Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, passed away on Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. He was a central figure throughout his son’s football career, from his early days to his rise as a global sports icon.

Jorge’s involvement extended beyond his role as a father; he represented Lionel in negotiations with various clubs and commercial entities, playing a crucial part in establishing the business framework surrounding the Argentine star. He had been receiving treatment for a chronic illness for an extended period in Rosario.

A life dedicated to family and football

Born in Rosario in 1958, Jorge was a fan of Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel began his football journey. His personal dedication, including years of factory work, was instrumental in supporting the Messi family, which includes Lionel and his siblings Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. This commitment was particularly evident when Lionel moved to Barcelona to pursue his football aspirations in Europe.

During Lionel’s time as a young player at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge ensured his son received necessary treatment. When Lionel relocated to Spain, Jorge accompanied him, while Celia Cuccittini, Jorge’s wife and Lionel’s mother, remained in Rosario with their other children. Jorge continued to manage his son’s professional dealings and off-field responsibilities as Lionel’s career progressed.

The South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, expressed its condolences, stating, “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”

Emotional support and professional guidance

Jorge Messi provided constant emotional and professional support to Lionel from childhood. He was a key figure in Lionel’s upbringing and sporting development, serving as a personal role model. His efforts, combined with Lionel’s talent, contributed to the making of one of football’s most celebrated players.

Despite his significant role, Jorge maintained a discreet public profile, often choosing not to appear at many of his son’s moments of glory, such as awards ceremonies, title celebrations, and galas. His focus remained on supporting Lionel behind the scenes.

During the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentine team, experienced mixed emotions. He scored a hat trick in the opening match against Algeria but was seen in tears while celebrating his first goal. Later, Lionel explained in a press conference that his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after enduring “a few difficult, complicated days.” Days later, the family released a statement addressing Jorge’s “health situation,” confirming he was undergoing medical treatment.

Jorge Messi’s passing marks the end of an era for the Messi family, leaving a legacy of unwavering support and dedication that helped shape Lionel Messi’s career.

His commitment to his family and his son’s career was evident throughout his life, from his early working years in a factory to his role in managing Lionel’s professional affairs.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has recently discussed the rapid spread of misinformation and online trolling, specifically recalling an incident involving Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam during the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pathan clarified a false report that alleged Babar Azam refused an interview with him due to perceived critical comments Pathan had made about Pakistan.

According to Pathan, the viral story was fabricated using a doctored photograph. He explained that a media outlet in Pakistan published an article claiming he had sought an interview with Babar Azam, only to be rejected. The supposed reason for the refusal, as reported by the Pakistani media, was Babar Azam‘s belief that Pathan had trolled Pakistan. Pathan explicitly stated that this claim was “a complete lie.”

Pathan elaborated on the incident, revealing that his face had been photoshopped onto an existing image. The original photograph depicted a young Bangladeshi reporter who had approached Babar Azam for an interview but was turned down. This reporter was reportedly on the ground for the first time. The fabricated image, with Pathan‘s face superimposed, was then widely circulated, garnering over a million views, with many believing its authenticity.

Addressing Misinformation

Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan highlighted the daily occurrence of “trolling and fake attribution.” He noted that such incidents are common, where false narratives are spread in the names of players or about them. Despite the frequent nature of these fabrications, Pathan generally chooses not to respond to them, stating that constant reactions would make it difficult to live one’s life.

The former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder also mentioned that his former India teammate, Harbhajan Singh, had defended him against Pakistani trolls in 2024. Harbhajan Singh questioned the authenticity of the viral video, asking where Irfan Pathan was in it and suggesting a lack of manners and vision among those spreading the false information.

The rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket, often influenced by political tensions, has seen instances where interactions between players and fans are scrutinized. One such instance mentioned was the refusal of Indian players to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers during the Asia Cup 2025 matches, following the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This backdrop potentially contributes to the environment where such viral, unverified stories can gain traction.

Beyond the Interview Claims

In a separate anecdote, Pathan recounted an experience with Bollywood actress Preity Zinta during his time with the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the Indian Premier League. Pathan was part of the KXIP team from 2008 to the 2010 season. He recalled a period when the team had lost several matches at the start of a season in South Africa, leading to widespread disappointment, including from Preity Zinta, who was the team’s boss.

Zinta motivated the team by promising a party with Indian food, including homemade parathas, if they won their next match. The team subsequently won a low-scoring game. True to her word, Preity Zinta gathered the players at the hotel and prepared parathas for them. Pathan described her as a “lovely lady,” highlighting her warmth and caring nature, noting that even when the team faced losses, she would attend meetings, engage with the players, and seek ways for improvement without losing her composure.

Irfan Pathan was a member of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team and was named Player of the Match in the final against Pakistan. Throughout his international career, he secured 301 wickets and scored 2,821 runs. In the IPL, he participated in 103 matches, taking 80 wickets and accumulating 1,139 runs.

The incident involving the photoshopped image underscores the challenges of managing public perception in the age of social media, where false narratives can quickly become widely accepted as fact.

