FIFA President Gianni Infantino Apologises Over Investment Plan, Retains Backing Despite Growing Criticism

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:01am on 06 Aug 2026,Thursday Sports

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologised for mistakes linked to his controversial proposal to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. After a meeting with FIFA's management board in Morocco, senior executives reaffirmed their support for Infantino, allowing him to remain in office. The governing body admitted the proposal was handled poorly and apologised for excluding key stakeholders. However, UEFA continues to oppose Infantino's leadership, while several national associations have withdrawn support for his re-election bid. Despite mounting criticism, Infantino is expected to seek a fourth term as FIFA president in the 2027 election. (PC: BBC)

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Tripura CM Manik Saha Welcomes India's First Commonwealth Games Judo Gold Medallist Asmita Dey

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16pm on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha welcomed judoka Asmita Dey after her return from the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Dey made history by becoming the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal. The Chief Minister congratulated her and praised her hard work and dedication. He said her success has made Tripura and the country proud. He also wished her success in future international events. Many sports officials and supporters gathered to welcome the champion. Dey thanked everyone for their support. She said the medal was the result of years of training and promised to continue working hard for India. (PC: Getty Images)

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Report: Selectors Wanted Rohit Sharma Out of 2027 World Cup Plans

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:15pm on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

A report by Dainik Jagran claimed that some Indian selectors wanted Rohit Sharma out of the 2027 ODI World Cup plans. They reportedly informed senior BCCI officials and Rohit about their views. However, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia publicly backed Rohit before the third ODI against England, denying retirement rumours. Rohit then scored 138 at Lord's, becoming the first Indian to hit an ODI century there. The report said some selectors felt "betrayed" by the board's support. It also claimed Ajit Agarkar's future as chief selector is uncertain, with VVS Laxman being considered as a possible replacement. (PC: ANI)

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FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Faces Internal Backlash After Failed FIFA Sell-Off Plan

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:12pm on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing mounting internal pressure after withdrawing his controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which sought private investment in the governing body's commercial and event operations. The plan was scrapped following widespread criticism, triggering fresh questions over Infantino's leadership. He has now called an emergency meeting of senior FIFA officials in Morocco to address the growing backlash. Reports suggest the proposal also sparked rare dissent within FIFA, with Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour expressing concerns. The episode has exposed divisions at the top of world football's governing body and intensified scrutiny of Infantino's presidency. (PC: X)

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Jordan FA Chief Accuses FIFA President Gianni Infantino of 'Blackmail' Over Endorsement and Prize Money

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:21am on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali bin Hussein has accused FIFA president Gianni Infantino of "blackmail", claiming support for Infantino was linked to help for Jordan's football federation. Prince Ali said FIFA also has not released the prize money owed to Jordan for reaching the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup final. He said the federation refused to endorse Infantino despite the alleged pressure. Prince Ali also raised concerns over high World Cup costs, including visa issues for fans and taxes paid by Jordan because the team was based in the United States. FIFA has not responded to the allegations. (PC: The Indian Express)

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CWG 2026 Gold Medallist Asmita Dey's Eligibility for UP Rewards Under Review Amid Domicile Debate

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:17am on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

India's historic Commonwealth Games gold medallist Asmita Dey is facing questions over her eligibility for Uttar Pradesh's sports rewards due to her permanent domicile in Tripura. The UP government's 2024 policy requires athletes to meet specific criteria, including domicile, education, or representation of the state in international events. Dey, a sub-inspector with UP Police since 2023, has represented Uttar Pradesh in several national and international competitions, making her eligible under at least one provision. UP Sports Secretary Suhas LY said officials will review the case before taking a final decision. Dey is entitled to ₹1.5 crore if approved. (PC: HT)

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Harshita Jakhar Makes History as First Indian Woman at Tour de France Femmes

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:20am on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

Nineteen-year-old Rajasthan cyclist Harshita Jakhar has become the first Indian woman to feature at the Tour de France Femmes, marking a landmark moment for Indian cycling. She led a group of eight young cyclists during the ceremonial start of Stage 2 in Aigle, Switzerland. The riders completed a 4.5-kilometre neutralised section alongside members of the WCC Road Team. Selected by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), Jakhar has already made a strong mark in Indian cycling, winning numerous junior medals and competing successfully at senior level. She now aims for a top-10 finish at the 2026 Asian Games. (PC: X)

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BCCI May Replace Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, VVS Laxman Emerges as Strong Contender

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:15am on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

The BCCI is reportedly considering replacing chief selector Ajit Agarkar when his current contract ends in September 2026. Agarkar’s tenure has come under scrutiny following controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma’s ODI future and India’s recent results. According to reports, the board is weighing former India batter VVS Laxman as a potential successor. Laxman currently heads cricket-related development at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has extensive experience in player development and coaching. While no final decision has been announced, the possible change could significantly reshape India’s selection strategy ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. (PC: X)

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Arsène Wenger Joins Criticism of Gianni Infantino's Controversial World Cup Investment Proposal

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:51am on 05 Aug 2026,Wednesday Sports

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure after senior officials, including Arsène Wenger and Secretary General Mattias Grafström, distanced themselves from his failed proposal to sell stakes in future FIFA World Cup revenues to private investors. Wenger said he was unaware of the plan and called its withdrawal "absolutely necessary," emphasizing the need for an independent and transparent FIFA. The controversy has sparked widespread criticism from football associations and intensified concerns over Infantino's leadership, with several federations withdrawing support ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. (PC: EPA)

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Report: Indian Official, Para Coach Clash at Commonwealth Games

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:18pm on 04 Aug 2026,Tuesday Sports

A reported argument between an Indian Olympic Association official and a para athletics coach turned into a brief physical fight during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. According to The Times of India, athletes Dilip Mahadu Gavit, Mohammad Basil Morssinganakathi and coach Pushpa NP complained about the conduct of IOA media committee member Sarvesh Kedia. Paralympic Committee of India CEO Rahul Swami also reportedly filed a complaint with the Sports Ministry and the IOA. The dispute allegedly began over athlete media interactions before dope control. Athletes and coaches intervened to stop the fight. Authorities have not yet commented publicly. (PC: X)

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