'The Doctor' brings his chaotic finish-first style home to Serbia for a highly anticipated welterweight clash

After leading Utah for two decades, Whittingham faces a daunting task in turning the Wolverines around

Here are the games to watch Friday and this weekend

Prescott has the stats, the offensive continuity, and the confidence, but he is trying to overcome a piece of NFL history no quarterback has ever conquered

Team USA will be seeking its fifth straight gold at the tournament, which will run from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin

Less than two weeks after what was considered a successful World Cup, FIFA is drawing the wrong kind of headlines.FIFA president Gianni Infantino has brought forth a proposal to all of its 211 member associations to raise $20 billion through private investment by selling stakes in the top FIFA-run tournaments. That would include both the men's and women's World Cups.The backlash has already started from confederations, including UEFA, which governs European soccer. But while calls to reject the plan have been loud, all Infantino needs is 106 of 211 votes to move forward. The cash infusion for bigger member associations, like Spain, France and England, among many others, is nothing compare to what the money could do for smaller countries looking to further develop the programs in their respective countries.Here's a rundown of what's at stake and what could happen next.What is Infantino's plan?Infantino, who has been in charge of FIFA since 2016, wants to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, including Joshua Kushner, the brother of U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The transaction would be done through Thrive Capital, a venture-capital firm.Should the plan be approved, a company known as FIFA Forward Enterprise would then control selling media rights, sponsorships and tickets for the top men's and women's competitions, including World Cups. FIFA would govern the game itself, while maintaining an 80% share with the Thrive group shelling out $4.2 billion for its 20% stake.From all this, Infantino would reportedly stand to gain tens of millions of dollars.EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - FIFA President Gianni Infantino, President of the United States Donald Trump with the World Cup trophy after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP via Getty Images)ANP via Getty ImagesHow would the member associations benefit from this plan?Each of FIFA's 211 member associations would be guaranteed a one-time payment of $20 million up from its regular $8 million payout via the FIFA Forward Program by green-lighting Infantino's idea. By 2038, another $66 million via three separate payments would be on its way to those bank accounts.The deadline to make a decision is Sept. 19."We want to generate more revenues, and we have to generate more revenues, because in the vast majority of the world, in 80% of the world, if we don't invest, if we don't believe ... nobody will," Infantino told member associations a day before the 2026 World Cup Final. If not, the concentration will always go to a few, big [countries], and we will remain as we are."Isn't FIFA a non-profit organization?Based in Switzerland, FIFA is a non-profit association, which means they are not taxed like regular companies. While money generated is reinvested into developing the sport around the world, FIFA reportedly has about $4 billion in reserves.FIFA has said it expects to bring in $15 billion in revenue from the 2023-26 World Cup cycle.This is actually real: pic.twitter.com/BaXWt9Fe07 Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) July 30, 2026What role would Infantino play if this plan goes forward?Infantino would reportedly take on a commissioner-like role at the end of his next FIFA presidential term in 2031. (He has claimed he has the support of "more than 200" member associations when he runs for re-election in 2027, likely unopposed.) He would then be granted a salary bump which would see him take in as much as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who makes about $60 million a year.Infantino currently makes a basic annual salary of around $3.3 million. He received a 33% bonus increase ($2.78 million) in 2025.When asked about that role and salary, FIFA said it had yet to be discussed, but that FIFA and its president should have a "leading role" in the company, if it's approved.How is this idea being received around the world?Not well.UEFA and Concacaf have already released statements vehemently rejecting the plan. The European association is so against the idea that it has already announced a boycott of all FIFA-led competitions until the proposal is permanently tabled.(Reminder: 11 UEFA teams will qualify for next summer's women's World Cup in Brazil, and Portugal and Spain will be among the co-hosts for the 2030 men's World Cup.)In a statement, FIFA said that it "respects the feedback and concern aired in public" before blaming media for incorrectly reporting details without providing any examples of incorrectly reported details.UEFA and Concacaf's beefs involve the lack of transparency. The former said the idea was "conceived in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted with stewarding the game," while the latter said its membership "expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies."FIFA's response was to express disappointment that the proposal leaked. FIFA decided to put the decision on all member associations, saying they should all "have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries."Additionally, FIFA made sure to declare: "Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain."The fallout continued on Friday as Carlos Cordeiro, one of Infantino's top advisers and former U.S. Soccer president, resigned from his position at FIFA over the proposal.In a scathing statement that made clear he was strongly opposed to the idea of selling stakes in the event, Cordeiro said he had no involvement in the plan and called on the member associations to reject it.MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - FIFA President Gianni Infantino during an international friendly between Mexico and Portugal at Banorte Stadium. (Photo by Antonio Torres - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Antonio Torres - FIFA via Getty ImagesWill the 2030 World Cup include 64 teams?That's another issue that's been raised and has faced significant backlash. The 2026 World Cup was the first men's tournament to feature 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022. More teams equals more money being generated, especially with majority of the matches this summer having taken place in the United States.CONMEBOL, which runs South American soccer, proposed the idea in 2025 with 2030 being the centennial edition of the World Cup and Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay among the co-hosts. FIFA has begun studying the impact of adding another 16 teams in four year's time and if it would have any negative effects on the global calendar, event operations and dilution of interest.What was that about FIFA being a non-profit?Based in Switzerland, FIFA is a non-profit association, which means they are not taxed like regular companies. While money generate is reinvested into developing the sport around the world, there is about $4 billion in reserves.FIFA has said it expects to bring in $15 billion from the 2023-26 World Cup cycle.Could Infantino's standing be negatively affected by all of this?No candidate has stepped forward to run against Infantino in the next FIFA president election, set for March 2027. But this groundswell of opposition to his plan, plus the 64-team World Cup idea, could spur support in a different direction.Of course, while there is the negative noise currently surrounding FIFA and Infantino, he needs only 106 votes in his favor to be elected or to push a plan through.What happens now?FIFA says it will begin its consultation process, though it didn't indicate its timeline had changed. Infantino has set a Sept. 19 deadline for a decision, giving countries a short period to figure out where they stand.It's been only days since the plan was revealed and the reaction has been swift and fierce from different parts of the soccer world. It's less than eight weeks until Infantino's self-proposed deadline. Will this idea even be alive come September at this rate?