Pathan‘s career highlights include his significant contributions to India’s cricket success, particularly his performance in the 2007 T20 World Cup final.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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The inhabitants have adapted to a life of tranquillity and comfort as their country consistently ranks highly in various quality of life assessments. They are diligent workers, earn substantial incomes, and consequently, tend to spend quite a bit.

While taking a holiday in Norway can be pricey, the experience offers good value for the money spent.

Overview

Norway, like most nations in Scandinavia, is a monarchy. It is situated in the western section of the peninsula, but this is not its sole region. The Spitsbergen archipelago, various islands in the Arctic Ocean, along with one overseas possession — Bouvet Island in the South Atlantic Ocean — are also part of Norway.

Historical Background

Norway emerged as a modern nation on the global stage in 1905 following its independence from Sweden. The year 1899 is officially recognised as its founding year.

The majority of Norway’s history is closely tied to its neighbouring countries, Denmark and Sweden. This bond was so significant that Norway was part of the Kalmar Union, which united three Scandinavian kingdoms under Danish rule for several centuries. During this period, Norway was granted only a degree of autonomy rather than full independence. The Union lasted from 1397 until 1523, when it was dissolved following Sweden’s departure.

For the next 300 years, Norway remained a province of Denmark. At the dawn of the 19th century, it was incorporated into Sweden. This led to ongoing conflicts between the Swedish and Norwegian monarchs and their administrations as they vied for control.

The Swedish king dismissed the notion of separating the flags of Sweden and Norway on three separate occasions. Nevertheless, in May 1905, Norway finally realised its long-held aspiration: the Storting (Parliament) sanctioned a unilateral withdrawal from the Union.

The referendum held in August 1905 confirmed this long and tumultuous struggle for independence. Over 300,000 Norwegians voted in favour of establishing a new, sovereign nation, while only 161 individuals opposed it.

Although there were initial efforts to establish Norway as a republic, the monarchy persisted. Haakon VII from the House of Glücksburg ascended to the throne and ruled until 1957.

His son, Olav V, succeeded him. Since 1991, Harald V has occupied the position of King of Norway.

Geography and Climate

The Kingdom of Norway shares its borders with three nations — Sweden, Denmark, and the Russian Federation — as well as three seas — Norwegian, North, and Barents — and one ocean — Arctic.

The country’s landscape is predominantly characterised by mountains and fjords. Although there is a scarcity of arable land, the diligent efforts of farmers enable Norway to produce half of its food requirements, with the remainder being sourced from imports.

In one of the world’s most advanced nations, the primary source of revenue for the national budget is the extraction of gas and oil. Chemical engineering ranks second, followed by fishing and fish-processing industries. Norwegian canned fish is highly esteemed globally.

The climate is diverse, even though this northern nation may appear to be cold throughout the year.

In actuality, summers in Norway are typically warm, with daytime temperatures soaring to +25°C – +28°C and water temperatures reaching +19°C. Many people enjoy swimming, as Norwegians are not deterred by these temperatures.

Spring commences in March and concludes in May. The awakening of nature here is slower compared to other parts of Europe, yet the greenery is equally captivating. The barbecue season kicks off, which is a beloved pastime for Norwegians on weekends. Groups of people gather for picnics, enjoying food and a variety of drinks.

Winter in Norway is ideal for those who appreciate active leisure. Skiing and snowboarding trails, ice rinks, and mountaineering activities are available for enthusiasts from November to February, during which the weather is cold and snowy.

The geographical setting of this Scandinavian nation allows its residents to experience two remarkable natural phenomena simultaneously — the midnight sun and aurora polaris.

The midnight sun typically occurs from June to early August, with the northern part of Norway being the prime location to witness this phenomenon.

The second stunning and extraordinary spectacle is aurora polaris, visible in the transpolar regions of the country from late September to late March. This period features early twilight and late dawn, showcasing a true display of colours with breathtaking fireworks from nature.

Language, Population, and Currency

Norway has a population of 5.4 million and features one official language that has two variations. There are no cities with populations exceeding one million. The largest city is Oslo (673,000 inhabitants), followed by Bergen (approximately 300,000 inhabitants) and Trondheim (around 200,000 inhabitants).

The Norwegian language is divided into two variants: Bokmål (the official language) and Nynorsk (the contemporary form of Norwegian).

The official currency is the Norwegian krone.

Getting There

For travel to Norway from any Scandinavian nation, options include air travel, trains, ferries, and buses. However, the latter two methods can be quite lengthy, with train journeys potentially lasting up to 40 hours, including layovers, while bus trips may require a minimum of two days. The total travel time varies based on the country of origin. Numerous ferry services operate to Norway from adjacent nations, and various cruise lines dock at Norwegian ports, offering a selection of cruises.

Consequently, the most efficient method is to purchase a flight ticket, as this will save time and generally not be expensive. Direct flights are available from and to the USA as well as many European nations. Oslo Airport serves as the primary international gateway for the country.

Norway is a participant in the Schengen Agreement, meaning that individuals from non-Schengen nations must secure a visa. Nevertheless, there exists a list of countries that enjoy visa-free arrangements with Norway (consult the official website of the Norwegian Directorate for Immigration).

