FIFA plan for Kushner-backed $20 billion operation to run World Cup meets fury from Europe’s UEFA
GENEVA (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino plans to create a $20 billion company running the World Cup with private investors including the Kushner family. The plan was immediately attacked by European soccer body UEFA which says “None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.” Infantino plans to form FIFA Forward Enterprise running competitions like the World Cup and Club World Cup. FIFA is working with J.P. Morgan while investors would include Thrive Eternal created by Joshua Kushner whose brother Jared is a son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA is currently a Swiss-based not-for-profit association of its 211 national member federations worldwide. Those members must approve any plan.
Eagles set to make Jalen Carter highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL, AP source says
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles are set to make two-time Pro Bowl selection Jalen Carter the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The sides announced that they agreed to terms on a four-year extension through the 2031 season. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because financial terms hadn’t been announced, said the contract includes $106 million guaranteed. Carter has 13 1/2 sacks in 43 career games and was crucial in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win in the 2024 season. This offseason, the Eagles also extended defensive tackle Jordan Davis, a key player in their defensive line, with a three-year deal for $65 million guaranteed.
Panthers tight end Mitchell Evans carted off with an ankle injury, not believed to be serious
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers second-year tight end Mitchell Evans was carted off the field on Tuesday with an ankle injury. Panthers coach Dave Canales said Evans got rolled up on, but the injury isn’t viewed as serious. Pressed into duty last season as a rookie because of an injury to Ja’Tavion Sanders, Evans was a pleasant surprise for the Panthers, having 19 receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. The 2025 fifth-round draft pick out of Notre Dame is expected to compete with Tommy Tremble and Sanders for more playing time this season in what is viewed as an open tight end competition.
Defending national champion Indiana has a league-high three players earn Big Ten preseason honors
CHICAGO (AP) — Defending national champion Indiana has three of the 12 players selected for preseason honors to lead all teams. The Big Ten has a media panel select 12 players for preseason honors rather than releasing a traditional preseason all-conference team. Indiana’s representatives are wide receiver Charlie Becker, linebacker Rolijah Hardy and defensive lineman Tyrique Tucker. Other picks included Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and defensive back Kai Perich, Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond and receiver KJ Duff, Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper, Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith and Southern California quarterback Jayden Maiava.
Rules panel says sending Swiss player off in World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina was wrong
GENEVA (AP) — Soccer’s law-making panel clarified its guidance to referees which confirmed Switzerland forward Breel Embolo shouldn’t have been sent off in the World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina. Embolo’s second yellow card after a video review was for simulating being fouled. Argentina’s Leandro Paredes had been shown a yellow card until VAR officials alerted the referee. It changed the game soon after Switzerland tied the score at 1-1. Argentina’s 3-1 win after extra time fueled complaints referees were favoring Lionel Messi’s team. The rules panel IFAB has clarified VAR protocol for “mistaken identity” is not yet eligible for an Embolo-type incident.
US goalkeeper Matt Freese says he’ll never get over his team’s loss to Belgium in the World Cup
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Goalkeeper Matt Freese admits he’s still not over the United States’ exit from the 2026 World Cup after losing to Belgium. He says big losses stay with you throughout your career. Freese made a costly mistake in the elimination game, leading to a Belgium goal. Fans haven’t let him forget, booing him in his first Major League Soccer match since the World Cup. Despite the setback, Freese emphasizes the importance of consistency. Defender Tim Ream believes hard work is key to future success. The increased fan attention from the World Cup could inspire more athletes in the U.S. to take up soccer.
Emotional Zinedine Zidane achieves his ‘dream’ as he takes charge of the France team
PARIS (AP) — Zinedine Zidane is France’s new coach. He replaces Didier Deschamps at the helm of the team he led to glory as arguably its greatest ever player. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has announced Zidane’s appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday. “I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional,” Zidane says. He has been given a 4-year contract. Diallo says, “Zinedine is one of the legends of French soccer and for many years he said one of his dreams was to take charge of the France team.” The 54-year-old Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
Euro 2020 winning coach Roberto Mancini returns to rescue Italy after third straight World Cup miss
MILAN (AP) — Roberto Mancini has once again been tasked with revitalizing an Italy team in crisis. Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò announced Mancini as the new Italy coach on Tuesday. He added that Claudio Ranieri will become the new technical director. Italy has failed to qualify for the past three World Cups. Mancini led the Azzurri to the European Championship title in 2021 but shockingly resigned as Italy coach in August 2023, taking over Saudi Arabia’s national team two weeks later. There will be a press conference on Wednesday with Mancini and Ranieri.
Rangers put themselves in good position as only AL West team with a winning record
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers have put themselves in a good position in the AL West just by having a winning record. At 54-52, Texas is the only team in the division not under .500 with about one-third of the regular season remaining, and now less than a week before next Monday’s trade deadline. The Rangers are the AL West leader by two games ahead of in-state nemesis Houston. They are 2 1/2 games in front of reigning division champion Seattle after taking three of four against the Mariners. Seattle has lost 11 of its last 16 games.
Amateur cricket match goes viral after cheating allegation
SALTBURN, England (AP) — An amateur cricket match in England has become a viral sensation after allegations of cheating were shared on social media. A video, which claims to show a fielder clicking his fingers to imitate the sound of a bat connecting with the ball before a player is called out, has been viewed millions of times on X. The poster of the video described it as “about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket.” The video of a match involving North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League team Saltburn, has been greeted with outrage online and generated headlines around the world.
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