Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin (left) has been firmly against many changes driven by Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino (right) [Getty Images]The bombshell statement landed at 16:00 BST on Thursday, 30 July.In terms of impact, European football's governing body Uefa could not have gone any bigger."Uefa and its national associations will not participate in Fifa competitions," it said.Eleven brutal words. The definitive reaction to Fifa president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a 20% stake in a subsidiary company set up to run the world governing body's competitions, including the World Cup.A company it is intended Fifa will run but that will be part-funded by private investors, including the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Joshua Kushner.What happens now?It feels as though no-one who matters knows how this situation is going to play out just yet."Not sure the detail was considered when deciding the overall policy," was the response from a senior European football source when asked what this decision means for the U20 Women's World Cup, starting on 5 September, being hosted by Poland and featuring plenty of European nations.Uefa's boycott threat will be activated if Infantino's funding deal is accepted.Given 19 September is the deadline for countries to accept Fifa's deal and bank $20m (15m) on 1 January, in theory, countries could be pulling out of that tournament in the middle of the quarter-finals and before the semis.After that, the next senior matches in a Fifa competition are the Women's World Cup play-offs in October, which feature England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland among others."Wales is involved in the play-offs for the Women's World Cup in the autumn, and it would be our first qualification for a World Cup," Uefa vice-president and ex-Wales international Laura McAllister told BBC Radio 5 Live."Nobody can even countenance the thought of not being involved in those."But let's be clear here. This is not a problem of Uefa's making. It's a problem that Fifa have created. Nobody wants the players to suffer, and nobody wants nations to suffer when it comes to the most prestigious competitions."We've been pushed into this corner and that's Fifa's responsibility."Fifa says 'nobody selling football' as plan continuesUefa to boycott World Cups if Fifa plans approvedIs World Cup sell-off plan a step too far by Infantino?Uefa threatens full Fifa boycott over World Cup sale plansCan Infantino survive?Gianni Infantino (left) has developed a friendship with US President Donald Trump in recent years [Getty Images]No-one can be certain what happens now. And no-one knows what the future for Infantino is.Uefa's statement was followed up by another from Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America and hosted this year's World Cup, saying their 41 members rejected the proposals.Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt is a Fifa vice-president. She spoke out against the plan at Uefa's emergency meeting on Thursday. The FA said it stands "shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues" on the matter.Scottish FA president Mike Mulraney is also chair of Fifa's finance committee. The Scottish FA's statement said the organisation "agrees unequivocally" with Uefa's stance.The repeated responses from those who have spoken out are of fury at the lack of proper consultation and lack of dialogue from Infantino, including with his Fifa colleagues, as much as with the proposals themselves."Anger," said one source, when asked for the prevailing mood at Uefa's emergency meeting.Fifa, meanwhile, has released a new statement claiming consultation over the proposals "was disrupted by incorrect media reports".It added: "We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation..."Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain."Infantino became Fifa president in 2016 when he beat Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa by 115 votes to 88. The Swiss is due to stand for a fourth term in March.Prior to this week, it had been anticipated he would be re-elected unopposed. FAs around the world, including some in Europe, have already confirmed their intention to support the 56-year-old.But sources say in addition to rejecting Infantino's plan, the vast majority of the Concacaf members are either losing faith in the Fifa president's ability to govern the game, or have lost it altogether.Now there is talk of trying to find someone to stand against him.The name of Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been mentioned. This is understandable. Qatari Al-Khelaifi is already one of the most powerful figures in football, not only through his status as president of back-to-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain but his leadership of European clubs.Previously known as the European Clubs' Association, Al-Khelaifi took over as chairman in the aftermath of the other seismic event that threatened to pull the game apart - the ill-fated European Super League, which collapsed