It is essential to frequently verify the entry regulations for Norway, as there may be regular updates due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Lodging Options

The frequently discussed issue of lodging in Norway can be easily addressed based on the purpose and length of the visit.

For a brief stay (5-10 days), a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse would be the most suitable choice for accommodation.

For individuals relocating to Norway for studies or work, it is generally more economical to lease an apartment or a house shared with others. In Norway, both the living standards and rental costs are relatively high.

Hotel rates are not particularly low here (starting from €60 per night). However, securing an apartment for just a few days is nearly impossible, making a hotel room the preferred lodging option.

• Citybox Oslo is a three-star establishment located in Oslo, established in 2013, offering modern rooms equipped with essential services. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi, showers, toilets, hairdryers, and air conditioning. Meals and beverages can be ordered at an extra cost.
• MOXY Bergen provides comfortable, well-appointed rooms featuring air conditioning and private bathrooms. It includes free parking, Wi-Fi, and a conference room. Guests can order food and drinks for an additional fee.
• Citybox Lite Kristiansand is a compact hotel with 55 rooms, catering to families, non-smoking visitors, and those with pets. It offers a standard range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi.
• FURU Hostel is a youth-oriented and pet-friendly hostel situated in Bøstad, right by the sea in a picturesque location. It provides basic rooms with minimal services, with shared toilets and showers. The hostel also offers free Wi-Fi and a vegan menu, with parking available for an extra charge.
• Dal Gjestegaard is a three-star family-friendly hotel in Skoppum, featuring a swimming pool on-site and all necessary amenities in the rooms, including free Wi-Fi.

It is important to note that all hotels in Norway offer complimentary access for individuals with disabilities. The lifts are spacious and comfortable, and there are wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms. These features facilitate comfortable travel.

Attractions to Explore

The blend of untamed nature and metropolitan marvels, along with the traditional lifestyle found in small towns and villages, juxtaposed with the cutting-edge capital, renders Norway diverse.

Oslo

Oslo refers not only to the capital of Norway but also to the surrounding region. The city serves as the hub for the nation’s primary institutions and is the residence of the royal family.

Oslo is a city with over a thousand years of history, established at the beginning of the 11th century. Until 1624, it was known as Aslo and Vichia (the capital of the Vikings). Subsequently, it was renamed Christiania, and in 1877, it underwent a minor alteration in its name to Kristiania (until 1924).

In 1925, Oslo reclaimed its previous name, which was slightly modified in accordance with Norwegian language conventions.

The rich history of Norway’s capital is deeply embedded in its urban architecture.

Akershus Fortress, with its formidable walls, once provided essential defence for the inhabitants during the many conflicts of the Middle Ages. No other fortress in Scandinavia could match its strength. Over the centuries, it was captured only once by an opposing force—the troops of Hitler in 1940.

Akershus has faced destruction multiple times but has been entirely rebuilt each time. As years went by, it transitioned into a royal prison and became a museum in the 1920s. Two decades after its restoration, following the complete refurbishment of Olav’s Hall, Akershus emerged as a venue for official events.

The fortress also serves as the final resting place for several Norwegian monarchs, including Haakon V, Sigurd I of Norway, King Olav V, Queen Maud, and Crown Princess Martha.

The open areas of the castle attract considerable interest, particularly the guided tours of the Fortress Museum and Norway’s Resistance Museum. The official royal residences and the cells of the former prison are frequently visited by tourists.

Karl Johans Gate is the main thoroughfare in Oslo, where the most significant buildings of the Norwegian capital are located. A walk of about an hour is sufficient to view the Royal Palace, the Parliament building, the National Theatre, and Oslo Cathedral.

Oslo City Hall, situated in the heart of the Norwegian capital for 70 years, hosts one of the most esteemed events globally—the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. The royal family is always present at this occasion.

The modern architecture of the building does not resemble the traditional European city halls. However, the significance of the event held there makes it a key attraction in Oslo.

The history of Scandinavia cannot be discussed without mentioning the Vikings, the brave explorers who navigated the North American coastline long before Christopher Columbus. Nonetheless, Columbus received all the accolades for the discovery.

The Viking Ship Museum, located on the Bygdøy peninsula, has been in operation since 1926. It showcases two ships and a prow used by the Vikings for burial purposes. The exhibits also feature items traditionally included in the burial ships for warriors, such as sledges, carts, tents, and beds.

The Oslofjord

Referred to as a fjord for some reason, this vast inlet with a coastline of a hundred kilometres extends from the southern part of Norway to the northern region, reaching the very capital of this Scandinavian nation.

In terms of Norwegian standards, the coastline of the Oslofjord is quite extensive. Approximately two million individuals reside in various communities across the internal islands, constituting nearly 50% of the nation’s total population. It is estimated that over one-third of Norwegians can reach the inlet’s coastline in about 45 minutes.

This area boasts the warmest climate in the country. Even during the peak of winter in February, the average temperature does not exceed -2°C. In the summer months, temperatures typically vary between +17°C and +19°C.

For good reason, the fjord is regarded as one of Norway’s most stunning natural attractions. The inlet is flanked by mountains that rise to 1,700 m, their peaks adorned with grey, perennial snow. Crystal-clear waterfalls cascade down these slopes.

