Callum Hoare

FIFA has condemned what it describes as a coordinated effort to undermine the organization and remove president Gianni Infantino through allegations and misinformation. The statement follows UEFA’s confirmation that a former female employee allegedly linked to Infantino received a departure payment and funding for an MBA course, payments UEFA said complied with regulations at the time. FIFA defended Infantino’s record and democratic mandate, while Infantino denied the allegations. Tensions remain high over his proposal to sell stakes in the 2026 World Cup, which UEFA and other confederations rejected, with UEFA maintaining that its boycott threat remains unchanged.

FIFA defended its consultation on creating FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial entity that could sell a minority stake to private investors, while insisting that nobody is selling football and that member associations will have a vote. UEFA and its 55 national associations rejected the plan and threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions unless it is abandoned, with CONCACAF and The Football Association also opposing it. Critics fear private ownership and commercial pressures could lead to larger, more frequent World Cups and further disrupt domestic football schedules.

A white minivan drove into people near the Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations in Berlin's Tiergarten, killing one person and injuring 16, including three with life-threatening injuries. Witnesses also reported stab wounds. The driver fled after the vehicle crashed into a tree, prompting a search involving more than 2,200 police officers, helicopters and thermal-imaging cameras. Police identified a 21-year-old suspect known to the Islamist scene but said the incident had not formally been classified as terrorism. Pride celebrations were cancelled and attendees evacuated.

Met Office forecasts a broad band of rain across at least 35 areas of the UK at around 1pm on Sunday, with the heaviest bursts expected in north-east Scotland and persistent rain across much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, north-west England, Wales, Devon and Cornwall. Southern and eastern England are expected to remain largely dry, while rainfall intensity and timing may change. Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said the wet spell would be temporary, with warmer and potentially hot conditions likely to return the following week.

Harry Kane described playing golf with Donald Trump 18 months earlier in Florida as a surreal experience, praising the former president’s golfing ability. Trump had revealed the meeting while complimenting Kane’s skills. The remarks came as England prepared for a World Cup quarter-final against Norway, with manager Thomas Tuchel urging bravery to contain Erling Haaland and overcome challenging conditions in Miami.

A plane crash near North Andros in the Bahamas killed ten people, prompting authorities to suspend Flamingo Air’s operations while investigations proceed. Officials confirmed the Cessna 402 aircraft had departed Nassau for San Andros before going down. Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis stated that the sole initial survivor later died. The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation said the suspension of Flamingo Air is precautionary and follows two earlier safety incidents, including a separate Flamingo Air aircraft that caught fire after returning to Nassau with a reported concern.

Former MP, MEP and prominent Brexit advocate Ann Widdecombe died at 78. Tributes praised her long political career, including her roles as Conservative MP, prisons minister, Brexit Party MEP and later supporter of Reform UK. Public figures highlighted her conviction, strong principles and distinctive presence in politics and broadcasting. She was also remembered for her popular entertainment appearances, notably on Strictly Come Dancing.

FA officials are weighing an appeal of Jarell Quansah's red card after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's ban following intervention from Donald Trump, creating a precedent that may allow similar challenges. Quansah's dismissal against Mexico rules him out of England's quarter-final against Norway, and while pundits agree the red card was justified, they argue the FA should seek a review given the Balogun decision. Trump publicly confirmed he asked Gianni Infantino to re-examine Balogun’s incident, leading to a delayed suspension and a fine. The situation has prompted wider debate over consistency in disciplinary rulings and potential political influence on FIFA decisions.

Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions officials are examining proposals to deduct income tax directly from State Pension payments through a PAYE‑style system, which could see around £200 withheld monthly from full State Pension recipients. The shift is being considered as rising pension payments are expected to exceed the income tax personal allowance, bringing more pensioners into taxation. The plans contrast with earlier assurances from Chancellor Rachel Reeves that pensioners relying solely on the State Pension would not need to file tax returns or pay tax during the current Parliament. Ministers are reportedly exploring outsourcing the system’s operation, with no final decision yet made.