Manchester United thrive under this pressure, per UEFA's 2024 report. Advertisement MLS's closed shop has drawbacks. Stagnant teams face no real penalty, dulling competition. Fans crave the drama Wrexham embodies, where every match pulses with consequence. The USL's bold experiment looms large. If successful, it could force MLS's hand, reshaping American soccer. Infantino's dream hinges on MLS embracing risk over comfort. FIFA's challenge is clear: evolve or stagnate. MLS must weigh its fortress against soccer's beating heart. Will it dare to dream like Wrexham? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