within 48 hours in 2021.Al-Khelaifi presided over a name change - to European Football Clubs. More importantly, he expanded it to over 800 members. Of the biggest clubs, only Real Madrid remain outside.In theory, he would be the best person to challenge Infantino. But he doesn't want to. "He genuinely, genuinely, genuinely doesn't want the job," was the response of a source close to the 52-year-old when asked about the possibility on Thursday.Historically, sitting Fifa presidents are not challenged in elections. The last president to lose an election was Englishman Sir Stanley Rous when he was beaten by Brazilian Joao Havelange in 1974."I don't know, in all honesty," said McAllister, when asked if Infantino will keep his job.Former FA chairman David Bernstein was asked the same question by BBC Sport."In a normal organisation, if he has to back down due to something of this magnitude he'd probably be shown the door," Bernstein said."But Fifa is not a normal organisation. If he has the support of enough of the national associations, he will continue."Former Uefa chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson told the BBC that Infantino has overplayed his hand and his position could be in trouble.He suggested Fifa should instigate a reform where the presidency circulates around figures from different confederations "rather than giving people so much power" as it has done with Infantino and his predecessors, Switzerland's Sepp Blatter and Brazil's Havelange.When asked if Infantino should be removed from his role, Olsson said: "I think that should be a new start for football."Fifa offers $40m if nations back controversial planCourting controversy and befriending Trump - Fifa's 'unlikely saviour'Uefa and PM criticise Infantino World Cup planCould Uefa split from Fifa?Spain won the most recent Women's World Cup, beating England in the final in 2023 [Getty Images]While Uefa only covers 55 of Fifa's 211 national associations, in pure playing terms, it is the most powerful confederation by far.In the last edition of the World Cup, the Women's World Cup and the Club World Cup - Fifa's flagship events - Uefa supplied three of the four semi-finalists.If there was no European involvement in a Fifa competition, the commercial impact would be seismic and ensure there was virtually no chance of Infantino hitting the figures he has promised in a letter to the national associations, when he talked about a $40bn (30bn) product.David Bernstein feels a solution has to be found."I can't believe in the long term that there will be a schism because it would be a lose-lose for everybody," he said."Fifa can't afford not to have European nations play in their competitions and frankly Europe can't afford not to be part of it."On this occasion, Infantino's got to back down. This deal is not acceptable. It's a friends deal and it's not right. If they want to raise capital, there's other, better ways of doing it."Minimum 10-match ban for discrimination - FAMcAllister accuses Fifa of 'blackmail' over World Cup planFollow your club with BBC Sport

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is a big admirer of Omar MarmoushTottenham Hotspur have spent this summer transfer window reshaping their midfield and defence, but they clearly need reinforcement in attack.According to Football London, Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is a big admirer of Manchester City star Omar Marmoush.He is one of the attackers who has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he can be a wonderful pick-up for the club.The Tottenham target can operate off the left wing and provide competition for Dominic Solanke up top.He has blown hot and cold since his move to the Premier League for 59 million, but there is a player there, despite managing only eight goals and three assists in 36 appearances last season.His club might be open to selling him, and Spurs could be at the front of the queue for his signature as they look to bolster their attack.Tottenham never properly replaced Son Heung-Min. Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert have struggled to fill his big boots. The North Londoners need a new option.Tottenham should say no to MarmoushHowever, Tottenham should resist any temptation to pursue Marmoush.The Egyptian has found life in English football far more difficult than many expected. He struggles to influence games for long stretches.More importantly, he is an awkward tactical fit.Marmoush is neither a natural winger nor a genuine centre-forward, instead operating best somewhere between the two as a supporting striker.That is exactly the kind of undefined profile Spurs should avoid. They already have one like that with Tel.Son Heung-min was exceptional because he could seamlessly switch between the left wing, centre-forward and second-striker roles.Marmoush does not offer that same versatility or consistency.If Tottenham are serious about rebuilding their attack, they should target a specialist winger capable of stretching defences and a proven No. 9.These are the last pieces of the puzzle they need before the window closes.