La Liga club wary of potential Barcelona move for midfielder with 60 million release clauseValencia are preparing for a potentially busy month both on and off the pitch, with FC Barcelona still closely monitoring midfielder Javi Guerra as the summer transfer window enters its decisive stage, reports AS.Los Che head into August having made only three new signings, while several positions still require reinforcement. Sporting director Ron Gourlay faces a demanding few weeks as Valencia continue shaping their squad ahead of the new season.Barcelona interest remainsAmidst all this, one concern at Mestalla is the possibility of Barcelona stepping up their pursuit of Guerra.Barcelona admire Guerra. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)The two clubs have spent the week training at the same pre-season base at St Georges Park in England, where the midfielder has been seen greeting several Bara players with whom he shares international experience.While those encounters are purely coincidental, Barcelonas long-standing interest in the 22-year-old remains very real. In fact, the La Liga champions sporting director Deco held a meeting with the players representatives not very long ago.Move could depend on other transfersAny approach from the Blaugrana is expected to depend on how the clubs transfer plans develop over the coming days.The Catalans continue to prioritise a move for striker Julian Alvarez, but if that deal fails to materialise or they ultimately sign a less expensive alternative, additional funds could become available to strengthen midfield.Guerras release clause rises to 60 million soon. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)In that scenario, Guerra could become a more realistic target, with the position needing reinforcement following Frenkie de Jongs injury.Valencia protected by higher release clauseValencia, however, are approaching the situation with confidence. From 1 August, i.e., tomorrow, Guerras release clause officially increases from 40 million to 60 million, providing the club with greater protection against potential suitors.The higher clause strengthens Valencias negotiating position should formal offers arrive. Both the club and the player have publicly stated that he is expected to remain at Mestalla this season.However, as is often the case during the transfer window, financial considerations could still influence events. Whether Barcelona make a move though remains to be seen, given their priorities lie elsewhere.