Nevertheless, it is not solely the natural beauty that attracts visitors. There is a belief that the fjord offers the most spectacular views of the Norwegian capital. Taking a boat trip around the inlet promises an unforgettable experience. Typically, tours are organised directly at the port near the Grand Hotel, with tickets available at the marina.

The journey generally lasts three hours, and the ticket price often includes a warm dinner.

Cuisine

Norwegian food is straightforward, nutritious, and is currently regarded as a superfood. The typical diet of an average Norwegian family primarily consists of fish, meat, milk, fermented dairy items, various preparations of potatoes, and coffee.

They consume salmon, trout, cod, and herring, prepared in ways such as frying, roasting, salting, pickling, or even fermentation.

Rakfisk, which is fermented trout, is a notable dish. The fish is placed in a unique brine inside barrels, where it begins to ferment, developing a very distinctive odour. In Sweden, a similar dish is made using herring instead of trout, known as surströmming.

Whether it’s Norwegian rakfisk or Swedish surströmming, this type of food is typically for those seeking thrills or at least for culinary explorers.

The aroma that foreigners often describe as a foul smell, along with the unique fish flavour that cannot be masked by other foods, summarises this culinary experience. Interestingly, no one has suffered from food poisoning. The only issue is a peculiar aftertaste left in the mouth, necessitating thorough and prolonged teeth brushing after consumption. However, in the end, one can proudly declare: “Now I’ve seen it all.”

Another delicacy from Norway is lutefisk, which is a fillet of dried cod that has been soaked in lye for 3 days and subsequently preserved in water.

This intricate process transforms the fish into a jelly-like consistency that must be cooked, whether by frying, roasting, boiling, or microwaving. The result is something with a very strong and distinct aroma, yet a rather enjoyable taste. It is also considered an exotic dish, much like surströmming.

Lutefisk is typically accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes or peas, local cheeses (Brunost or goat cheese), Akvavit vodka, or beer. There seems to be no other way to enjoy it, as the experience is quite intense.

Regardless, this concludes the list of culinary adventures. Other dishes in Norwegian cuisine closely resemble standard European fare.

If you wish to sample meat, try game sourced from the dense Norwegian forests, often grilled over charcoal. It is generally served with a variety of sauces, frequently those made from berries. Norwegians excel at preparing mutton known as smalahove and lamb stew with vegetables called fårikål.

In Norway, coffee has not surpassed the popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. The top drink here is milk, consumed by individuals multiple times daily from infancy to old age without any restrictions or lactose intolerance. Coffee ranks second.

In this harsh northern nation, people have a fondness for alcoholic beverages. There is a belief that no one can outdrink Norwegians, whose preferred drink is Akvavit, a vodka distilled from potatoes. Another variant is Linje Akvavit, which is aged in wooden barrels and sent on a lengthy journey to the Australian coast. It is believed that during this journey, the vodka develops a unique barrel aroma, which is why linje has gained its reputation.

Norway is a country that may not initially seem to align with common perceptions of a relaxing getaway. While you may not find opportunities to lounge on beaches or swim freely, the rugged beauty of this nation will resonate deeply within you.

FAQ

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Mohamed Salah has officially joined Trabzonspor on a two-year contract, moving to Turkiye after his departure from Liverpool. The Egypt international arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday, where he was met by numerous fans, ahead of his official signing ceremony scheduled for Thursday.

Salah, a free agent after concluding his tenure with Liverpool at the end of the previous season, had been a prominent figure in the Premier League. During his time at Liverpool, he secured two league titles and the Champions League, among eight major honours. He scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for the Merseyside club.

Salah’s move to Trabzonspor

The decision to join Trabzonspor, a club that finished third in the Super Lig last season and is a seven-time Turkish champion, has drawn attention. While Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS) were considered potential destinations, Salah ultimately chose to remain in Europe. Trabzonspor confirmed in a filing to the Turkish stock exchange that Salah is set to earn around $19.5 million per season and will receive 20% of the revenue from merchandise bearing his name.

Despite the financial offers from Saudi clubs, which were reportedly higher, and the commercial appeal of MLS, staying in Europe appeared to be a significant factor in Salah’s choice. Trabzonspor will participate in the UEFA Europa League play-offs, with a chance to advance to the league phase, or secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League if they do not progress.

The Turkish top flight, while not considered among Europe’s elite leagues, still offers regular European competition. For Salah, who helped Egypt reach the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, continuing to compete in Europe was an important consideration.

Impact and expectations

Trabzonspor, despite not having the global profile of Istanbul’s major clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş, is one of Turkey’s most successful teams. They won the Super Lig in the 2021-22 season and added the Turkish Cup last season. The club has ambitions of returning to European group-stage football.

For Salah, this move positions him as a central figure for Trabzonspor’s sporting and commercial aspirations. Supporters gathered to welcome him even before his arrival in Trabzon, highlighting the significance of his transfer.

