Malaysia's freshest news, trending stories and local buzz.
Leading African football administrators have publicly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he fights to retain his position, even as football confederations in Asia, Europe and the Americas withdraw their backing over his scrapped World Cup revenue scheme.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces serious pressure to step down after his controversial proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights collapsed. Three major regional confederations are reportedly coordinating efforts to remove him ahead of March elections.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election prospects have deteriorated sharply after national federations rejected his private equity proposal for the World Cup. Five potential challengers are now emerging for the 2027-2031 term, with the vote scheduled for March 18 in Morocco.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces his biggest crisis yet following the failed private equity proposal, but his political survival may hinge on backing from small and emerging nations that depend on his financial patronage rather than Europe's football powerhouses.
Wales has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign after the collapse of an ambitious plan to raise $4.2 billion by selling a stake in World Cup commercial rights, citing governance failures.
UEFA has declared that FIFA's leadership has forfeited the trust of the global football community, praising the withdrawal of plans to privatise World Cup competitions while warning that rebuilding institutional credibility remains an urgent challenge.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scrapped controversial plans to sell a majority stake in a new US$20 billion World Cup subsidiary to private investors, citing divisive internal disagreements among stakeholders.
The Asian Football Confederation has rejected FIFA's plan to privatise World Cup operations, joining UEFA and CONCACAF in opposition. The move signals potential collapse of the scheme and raises questions about Infantino's leadership.
UEFA and its 55 member nations have voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments in protest against proposals to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, citing lack of consultation and poor governance.
FIFA holds formal authority over world football through its 211 member associations, but UEFA's control of lucrative European competitions gives it outsized influence over the sport's direction and commercial strategy.
FIFA aims to raise US$4.2 billion this year through a new commercial entity offering minority stakes to private investors, promising increased development funding for its 211 member federations while retaining full control over football governance.
New Wallabies coach Les Kiss has signalled a more flexible approach to selecting overseas-based players, prioritising competitive advantage ahead of the World Cup over Rugby Australia's traditional domestic recruitment policy.
Malaysian police have dismantled a major World Cup betting syndicate that was processing RM27 million in daily wagers. The operation led to 161 arrests including five suspected company directors and shareholders.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia will depart his position at month's end following mutual agreement with the Belgian football association. His contract expires July 31 after guiding the team to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Donald Trump has adopted a conciliatory tone towards Spain's Pedro Sanchez following Spain's FIFA World Cup victory, marking a dramatic reversal from his recent criticism of Madrid over NATO defence commitments and military cooperation.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall will clean up Dataran Merdeka after more than 25,000 spectators left the historic venue littered with rubbish following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final broadcast between Spain and Argentina.
Twelve men, including a teenager, were arrested by Johor Baru police following a violent confrontation at a Taman Daya restaurant during a live World Cup final screening early Sunday morning.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum altered her travel arrangements to attend the World Cup final in New Jersey after smoke from Canadian wildfires disrupted flights from Cancún to New York on Saturday.
FIFA's technical study group has concluded that expanding the World Cup to 48 teams was successful, with smaller nations performing better than expected and tactical innovations emerging throughout the tournament.
UN human rights experts have called for impartial investigations into accusations of interference with protests drawing attention to Mexico's missing persons crisis during the World Cup tournament.
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Argentine citizens have expressed strong backing for World Cup players who held up a banner asserting sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England, though Britain has demanded FIFA investigate the politically charged gesture.
Thomas Tuchel's England fell to defending champions Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, sparking fierce criticism. Yet the German manager's tactical decisions masked deeper structural problems and Argentina's relentless determination led by Lionel Messi.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his tactical approach following a devastating 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, despite admitting his team became increasingly passive after taking the lead.
Argentina's war veterans federation has appealed to supporters to separate sporting passion from territorial disputes ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England, cautioning against using the match to advance sovereignty claims over the South Atlantic islands.
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Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged France's midfield weaknesses following their 2-0 World Cup loss to Spain, marking a disappointing end to their tournament campaign and raising questions about tactical preparation.
Senegal's football federation has questioned its team doctor's qualifications ahead of a World Cup campaign review, claiming he was trained as a gynaecologist rather than a sports medicine specialist, a claim strongly denied by the country's sports medicine association.
European champions Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 victory over injury-depleted Belgium on Friday, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.
Spain progressed to the World Cup semifinals after Mikel Merino scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, securing a 2-1 victory on Friday.
Penang police are ramping up enforcement efforts against illegal gambling operations as the FIFA World Cup tournament approaches its climax. Authorities have already detained 31 individuals across the state in connection with illicit betting activities.
Argentina and Switzerland meet in a World Cup quarterfinal in Kansas City on Saturday, rekindling a rivalry from 2012 when Messi's side advanced via Di Maria's extra-time goal. The defending champions face a resurgent Swiss team seeking their first last-eight appearance in 72 years.
FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has firmly rejected Egyptian allegations of bias in Argentina's disputed 3-2 World Cup victory, defending VAR decisions and match officials' independence.
