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The 2026-2027 Football Thread
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daneoni
macrumors G5
Howe probably made the sensible choice to take the money and run. His team has been gutted in 2 transfer windows and Saudi PIF hasn't really delivered on hype that was generated when they came to buy the club.
The new manager has his work cut out. Because the team now looks average, and will face even stiffer competition
Re FIFA/UEFA. This video is a good illustration on how Infantino has been operating. Basically, generate more football to distract everyone, fill the coffers, and consolidate power.
The new manager has his work cut out. Because the team now looks average, and will face even stiffer competition
Re FIFA/UEFA. This video is a good illustration on how Infantino has been operating. Basically, generate more football to distract everyone, fill the coffers, and consolidate power.
Lord Blackadder
macrumors P6
CONCACAF has also rejected Infantino's plan, I am relieved to report.
I'm tired of seeing all of the great institutions that underpin modern society being hollowed out by corrupt, entitled, sociopathic clowns who should never be allowed within a hundred miles of real power. Infantino is just one example, but I am wholly in support of UEFA's stance. We have to draw the line somewhere on allowing football to be prostituted as an investment vehicle. Yes, there will always be money in the sport, even international football - but there has to be a limit. Infantino is delusional and cannot be entrusted to govern football. And that's part of the problem. FIFA is a failed institution in that it has become an autocracy. The presidency needs to be stripped of much of its power if the sport is to be governed fairly and sustainably.
I'm tired of seeing all of the great institutions that underpin modern society being hollowed out by corrupt, entitled, sociopathic clowns who should never be allowed within a hundred miles of real power. Infantino is just one example, but I am wholly in support of UEFA's stance. We have to draw the line somewhere on allowing football to be prostituted as an investment vehicle. Yes, there will always be money in the sport, even international football - but there has to be a limit. Infantino is delusional and cannot be entrusted to govern football. And that's part of the problem. FIFA is a failed institution in that it has become an autocracy. The presidency needs to be stripped of much of its power if the sport is to be governed fairly and sustainably.
decafjava
macrumors 603
Excellent and just in, the AFC (Asian Football Confedration) has also just joined the CONCACAF and UEFA.
AFC joins oppostion to FIFA.
Most people have mentioned UEFA's national teams but it's also worth considering that if UEFA isn't participating (I know it's not UEFA itself but it's easier to write it that way) then UEFA's clubs would also probably cease to release their players for non UEFA approved (whatever you want to call it) competitions.
Either way UEFA started without the votes but they also probably have that now.
In the worst case scenario Infantino will surely have competition in the 2027 election.
I find it funny he's being sacrificed and his name (which is of Portuguese origin) literally means Lamb.
It's also starting to become obvious that South America and Africa are on the opposing side.
Either way UEFA started without the votes but they also probably have that now.
In the worst case scenario Infantino will surely have competition in the 2027 election.
I find it funny he's being sacrificed and his name (which is of Portuguese origin) literally means Lamb.
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Apple fanboy
macrumors Ivy Bridge
So if UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC all boycott the World Cup, who will be the winners? Might be a small competition though.
Lord Blackadder
macrumors P6
There is zero chance of the boycott actually remaining in four years. But withdrawing from lesser FIFA competitions now (hopefully) puts big pressure on Infantino.
I believe only UEFA commited itself towards a boycott.
The others only showed their disagreement with FIFA and therefore agreement with UEFA.
Edit:
FIFA seems to have taken a tactical retreat.
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Mitthrawnuruodo
Moderator emeritus
Fifa scraps proposal to sell off stakes in World Cup after widespread backlash
Gianni Infantino has said Fifa has scrapped plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors after widespread backlash
I really, really hope this was the beginning of the end for Infantino...
daneoni
macrumors G5
Considering FIFA made $11bn from the last WC, i don't think he's going anywhere anytime soon.
Part of the reason Blatter got ousted was because FIFA was losing money and sponsors after their scandals
As long as the money keeps flowing, the backers will keep egging Infantino on.
Part of the reason Blatter got ousted was because FIFA was losing money and sponsors after their scandals
As long as the money keeps flowing, the backers will keep egging Infantino on.