The 34-year-old Salah’s recent performances indicate he still has much to offer. His final season at Liverpool, marked by a strained relationship with coach Arne Slot, saw him score 12 goals across all competitions. The season prior, he had a strong individual campaign, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists as Liverpool won the Premier League.

Fatih Tekke is expected to deploy Salah in his familiar right-sided attacking role, allowing him to use his left foot and remain a focal point of the team’s attack. Salah’s arrival also reflects the evolving landscape of Turkish football, which is increasingly attracting established international players. Players such as Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, Nathan Aké, and Leandro Trossard are now playing in Turkey, with Trabzonspor already featuring André Onana, Ruslan Malinovskyi, and Stefan Savić in their squad.

Former Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack believes Salah’s transfer will increase international attention on the competition. He noted that Salah’s move is likely to encourage more people to follow the Turkish league, highlighting its growing reputation and competitiveness. Salah had a year remaining on his contract at Liverpool but announced his departure in March after a disappointing campaign.

His official signing ceremony is scheduled for later on Thursday.

Source: aljazeera.com

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The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has called for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign, citing a lack of institutional trust. This follows Infantino’s abandoned proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. NFF president Lise Klaveness stated that Infantino “does not have the institutional trust required to govern Fifa stably” and that “there is no going back for Gianni Infantino.”

Klaveness highlighted concerns raised by the Norwegian FA during her four-year tenure, including issues surrounding the awarding of tournaments, the inaugural Fifa peace prize, and the overturning of a ban for an American forward during a recent World Cup. The NFF’s stance goes further than other football associations like England, Wales, Croatia, and Albania, which have withdrawn support for Infantino without explicitly demanding his resignation.

Divisions Among Confederations

While European football’s governing body, Uefa, and Concacaf, which oversees football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, oppose Infantino, other confederations have expressed support. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously reaffirmed its backing for Infantino. CAF president Patrice Motsepe welcomed Fifa’s pledge to review the processes that led to the controversy surrounding the World Cup commercial rights proposal.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has also publicly supported Infantino, breaking ranks with Concacaf, which had called for a “comprehensive reckoning” of Infantino’s presidency. The FMF stated its belief in institutional integrity and respect for governance, and endorsed Infantino’s leadership in promoting football development. Similarly, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) praised Infantino, acknowledging his decision to withdraw the project and apologising for “errors” made in the process.

The South American governing body, Conmebol, appears united behind Infantino, although it did express concern about “repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or the institutional mechanisms.” The AFA’s statement described Infantino’s decade-long tenure as being “centred on the development of soccer worldwide and institutional strength based on a clear, stable, and transparent governance model.”

Upcoming Presidential Election

Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term, with the election scheduled for 18 March at the 77th Fifa Congress in Rabat, Morocco. Under Fifa statutes, the maximum tenure is three four-year terms. However, Infantino successfully argued that his first term, which lasted three years after he replaced Sepp Blatter in 2016, should not count towards this limit, allowing him to stand again. He was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023.

Uefa and other opponents of Infantino now face the task of finding a candidate to challenge him. The deadline for submitting names, along with at least five letters of support from member associations, is 18 November. If two candidates stand, a simple majority of the 211 member associations is required to win. If there are three or more candidates, 75% of votes are needed for an outright win; otherwise, the candidate with the fewest votes is removed, and another vote is held until only two candidates remain, at which point a simple majority decides the outcome.

Infantino’s strategy for securing support has historically involved extensive travel to meet with member associations. When elected in 2016, he mentioned a budget of €500,000 for flights to lobby for votes. Funding for the 211 member associations is another key tool, particularly for developing nations. The latest iteration of his investment programme, Fifa Forward 3.0, which provides national associations with up to $8m in the current four-year cycle, concludes in December.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had previously expressed solidarity with Uefa and Concacaf in opposing the World Cup commercial rights plans before they were withdrawn. However, the AFC has not issued a statement since the plan was aborted, with only Jordan indicating it will not vote for Infantino. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) will hold a meeting next month to determine its stance, although its president, Lambert Maltock, previously lauded Infantino’s leadership and investment in grassroots football.

The English FA has formally withdrawn its support for Infantino, joining Wales, Albania, and Croatia among other individual associations. Concacaf described Infantino’s proposal as a “symptom of leadership that has stopped putting football first” and part of a “pattern of missteps and similar behaviour.” However, Concacaf did not explicitly state a loss of confidence in the Fifa president, unlike Uefa, which has said its conditions have not been met and that European teams could still boycott the World Cup.

The Confederation of African Football, comprising 54 of Fifa’s 211 member associations, represents a significant voting bloc that has largely supported Infantino since 2016.

Source: bbc.com

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India Test captain Shubman Gill experienced an injury scare during a training session in Colombo, prompting concerns about his fitness ahead of the team’s World Test Championship campaign in Sri Lanka. The incidents occurred during net practice and a slip-catching drill, though initial medical assessments indicated no fracture or serious damage.

During the intense training session, which took place a day before India’s three-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI, Gill was struck twice on his right hand. The first instance happened in the nets when a delivery from pacer Gurnoor Brar hit his right thumb. The 26-year-old immediately sought attention from the team physio, Kamlesh Jain, who strapped his thumb. Despite the setback, Gill resumed batting, facing spinners as part of his preparations.