The San Francisco 49ers on Friday officially activated defensive tackle Alfred Collins off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Collins, who was working through a shoulder injury, was on the field for Friday's practice according to reporters at the team's practice facility.This move doesn't come as a huge surprise after general manager John Lynch in a press conference at the start of camp indicated Collins would be back for the team's second set of training camp practices. Friday officially marks the start of their second round of on-field sessions. It'll be their first practice in pads. Collins is one of the biggest keys to the season for the 49ers. He was a second-round pick in last year's draft and brings the requisite size and athleticism to be a three-down force on the interior. There were flashes from Collins in Year 1 as a pass rusher and as a run defender, but he didn't string enough of those moments together for long enough to be impactful. He finished the season with 17 tackles, one tackle for loss, 1.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. This season San Francisco badly needs the interior of its defensive line to be improve. Acquiring Osa Odighizuwa in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys will help. A breakout year from Collins would be something that lifts the 49ers in the immediate and in the future. More 49ers: Stock up on 4 49ers draft picks after 1st set of camp practicesThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers officially activate former 2nd-round pick from injured list

Three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion Akram La Pepite Hamidi made sure his hotly anticipated return to the global stage was one to remember, as he outpointed Watcharaphon Laochokcharoen in the headline attraction of ONE Friday Fights 164.Their three-round battle capped a massive double-header Asia primetime weekend for ONE Championship, which also saw undefeated star Elbek Alyshov claim the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Title in the main event of The Inner Circle 24.Action erupted almost immediately when Watcharaphon dropped the returning French-Algerian striker with a sharp left hook. The Thai, who vowed to tap into his trademark finishing power for this clash, kept his fists loaded while the referee initiated the count. However, La Pepite quickly regained his footing and answered in kind, flooring the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym athlete with a right hook of his own to level the contest during a frantic opening round. With momentum on his side, Hamidi took the opportunity to display his full arsenal in the second frame. View this post on InstagramThe French-Algerian warrior disrupted Watcharaphons rhythm with slick sweeps, spearing knees, and well-timed teeps, while his opponent continued relying on heavy boxing. Those diverse attacks made the Team Valente representative increasingly difficult to read, and he punctuated one exchange by landing a right hand behind a knee.In the third stanza, it was all Hamidi once more. The three-time World Champion pushed for the finish at a torrid pace. A slicing step-in knee opened a cut above Watcharaphons eye, and he even connected with two spinning back kicks to close the bout strongly.Although he could not secure the stoppage, Hamidis crafty work across nine minutes of action was enough to earn the unanimous decision. The victory improved his professional record to 55-6 and snapped Watcharaphons perfect 5-0 run on the global stage.Photo Credit: ONE ChampionshipSource

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez stands alone at his position Madden NFL 27.EA Sports revealed on Thursday that Gonzalez is the top rated cornerback in Madden 27 with a 98 overall rating.Gonzalez was rated above Denver Broncos former AP Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain (97), Los Angeles Rams CB Trent McDuffie (94), Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (93) and Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. (92).The 24-year-old Gonzalez had a great year in 2025. He recorded 10 passes defensed on the year and furthered his status as one of the best cover corners in the NFL with many big plays, most notably in the playoffs for New England.While Gonzalez was not named an All-Pro last season over the likes of Surtain, Stingley Jr., Devon Witherspoon or Quinyon Mitchell, the latter two of whom he also received a higher rating than, the Patriots star wowed with his ability to lock down opposing wide receivers in the biggest of moments, which was a distinguishing factor for the season that he had in 2025.Follow Patriots Wire onTwitterandFacebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Christian Gonzalez makes waves with latest Madden rating reveal