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Switzerland

Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Switzerland across Soccer, Hockey, Football.

506 articles

FIFA Unveils $20 Billion Commercial Arm to Fund Global Football Growth

FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to consolidate its commercial and event operations, raise up to $4.2 billion from investors, and increase funding for member associations, despite UEFA's criticism and concerns about the commodification of football governance.

Jul 28, 2026

FIFA’s $20 Billion World Cup Venture Faces UEFA Backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to create a $20 billion company to run the World Cup and other competitions has drawn fire from UEFA, with investors including Thrive Eternal, backed by Joshua Kushner, son‑in‑law of Donald Trump, now under scrutiny.

Jul 28, 2026

VIP Fan Freddy Reemerges After Social Media Exodus Amid World Cup Backlash

A high‑profile soccer enthusiast known as Freddy deactivated his accounts due to relentless abuse, only to return before the semifinals after a wave of fan support. The incident shines a light on the growing hostility directed at athletes such as Alexander Sørloth and Jáminton Campaz.

Jul 28, 2026

The European Stronghold and Canada’s Hockey Calculus

Europe has historically dominated the World Cup, with six of the last eight tournaments being won by European sides. This pattern reflects more than just recent success; it is the product of deep‑rooted traditions that have shaped the sport on the continent for decades. Soccer’s appeal lies in its simplicity and low cost. A ball, a patch of grass and a handful of friends are enough to spark a match, which is why the game has spread to every corner of the globe. Yet those very qualities are wrapped in European rituals, from club histories to national narratives that date back centuries. At the centre of this ecosystem is FIFA, the Zurich‑based governing body that wields enormous influence over the sport’s commercial engine. The organization has mastered the art of turning a global tournament into a revenue‑generating spectacle, charging premium prices for broadcasting and sponsorship rights. The rest of the world often fields semi‑promising up‑and‑comers, aging veterans and opportunistic players who hope to make an impact on the biggest stage. While talent exists everywhere, the structural advantages held by European football ecosystems remain difficult to replicate. Commercialization is a double‑edged sword. Brands from across the globe, including Apple, Tesla and Shopify, have begun to associate themselves with the sport, but the financial barriers to entry remain high. Fans are willing to pay the steep costs because the tournament’s mystique endures. Sports are perpetual novelties; they are constantly discussed, endlessly marketed and never lacking in audience. The World Cup, despite its staggering price tags, continues to attract a global viewership that fuels further investment. Europe’s strategy moving forward is to double down on the advantages it already possesses — infrastructure, talent pipelines and a culture that prizes the beautiful game. This plan aims to keep the continent at the forefront of international competition. Canada does not enjoy the same historical foothold in soccer, and it currently lacks a coherent plan to exploit the sport’s global growth. Instead, the nation’s most reliable sporting advantage is hockey, a game that is not only deeply embedded in the culture but also the only completely self‑sustaining sport in the country. Figures such as Sidney Crosby illustrate the enduring legacy of Canadian hockey, while emerging talents like Macklin Celebrini signal a continued pipeline of world‑class players. In contrast, soccer’s global icons — including Lionel Messi — highlight a different kind of international stardom that Canada has yet to tap. The article argues that rather than chasing a sport in which it has no entrenched advantage, Canada should concentrate resources on hockey, leveraging its domestic strengths and the commercial appeal that the sport already commands.

Jul 28, 2026

Scaloni Plays Down Seminal Clash, but History Looms Large

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni dismisses the hype surrounding the upcoming World Cup semifinal against England, yet the historical weight of past encounters — from Maradona's iconic goals to the Falklands conflict — adds a palpable tension to the match.

Jul 28, 2026

FIFA Postpones Sanctions Amid Player Criticism of Referees

As the group stage of the Qatar World Cup draws to a close, several high‑profile figures have publicly questioned the performance of match officials, prompting FIFA to promise disciplinary action only after the tournament concludes.

Jul 28, 2026

IFAB Refines Mistaken Identity Rules for World Cup VAR

The International Football Association Board has clarified that the mistaken‑identity provision is intended only to identify the offending player, not to reassess the offence itself, following several high‑profile World Cup incidents.

Jul 27, 2026