France and Morocco clash in a World Cup quarter-final shaped by shared history, migration, and personal friendships between players. The Boston setting promises a more familial atmosphere than European venues.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has warned his squad to ignore congratulations for their World Cup run so far, declaring the team will only assess their campaign if they capture the tournament title.
Morocco centre-back Issa Diop, who spent years declaring unwavering loyalty to France, now faces the ironic task of defending against Kylian Mbappé in Thursday's World Cup quarter-final—a remarkable reversal of fortune.
UEFA has sharply criticized FIFA for suspending American footballer Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card ban after US President Donald Trump intervened, saying the decision has compromised the sport's integrity and rule enforcement.
Comments by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia about Senegal have triggered renewed examination of how racial stereotypes persist in football broadcasting, with scholars highlighting systematic bias in how Black players are portrayed versus their white counterparts.
FIFA has suspended enforcement of American striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban for a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, enabling him to play in Monday's World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium. Belgium has lodged a formal protest.
Authorities arrested 34 people during a dawn raid on an illicit World Cup betting operation disguised as a call centre in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur. The unlicensed venue was processing wagers on international football matches.
Cape Verde, the least populous nation to reach a World Cup knockout stage, prepare for an audacious bid to upset Argentina and keep their historic campaign alive.
World Cup supporters have filed a class action lawsuit against StubHub, alleging the ticket resale platform failed to deliver the premium soccer tournament passes they purchased, leaving fans without promised access to matches.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team is now a genuine World Cup contender rather than a surprise package, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada that secured a quarterfinal berth.
England and Mexico clash at the Estadio Azteca in a highly anticipated World Cup knockout match on Sunday, with Erling Haaland's Norway simultaneously battling Brazil for quarter-final advancement.
The US Embassy in Mexico City has advised American citizens to remain vigilant during the World Cup knockout match between Mexico and England, warning of large gatherings and possible demonstrations in the capital.
The United States takes on Belgium in a World Cup round-of-16 encounter in Seattle, seeking to advance to the quarter-finals after impressive victories in group play have elevated tournament ambitions.
Morocco dispatched Canada 3-0 in the World Cup knockout stage on Saturday, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi netting twice. The North African side advances to the quarter-finals for the second tournament running.
Argentina scraped past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to reach the World Cup last 16, but the hard-fought victory has raised questions about their defensive vulnerabilities heading into their knockout clash with Egypt.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is in discussions with Germany's football federation about succeeding Julian Nagelsmann as national coach, though he cautions that negotiations will require considerable time.
Texas authorities have launched an investigation into ticket resale platform StubHub following complaints from World Cup attendees whose tickets failed to arrive. The state's Attorney General has vowed to hold the company accountable.
Cape Verde heads into their World Cup knockout match against Argentina with an ambitious mindset, having impressed with draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
Brazil edged Japan 2-1 in a tense World Cup round-of-32 encounter, with Gabriel Martinelli converting a late opportunity in stoppage time to secure passage to the last 16 for the five-time champions.
England narrowly avoided a shock World Cup exit when Harry Kane scored twice in the second half to overturn a deficit against the Democratic Republic of Congo, securing a 2-1 victory and setting up a last-16 clash with Mexico.
Three people died from asphyxiation in Mexico City during street celebrations following Mexico's 2-0 World Cup victory over Ecuador. Authorities are urging fans to celebrate responsibly.
Toronto has issued heat warnings ahead of Portugal's World Cup round of 32 clash against Croatia, urging spectators to maintain hydration and limit alcohol consumption as temperatures could reach near 40 degrees Celsius.
The Dutch football association has pledged to pursue legal action against those responsible for racist abuse directed at three Netherlands players who missed penalties in their World Cup loss to Morocco.
Iraq's Olympic Committee has initiated an inquiry into the national football team's World Cup underperformance, signalling plans for systemic changes to prevent future tournament disappointments.
Canada advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to defeat South Africa 1-0 in Los Angeles.
Penang police have arrested 28 individuals and dismantled two illegal football betting call centres targeting World Cup gamblers. The crackdown, part of Op Soga XI, represents an escalated effort to combat underground gambling operations ahead of the 2026 FIFA tournament.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has launched a scathing critique of the national football team's shock early World Cup exit, blaming poor personnel decisions and demanding a government investigation into how the coaching appointment was handled.
Australia qualified for the World Cup round of 32 after drawing 0-0 with Paraguay at Santa Clara. The Socceroos finished second in Group D and will face the runner-up from Group G in the next stage.
Ousmane Dembele's stunning three-goal haul in the first half powered France to a comprehensive 4-1 triumph over a depleted Norway side, securing top spot in World Cup Group I and setting up a last-16 clash with Sweden.
Spanish World Cup striker Borja Iglesias has become football's most outspoken voice on social justice, openly discussing Gaza, homophobia and inequality with a candour that sets him apart in a traditionally conservative sport.
Ecuador produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match, ending a goalless streak to qualify for the World Cup knockout round despite being written off before kickoff.