Football
Donald Trump reveals how World Cup could end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a bold assertion that the 2026 FIFA World Cup could potentially help end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict, which began in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion over Ukraine’s growing alignment with NATO, has become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
While Ukraine is not a NATO member, its increasing cooperation with the alliance has been perceived by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a threat to national security. The war has now dragged on for over three years with no resolution in sight.
Despite previously attempting to mediate between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump has yet to broker peace.
Nonetheless, he remains adamant that he would secure a ceasefire on the very first day of a second presidential term should he win the upcoming election.
Most recently, Trump has floated an unexpected idea: that allowing Russia to rejoin international football competitions, particularly the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, could serve as a compelling incentive for peace.
Russia is currently banned from participating in events sanctioned by FIFA and UEFA due to its military aggression in Ukraine. Trump suggested that lifting this ban might appeal to Putin, potentially encouraging him to end the conflict.
The former president remarked that the global scale and unifying nature of the World Cup might offer a diplomatic opportunity that traditional negotiations have not yet achieved.
However, Trump’s remarks also exposed a notable gaffe. During a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump confused the FIFA Club World Cup with the FIFA World Cup, mistakenly referring to the club competition trophy as the prestigious World Cup prize.
This mix-up raised eyebrows, especially as he expressed surprise upon learning that Russia was banned from the upcoming tournament. Infantino confirmed the ban and expressed hope that peace would allow Russia’s return to international football in the future.
Trump responded optimistically, stating that such an incentive could be worth exploring, referencing the thousands of young lives lost weekly in the ongoing war.
He was quick to clarify, however, that the decision to readmit Russia was entirely up to FIFA, praising Infantino as the one with ultimate authority on the matter.
Putin himself is known to be an avid football fan, particularly of Zenit St Petersburg. In the past, he has criticized the club for fielding too many foreign players and not enough Russian nationals.
His interest in football is well-documented, and Russia previously hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup despite international tensions surrounding its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
As European nations continue their qualifying campaigns for the 2026 tournament, it remains unclear whether FIFA would consider such a dramatic policy reversal.
Given the current geopolitical climate, allowing Russia to participate would require an extraordinary shift in both international relations and FIFA regulations.
Nevertheless, Trump’s unexpected suggestion has added a new layer to the ongoing conversation about how sports and diplomacy might intersect in times of global crisis.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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