Later in the session, during a slip-catching drill, Gill was again hit on the same hand after failing to cleanly gather a sharp chance. He briefly stepped away to apply an ice pack, which raised further concerns within the Indian camp. However, initial medical evaluations confirmed that there was no fracture or significant damage, allowing the skipper to complete the remainder of the session without major discomfort.

Training Session Details

The Indian team conducted a three-hour practice session at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC), focusing on countering spin. The sequence of practice varied from the previous day, with players like KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal starting against spin rather than pace. Kuldeep Yadav bowled to both, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Saransh Jain, and Manav Suthar.

Rahul batted fluently against the spinners, utilizing the depth of the crease and regularly employing square cuts and back-foot punches. Suthar deceived him with a delivery, and Saransh also beat him shortly after. Both Indian openers batted for approximately 40 minutes against spin before moving to throwdowns. Jaiswal then had a separate session with throwdown specialists, who were instructed to bowl short deliveries.

Gill initially faced fast bowlers for about 30-40 minutes before switching to spinners with Devdutt Padikkal. Compared to the previous day, Gill focused more on his defensive technique rather than attempting aerial shots. Padikkal’s footwork also showed improvement from the initial session. Brar bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Auqib Nabi for around 45 minutes before they also had batting stints.

Among the wicketkeeper-batters, Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant began with throwdowns before facing spinners. Both were aggressive against the net bowlers, with Pant hitting several big shots down the ground. Pant also appeared to be in good spirits, sharing laughs with bowling coach Morne Morkel.

Jurel had the longest batting session among all batters, continuing against local net bowlers after finishing with the main bowlers. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was actively involved, chatting with players and sharing smiles with Jadeja. At the end of the practice, Rahul was seen working on his sweep shots in the rough, with Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak assisting him.

Fielding coach Shubhadeep Ghosh led close-in fielding drills, with Gill, Rahul, Padikkal, and Jaiswal all participating. This session marked India’s final practice before their warm-up match against SLC XI. The intensity remained high, but the team’s atmosphere appeared relaxed and upbeat ahead of the practice game. Gill’s fitness is considered crucial as India prepares to begin their 2025-27 World Test Championship campaign in Sri Lanka, with the opening Test scheduled for August 15.

Source: m.rediff.com

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Women’s Asia Cup 2026 schedule announced

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has released the schedule for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026, which will be held in Dubai from August 28 to September 13. The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups, with all 15 matches, including the semifinals and final, set to be played under lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India, three-time champions, are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, China. The highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for September 5. Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and hosts United Arab Emirates.

The tournament will commence on August 28 with Thailand playing against Hong Kong, China. Sri Lanka will begin their campaign on August 29 against UAE, while Bangladesh will open their fixtures against Indonesia on August 31. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

India’s campaign and key fixtures

Harmanpreet Kaur‘s side, India, will start their tournament journey against Thailand on August 30. Following this, they will face Hong Kong, China on September 3 before their significant clash with Pakistan on September 5. This encounter is expected to be a marquee fixture during the league stage.

Pakistan‘s other league-stage matches include facing Thailand on September 1 and Hong Kong, China on September 7. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, who were the winners of the previous edition in 2025, will play Indonesia on September 2 and Bangladesh on September 6, after their opening game against UAE.

Bangladesh will conclude their group-stage matches against UAE on September 8. Indonesia is also scheduled to play UAE on September 4. The semifinals are slated for September 10 and September 11, with the final match to determine the continental champions taking place on September 13.

India’s squad selection and preparations

The Indian selectors have announced a 15-member squad for the Women’s Asia Cup, largely retaining the team that will represent the country at the upcoming Asian Games. The squad sees one change from the Asian Games selection, with all-rounder Shreyanka Patil being left out as she recovers from an ankle ligament injury. Her place has been taken by leg-spinning all-rounder Prema Rawat, who was also drafted into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup squad as Shreyanka’s replacement.

Prema Rawat, 24-year-old, made her World Cup debut against South Africa in Manchester. The selection committee has continued to show faith in young wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini, who is 18-year-old. She has been preferred as the reserve wicketkeeper over Yastika Bhatia, despite Yastika Bhatia‘s century in a recent Test at Lord’s.

Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Indian side, with Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain. The squad also features experienced players such as Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Renuka Thakur. Several members of the squad, including vice-captain Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, are currently participating in The Hundred in England.

The Asia Cup is seen as crucial preparation for the Asian Games in Japan, scheduled from September 17 to 22. The Indian squad aims to reclaim the continental title in Dubai.

The full India squad includes: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G Kamalini (wicketkeeper), Arundhati Reddy, Prema Rawat, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur, Nandni Sharma, and Kranti Gaud. The reserves are Pratika Rawal, Uma Chetry (wicketkeeper), Vaishnavi Sharma, Sayali Satghare, and Minnu Mani.

