Gianni Infantino sole candidate for FIFA presidency in June vote
The 48-year-old has been in charge of FIFA since February 2016, after succeeding the disgraced Sepp Blatter following the corruption scandal which rocked the organisation.
By AFP | Lausanne
UPDATED ON FEB 06, 2019 05:45 PM IST
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to serve a second term after world football’s governing body said on Wednesday he would be the only candidate for June’s vote. The 48-year-old has been in charge of FIFA since February 2016.
The 48-year-old has been in charge of FIFA since February 2016, after succeeding the disgraced Sepp Blatter following the corruption scandal which rocked the organisation.
The election will take place on June 5 in Paris ahead of the women’s World Cup.
Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega had announced his intention to stand against Infantino, but failed to garner the required support of five of FIFA’s 211 member federations.
Infantino has introduced plans to increase the World Cup from 32 teams to 48 from 2026, with the possibility to bring forward the expansion to the 2022 edition in Qatar.
A decision is expected to be taken next March after a study into the feasibility of holding an extended tournament in the Gulf state.
Michel Platini’s former right-hand man at UEFA is also hoping for an enlarged, 24-team Club World Cup from 2021.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin of Slovenia, who will be re-elected on Thursday also as the sole candidate, is opposed to the idea.
Barca edge past minnows Cornella despite missing two penalties
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON JAN 22, 2021 08:40 AM IST
Barcelona missed two penalties in normal time, with midfielder Miralem Pjanic being thwarted late in the first half by Cornella keeper Ramon Juan before Dembele hit straight at the feet of the 21-year-old in the 80th minute from yet another spot-kick.
Liverpool's 68-match unbeaten EPL home run ended by Burnley
AP
PUBLISHED ON JAN 22, 2021 08:03 AM IST
- Ashley Barnes scored from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after the forward was brought down by goalkeeper Alisson Becker as Burnley became the first team to win in the league at Anfield since April 2017.
There will be lots of changes to the national team: Igor Stimac
By Dhiman Sarkar, Bhargab Sarmah
PUBLISHED ON JAN 22, 2021 07:59 AM IST
- Before he starts work with a preparatory camp likely to be in Dubai from March, Stimac spoke about why he is happy with what he has seen in ISL this season and more in this exclusive interview.
Ronaldo yet to break all-time scoring record, Czech FA claims
Reuters
UPDATED ON JAN 21, 2021 09:18 PM IST
- The Czech Football Association has disputed claims that Cristiano Ronaldo broke the all-time goal-scoring record, insisting he needs another 62 to surpass Josef Bican’s tally.
Man City striker Sergio Aguero tests positive for Covid-19
AP, Manchester, England
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 08:30 PM IST
- Sergio Aguero had already been self-isolating after being identified as a close contact of someone infected.
AC Milan means business with Mario Mandžukić signing
PTI
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 06:37 PM IST
Mario Mandžukić's signing this week is tantamount to a statement of title intentions. Hitherto having maintained that its goal was returning to the Champions League after a seven-year absence by securing only a top-four finish, Milan now appears firmly set on winning Serie A.
'Demanding' Ibrahimovic boosts Dalot at Milan
AP, Madrid
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 06:21 PM IST
- Dalot, 21, is at the heart of the defense of an AC Milan side which has been propelled to the top of the Italian league by the 39-year-old Ibrahimovic.
Zidane under fire as Real Madrid loses again
AP, Madrid
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 06:15 PM IST
- The embarrassing 2-1 loss in the round of 32 added to Madrid’s recent struggles and left Zidane under increased pressure.
Football Delhi announces scholarship of U-16 players for college admission in US
PTI
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 03:04 PM IST
Each year, two talented footballers -- a junior boy and a girl -- will be identified based on their football and academic achievements for a scholarship.
UEFA considering switch to single host for this summer's Euros: Rummenigge
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 02:59 PM IST
The 24-nation tournament, a major revenue generator for European football's governing body and the national federations, was postponed by 12 months due to the pandemic.
Manchester United's Pogba one of the best when in form, says Ferdinand
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 02:24 PM IST
Pogba scored with a blistering left-foot shot as United defeated Fulham 2-1 on Wednesday to return to the top of the Premier League table. He also scored the winner against Burnley last week.
Lewandowski's penalty keeps Bayern 4 points clear of Leipzig
AP
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 09:53 AM IST
Lewandowski scored his 22nd goal of the season – a league record after 17 games – from the spot after a foul from Augsburg midfielder Rani Khedira on Lucas Hernández.
City breaks down Villa's resistance to win 2-0 in EPL
PTI
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 09:37 AM IST
An end-to-end match in which City lost Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker to injuries looked to be heading for a draw, despite the home team's dominance, when Silva received a pass from Rodri and smashed home a shot from the edge of the area in the 79th minute.
In-form Pogba keeping Man United in front in EPL title race
AP
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 07:38 AM IST
Pogba twisted and turned, maneuvering himself into a pocket of space before unleashing a powerful left-foot shot that curled into the far corner and secured another win for United.
Ronaldo helps Juventus beat Napoli to win Italian Super Cup
AP
PUBLISHED ON JAN 21, 2021 07:27 AM IST
It was Juve’s ninth Super Cup title, taking it two above AC Milan, which is the team with the second most victories in the competition.