
Gulf Investment Reshapes FIFA as Power Shifts Across Continents
FIFA’s governance is being reshaped by Gulf investment and a widening North‑South split, with commercial moves and leadership disputes defining the sport’s future.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bahrain across Soccer, Football, Basketball.

FIFA’s governance is being reshaped by Gulf investment and a widening North‑South split, with commercial moves and leadership disputes defining the sport’s future.

A private investment proposal for the World Cup has been abandoned, UEFA has threatened to boycott future tournaments, and several high‑profile figures are being discussed as potential replacements for Gianni Infantino.

World football's governing body scrapped a lucrative plan to monetize World Cup rights, sparking a wave of criticism over transparency and governance.

FIFA’s plan to offload a 20 % stake in World Cup rights collapsed after fierce opposition, exposing deepening governance tensions ahead of Infantino’s fourth‑term bid.

FIFA abandoned a plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights after fierce opposition from regional bodies, exposing internal dissent and threatening Gianni Infantino's political capital as he seeks a fourth term.

UEFA’s 55 member nations have voted unanimously to boycott all FIFA tournaments unless the governing body abandons its plan to monetize the World Cup through private investment, a move condemned by confederations and political leaders.

UEFA and its 55 member nations have voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments over plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to external investors, a move echoed by CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation and set to affect upcoming editions of the tournament.

UEFA’s unanimous decision to shun the World Cup highlights deepening rifts over FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in the competition, with Gianni Infantino’s $40 million incentive failing to quell opposition.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, denounced FIFA's plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, calling it 'totally unacceptable' and urging a thorough, transparent review before any vote is taken.

After stints across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Cleanthony Early is channeling his basketball journey into a summer camp in Poughkeepsie, teaming up with Darnell Edge and Justin Robinson to give young players a taste of elite training.
After stints abroad, the 30‑year‑old power forward is back in Lawrence, eager to contribute to his team’s tournament run and stay connected with his alma mater.

Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster tops global charts as holiday seasons boost Chinese cinema and major franchises like Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters dominate worldwide box office.

From a daring shoot during a World Cup qualifier to a Silver Bear triumph, the Iranian film ‘Offside’ blends humor, politics and sport into a timeless narrative.

Iran has completed a 2‑0 victory over Syria in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, extending Hamed Kazemi’s unique streak of more rebounds than points across all six games. With a well‑balanced roster, the team now prepares for tougher match‑ups against Australia, the Philippines and New Zealand.

Iran finished third in Group G with three points from draws, but a stoppage‑time strike by Algeria and an ensuing equaliser by Austria knocked them out, while visa restrictions and geopolitical tensions added layers of difficulty.

The federation presented a comprehensive roadmap covering governance reforms, coach education, and the integration of Moroccan talent abroad, aiming to elevate the sport nationally and internationally.

As the tournament rolls across North America and beyond, writer Valeria Berghinz selects ten movies that illuminate the sport’s universal stories, from comedy to documentary, revealing how football shapes identities worldwide.

Dennis Lawrence’s decisive strike in a 2006 World Cup qualifier transformed Trinidad and Tobago into the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament, forging a lasting bond between Wrexham and the Caribbean island.

The Flying Kiwis blend humor, tradition and underdog spirit to back New Zealand’s football team on the world stage.

The Flying Kiwis, a dedicated group of New Zealand supporters, have traveled the world to back their national soccer team, using the kiwi bird as a symbol of resilience and defiance.

Takumi Minamino is set to rejoin Japan's World Cup squad after a knee injury, while Hidemasa Morita has announced his exit from Sporting CP, reflecting on his contributions to the club's recent titles.