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It seems that at least at UEFA let's all be friends won't be the future motto
Lord Blackadder
macrumors P6
We can't individually change anything, but collectively fans can force people like Infantino out and push for reform. But it will require massive grassroots activism. Corruption and greed are hard to combat but they are not invincible forces.
Delighted to see that this grotesque and greedy and deeply ethically questionable proposal has been abandoned.
Apple fanboy
macrumors Ivy Bridge
Agreed. Reminds me of another money grab idea a few teams had a couple of years back.
Glad that one died as well.
As am I, and I was equally glad at the time.
Can't say that we exactly covered ourselves in glory on that occasion.
Both attempts were nothing short of appalling, utterly unnecessary, flagrantly greedy, ethically deeply unsettling and morally dubious.
Lord Blackadder
macrumors P6
This plan is far worse than the super league. Infantino tried to sell the entire international game to private investors. Sure, he claimed they would never own a controlling interest, but does anyone believe that? I wouldn’t trust Infantino to run a hot dog stand at this point .
Apple fanboy
macrumors Ivy Bridge
Far worse? Nope I think they were both equally bad for football. Thankfully they both failed.
Lord Blackadder
macrumors P6
At least we can agree both were bad!
Meanwhile Chelsea gets a 10m fine for slew of financial doping activities under the previous ownership that undoubtedly underpinned most of their trophies. That sends a terrible message - cheating is VERY affordable now.
The ONLY way to effectively fight financial doping is to take ALL financial penalties off the table. Fines should never be an option. The ONLY punishments that should be available should be points deductions, disqualification from cup/European competitions, transfer bans, and expulsion / relegation from the league. Those are real punishments that will hurt and deter. Anything less and the club lawyers / suits will always be one step ahead.
Apple fanboy
macrumors Ivy Bridge
A bit gutted to see 22 year old Freddie Potts leave West Ham for club Bruge
I was hoping he could emulate his Dads career (which I remember fondly). His Dad, Steve is still first team coach.
Anyway 10 million will come in handy and I wish him well.
I was hoping he could emulate his Dads career (which I remember fondly). His Dad, Steve is still first team coach.
Anyway 10 million will come in handy and I wish him well.
It appears that our (Arsenal's) lengthy pursuit of the signature of Newcastle's excellent Brazilian midfielder, Bruno Guimarāes, has been successful.
Recent reports are that terms have been agreed between Arsenal and Newcastle; nevertheless, I do idly wonder whether Howe's departure was in any way linked with what must have been his reservations about this sale.
In any case, Arsenal are to pay Newcastle £75m, and it has been reported that Guimarāes is scheduled to travel to London to undergo a medical either today or tomorrow.
An excellent addition to the team.
In other news, Christian Norgaard - an Arsenal arrival as recently as last summer, but one who services were not called upon in any significant way during the past season - is now on his way to Everton.
Recent reports are that terms have been agreed between Arsenal and Newcastle; nevertheless, I do idly wonder whether Howe's departure was in any way linked with what must have been his reservations about this sale.
In any case, Arsenal are to pay Newcastle £75m, and it has been reported that Guimarāes is scheduled to travel to London to undergo a medical either today or tomorrow.
An excellent addition to the team.
In other news, Christian Norgaard - an Arsenal arrival as recently as last summer, but one who services were not called upon in any significant way during the past season - is now on his way to Everton.
Mitthrawnuruodo
Moderator emeritus
I can live with that as a (direct) replacement for Gana. 🙂
Now, give us a (right) full back and maybe a winger.
I've seen some rumors that Everton's looking at Celtic's Alistair Johnston, a player I know absolutely know nothing about, but who's probably better than our other options on the right back. (Though I also thought Nathan Patterson was a good signing, so what the frell do I know?)
A bit more far fetched (maybe) rumor is the possibility for a season long loan for Chelsea's Myrdyk that - quite unexpectedly, probably also for Chelsea - had the rest of his doping ban lifted. He and Mykolenko could probably link up to become a decent, all-Ukrainean left side for us. If he doesn't come, I still think we need someone there; last season we were only good as long as Grealish was fit. Once he became injured the team got noticeably worse...
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Apple fanboy
macrumors Ivy Bridge
He'll certainly be trying. Probably glueing himself to the desk right now.