Source: telanganatoday.com

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Focus on Multi-Format Improvement

R Smaran, a left-handed batter from Bengaluru, has established himself as a prominent young talent in Indian domestic cricket. After a strong showing in the Ranji Trophy, where he was Karnataka’s highest run-scorer with 950 runs in the 2026 season, Smaran is now focused on improving across all formats. His goal includes breaching the 1000-run mark in the upcoming Ranji season, a feat he acknowledges as challenging but not impossible.

Smaran’s preparation during the off-season is crucial for his ambition to earn an India cap. He works with his childhood coach, Syed Zabiulla, whom he considers part of his family. The off-season is brief, with approximately one and a half months available between the IPL, state leagues, and the Duleep Trophy. This period is used to develop new technical skills and make mindset adjustments to enhance his scoring ability.

The transition between red-ball and white-ball cricket is a key area of focus. Smaran believes that while switching from red-ball to white-ball is comparatively easier due to increased scoring options, moving back to red-ball cricket requires patience and leaving more deliveries. He practices constantly switching formats during training to adapt his muscle memory and instincts, spending a few days on red-ball practice before moving to white-ball, and vice-versa.

Duleep Trophy and T20 Game Development

The Duleep Trophy, set to begin at the BCCI’s CoE in Bengaluru, is viewed by Smaran as a vital platform for national team contention. He will be playing for the South Zone team for the second consecutive year. Smaran approaches the tournament as another cricket match, emphasizing the importance of preparation, especially since the team plays directly in the semifinals.

Smaran’s first full IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) did not yield the desired results, with 19 runs across six matches. He views this as a learning experience, acknowledging that his T20 game can still improve significantly. He aims to work on taking on bowlers from the first ball during the off-season, recognizing the trend of high-scoring T20 games, with scores often reaching 230-240 runs in the IPL.

To enhance his T20 performance, Smaran is focusing on broadening his scoring areas while maintaining his natural strengths. He is also working on developing shots like the sweep and reverse sweep against spin, which he believes are essential for unsettling bowlers and scoring consistently on turning tracks, especially in the subcontinent. He aims to push his T20 strike rate from 155 to 170 or 180.

Consistency and Future Aspirations

Smaran has demonstrated consistency in domestic cricket, accumulating 1534 runs in 26 innings at an average of 73.60, including three double centuries in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. He was also instrumental in Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, scoring 433 runs in seven innings at an average of 72.16, with two centuries and two fifties. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was Karnataka’s leading run-scorer with 319 runs in seven innings, averaging 63.80 at a strike rate of 160.

Despite missing the BCCI Emerging series due to injury, Smaran is now fully fit and eager to return to the field. He expressed disappointment about missing the tournament but remains focused on the opportunities ahead. His primary motivation is to guide Karnataka to a Ranji Trophy victory after they fell short in the previous final. He is also open to leadership roles, having captained Karnataka at the age-group level and being part of the Maharaja Trophy-winning side.

Smaran believes that maintaining consistency in scoring runs is the only factor within his control to achieve his dream of representing India across all formats. He aims to stay at the top of the scoring charts in the Ranji Trophy, a goal he sets for himself each season.

His retention by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2026 provided a confidence boost, and he values the learning experience gained from sharing the dressing room with seasoned international players. He emphasizes that the mental aspect of the game, such as handling pressure, is a significant takeaway from these interactions. Smaran’s focus for the upcoming season is to score 1000 runs in the Ranji Trophy.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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Uefa’s Continued Dissatisfaction

Uefa has stated that Fifa’s backing of its president, Gianni Infantino, does not alter its position regarding his leadership. The European governing body previously expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s presidency, a stance it continues to uphold. This comes after Fifa’s management board affirmed its support for Infantino following the withdrawal of a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The proposed plan, known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), involved offering associations $40m if they supported private investment in tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. Uefa had previously labelled the FFE proposal a “shabby, back room, opaque deal.”

Uefa’s conditions for reversing its stance were that the proposals to sell off major competitions had to be withdrawn, and assurances had to be made that such attempts to “disfigure the game” would not be made again. According to Uefa, these conditions have not been met.

Reactions and Boycott Threats

The English FA has formally withdrawn its support for Infantino’s re-election, which is scheduled for March 2027. This action was taken in response to the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. The world players’ union, FIFPRO, also condemned what it termed an “abuse of presidential power” and called for changes at the top of Fifa.

FIFPRO noted Fifa’s statement with “deep concern” and criticised the governing body for enabling the plans. The union demanded “legally-binding engagement” with professional football stakeholders on issues such as the international match calendar and the expansion of Fifa competitions, as well as voting rights on the Fifa Council. It also called for governance and structural reforms to prevent any individual from making unilateral decisions in the future.

Uefa has reiterated its threat of a boycott of Fifa tournaments. This stance will be tested with the Fifa Women’s U20s World Cup, where six European countries, including England, are expected to participate. For senior national teams, another significant test for the boycott could occur in October, when England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are scheduled to compete in play-offs for qualification to the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Fifa’s Response and Internal Dynamics

During a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, Fifa acknowledged that “mistakes” were made regarding the FFE proposal. The organisation stated it was “not the intention” for the Fifa Council and member associations to “feel excluded from the process” and admitted the process “should have been handled differently.” Fifa also issued a warning that it “will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process.”

