Callum Hoare

FIFA has accused unnamed critics of mounting a coordinated effort to undermine the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino. The statement followed UEFA’s confirmation that a former female employee allegedly linked romantically to Infantino received a departure payment and funding for an MBA course, which UEFA said complied with regulations at the time. Infantino denies the allegations. The controversy adds to existing tensions over his rejected proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, with UEFA maintaining that its 55 member associations could boycott FIFA competitions unless the scheme is abandoned.

Harry Kane describes a past round of golf with Donald Trump in Palm Beach as a surreal experience while preparing for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami. Kane praises Trump’s golfing ability and recalls the invitation occurring 18 months earlier. As England ready for the match, manager Thomas Tuchel warns the team must be brave against Norway and Erling Haaland, stressing the need to elevate performance after earlier knockout stage challenges.

A woman from South Wales believes she won a £12 million Lotto jackpot but says the ticket was mistakenly discarded after a shop machine failed to show a win. The ticket, checked at a Londis store, was reportedly thrown away after the shop worker indicated it was not a winner. Lottery operator Allwyn has suspended lottery operations at the shop and is investigating, reviewing evidence including proof of purchase and footage showing the ticket being checked. The investigation may take up to 30 days to determine whether the prize can be paid out, while the missing ticket leaves the claimant in uncertainty.

A South Wales woman believes she won a £12 million Lotto jackpot but says the ticket was mistakenly thrown away after a shop machine failed to register it as a winner. The National Lottery operator Allwyn is investigating after she provided proof of purchase and witness evidence. The Londis store involved had no CCTV due to refurbishment, and lottery sales there have been suspended during the inquiry. Allwyn may take up to 30 days to determine whether the prize can be claimed.

The FA is weighing an appeal against Jarell Quansah's red card after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s ban following an intervention from Donald Trump. Quansah’s dismissal against Mexico currently rules him out of England’s quarter-final match with Norway, and the FA sees the Balogun ruling as a potential precedent. Former players Gary Neville and Ian Wright argued that England should challenge the decision despite agreeing the red card was correct. Trump confirmed pressuring FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s incident, which resulted in a fine and a one-year delay of his suspension. Uncertainty remains over whether similar action could benefit England’s case.