Real American Freestyle is heading back overseas with anotherstar-studded lineup.RAF recently announced that former Ultimate Fighting Championship champions KhamzatChimaev and TyronWoodley will headline RAF Moscow as the promotion continues itsinternational expansion with an event in the Russian capital.RAF unveils key matchups for Moscow cardRAF has confirmed two featured bouts for RAF Moscow, which takesplace on Sept. 5.Chimaev vs. Woodley will take center stage at the event. Chimaev,who previously held UFC middleweight gold, will make his secondappearance under the RAF banner after taking on DillonDanis in his promotional debut. Woodley is also set for hissophomore RAF outing, though the former UFC welterweight championwill first square off against JoaquinBuckley at RAF 12 on Aug. 22.The matchup continues RAF's strategy of featuring current andformer MMA stars in high-profile wrestling contests. RAF alsoconfirmed a featured heavyweight clash for the Sept. 5 card, asformer OneChampionship two-division titleholder AnatolyMalykhin meets PouyaRahmani.Additional bouts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.RAF Moscow will stream live in the United States on Fox Nation,with international broadcast details to be revealed at a laterdate.Two new heavyweightsAnatolyMalykhin vs PouyaRahmani SEP 5 at RAF MOSCOW.Tickets coming soon. Join the presale list at the link in bio.Watch live on @foxnation in theU.S. Additional international broadcast details to be announced.pic.twitter.com/BK0Y7NIkPVReal American Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 30, 2026KhamzatChimaev returns to headline RAF MOSCOW against former MMAchampion TyronWoodley.KhamzatChimaev.TyronWoodley.RAF MOSCOW.SEPTEMBER 5.Tickets coming soon. Join the presale list at the link in bio.Watch live on @foxnation in theU.S. Additional international pic.twitter.com/xsPbtU9QXq RealAmerican Freestyle (@RAFWrestlingUSA) July 30, 2026

Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO DanaWhite's response to a question during the UFC Belgrade press conference sparked criticism from fansonline.The exchange quickly circulated online, drawing responses fromfans, many of whom slammed White for his answer when asked whichfight hes most interested in on the card.Dana White faces fan backlash after UFC Belgrade mediaexchangeWhen White was asked which fight on the upcoming Fight Night cardhes most looking forward to ahead of the promotions debut inSerbia, the UFC head honcho snapped at the reporter.That is a sh*tty question, my friend, White replied. I just wanta few holy sh*t moments, so hopefully we get a few of those.Some fans interpreted White's response as further evidence thathes no longer as engaged with MMA amidst his growing involvementin other ventures.I wish a reporter would flat out ask him why he doesnt care aboutthe UFC anymore, one user wrote in response to Whites answer.Not sure why he hated the question about his product. Hes puttingon a card in Serbia and should be promoting the fighters, arena,city, and building some excitement. Horrible answer, another usercommented.UFC Belgrade features several key matchups White couldve chosen toput the spotlight on, including Uros Medicshomecoming against DanielRodriguez in the main event and former champion JanBlachowicz looking to return to winning ways against theundefeated NavajoStirling.The reporter asked Dana Whitewhich fight he's most excited for at UFC Serbia... and he couldn'tgive an answer. (Via @ufc )pic.twitter.com/mkt6J0HKWPRed Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 30, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani is available as a pinch hitter in Thursday's game against the Seattle Mariners, and he will ramp up as a pitcher in the coming days. GettyLos Angeles Dodgers fans have been faced with a scare after the injury news to superstar Shohei Ohtani.Ohtani, 32, has been given the day off in the Dodgers game against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. The designated hitter/starting pitcher is experiencing left knee inflammation and a right biceps injury.Before Thursdays game, manager Dave Roberts provided some more intel on Shohei Ohtani.Roberts said that Ohtani wanted to play through the setbacks, but the final decision was for him to sit out. The Dodgers manager added that Ohtani is available coming off the bench for Los Angeles on Thursday. He is confident that he will return for the Dodgers on Friday.Ohtani is still scheduled to ramp up as a pitcher in the coming days, wrote Nelson Espinal of Dodgers Nation.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Dodgers Dave Roberts Provides Shohei Ohtani Update Ahead of Absence vs. Mariners appeared first on HEAVY.

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