Despite the criticisms, Infantino received the “full support” of Fifa’s management board. This support included secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, who had previously criticised the FFE proposals in an internal memo. Infantino and Grafstrom were later pictured together at a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match between Malawi and Zambia.

Some within Uefa believe Infantino is attempting to avoid personal responsibility by distributing blame for the withdrawn proposals. They suggest he should have apologised directly, rather than issuing an expression of regret alongside Grafstrom. Conversely, some Infantino loyalists within Fifa view the outcry, particularly in Europe, as “hysteria” and believe it disregards his global legitimacy.

The option of a vote of no confidence remains available to Uefa, which could be triggered via an extraordinary congress. However, this would require a majority of Fifa’s 211 member associations, specifically 106 votes, to pass the motion. Another option for Uefa is to find a unity candidate to challenge Infantino in the presidential election scheduled for March.

Kevin Lamour, Fifa’s chief operating officer, strongly criticised Infantino’s FFE plan, describing it as “the project of one person.” Lamour stated that “the time has now come for football’s political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.” Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s personal senior advisor, resigned on July 31, calling the proposals a “bad deal” and “irresponsible.”

Fifa has committed to conducting a review into the situation, with a report into its findings to be presented at the next Fifa Council meeting, which comprises 37 national representatives.

Source: bbc.com

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Indian Shuttlers Eye Podium Finishes at Home Championships

The BWF World Badminton Championships 2026 are set to take place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from August 17 to 23. India will feature two entries in each of the five badminton disciplines, with at least one seeded player in four of these categories. This marks the return of the top-tier Grade 1 event to India after a gap of 17 years, with the country last hosting it in Hyderabad in 2009.

Former champion PV Sindhu will compete as the ninth seed in the women’s singles event. She has a potentially favourable early draw and could face China’s Wang Zhi Yi in the Round of 16, a player she defeated in the previous edition of the championships. Sindhu is aiming for a record sixth medal at the event.

The men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be India’s highest-seeded entry, holding the fifth seed. The duo is making a return after injury issues for Rankireddy. India doubles coach Tan Kim Her confirmed that Rankireddy has recovered fully, stating, “He has recovered 100 per cent. He’s (Satwik) ready.” They have avoided familiar rivals until at least the quarterfinal stage.

In men’s singles, former world championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen is seeded 14th. Like Sindhu, Sen has a relatively easy draw in the initial two rounds. However, he could face a significant challenge in the Round of 16, where he might encounter the second seed, Kunlavit Vitidsarn of Thailand.

Challenging Match-ups and High Aspirations

While most top shuttlers are expected to have relatively easy first-round matches, India’s Ayush Shetty faces a tough opening encounter. He is set to play against World No 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi from China on the opening day. This match-up was determined during the official draw ceremony held on Wednesday. Ayush Shetty, ranked World No 23, was a key talking point after the draw, especially given that Shi Yu Qi had defeated him in the final of the Asian Championships.

India’s national chief coach Pullela Gopichand commented on Shetty’s draw, stating, “I think it looks like a good draw from an Indian perspective. One of the big first rounds will be Shi vs Ayush. I do believe that Ayush is very good and given his attacking side of the game, a first round (meeting) against Shi is better than playing late in the draw. From that perspective, if he wins that, it opens up the draw.”

U Vimal Kumar, who oversees the training of both Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen at the Centre for Badminton Excellence (CBE), expressed hope that Ayush could draw inspiration from Loh Kean Yew’s performance in the 2021 edition in Huelva, Spain. Loh Kean Yew, then an unseeded player, defeated the second seed Viktor Axelsen in the opening round and went on to win the title.

The mixed doubles pairing of Dhruv Kapila and Olympian Tanisha Crasto are the 15th seeds and could face their main challenge from the Round of 16 stage. The women’s doubles combination of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, despite a challenging season, will play against Paula Lopez and Lucia Rodriguez of Spain in the first round. They enter the event after a recent positive performance at the Philippine International Challenge.

Significance of Hosting the Championships

The importance of the World Championships returning to India is highlighted by the participation of top international players, including Anders Antonsen, the World No 4 from Denmark, and fellow Danish player Mia Blichfeldt. Both players, despite previous concerns regarding conditions at the venue, are set to compete, underscoring the prestige of the tournament.

Pullela Gopichand expressed his enthusiasm for the event returning to India, noting, “It’s wonderful to have the World Championships back in India. We were an emerging nation. It was one of those first big events being hosted in India. Back in the day, the sport was not such a big thing. Today we’re looking at a new India which has an aspiration of hosting some big world sporting events, badminton being one of them. I’m very happy to see the Worlds back. We’re definitely going to have it much grander.”

He also pointed out the significant growth in Indian badminton since 2009, stating, “The one big difference (past edition in India and now) is the emergence of multiple players. If we had this ceremony back then (2009), we wouldn’t have much to talk about in terms of players. Today, we have multiple players in multiple events and we aspire to be on the podium in the few of them at least. So I’m very hopeful it’s going to get better.” Indian shuttlers have consistently secured medals at the championships since the 2011 edition.

Source: newsonair.gov.in

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