Arsene Wenger has broken his silence on FIFA's controversial proposal to sell a stake in its commercial operations to private investors. The former Arsenal manager, now FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, said he had no involvement in the project and only learned about it through media reports. Wenger also backed the decision to withdraw the proposal, which faced strong opposition from UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF and several national football associations.

Arsene Wenger distances himself from Infantino's FIFA sell-off plan

FIFA is reportedly evaluating a major expansion of the Men's FIFA World Cup, increasing the tournament from 48 teams to 64 teams for the 2030 edition. The proposal has already sparked widespread debate across the global football community.

According to reports, FIFA has launched a fast-track consultation and commissioned an impact assessment covering tournament revenue, sponsorship, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, player welfare, scheduling, and the international football calendar.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be primarily hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with centenary opening matches scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Expanding to 64 teams could allow South American host nations to stage full group-stage matches instead of only ceremonial opening fixtures.

FIFA Plans 64-Team World Cup By 2030? |Expansion Proposal Sparks Global Backlash & Governance Debate

UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments if FIFA President Gianni Infantino proceeds with a proposal to sell a minority stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors. During an emergency meeting, UEFA's 55 member associations unanimously rejected the plan, warning that no UEFA national team would participate in FIFA competitions unless the proposal is completely withdrawn. FIFA argues the move would unlock billions of dollars in commercial value, while UEFA says it risks the integrity and governance of world football.

UEFA Threatens FIFA Boycott Over Infantino's World Cup Investment Plan | World Football News

The European Football governing body UEFA has called an emergency meeting to discuss the recent proposal by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to launch a new subsidiary that will have a stake in the World Cup. UEFA has strongly opposed the proposal and has put a possible world cup boycott on the cards.

UEFA Holds Emergency Meeting After Infantino Defends Privatisation Plan | Wion Sports 

Welcome to Wion Dispatch. Here are the biggest stories making headlines from India and around the world.

The government has responded to Rahul Gandhi's allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the student protest crackdown. Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected the claims, saying only authorised officials such as magistrates can issue such orders.

Meanwhile, tensions continue in West Asia as Israel accuses Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire after an alleged drone attack on an Israeli vehicle in southern Lebanon. Iran's Parliament Deputy Speaker has also warned that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous status, stressing Iran's control over the strategic waterway.

In Washington, the US Senate advances legislation targeting Russia's energy revenues, including tougher sanctions and measures against countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Spain continues battling a major wildfire near Madrid, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying the next few hours will be crucial.

In sports, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed financial incentives for member associations backing a controversial plan involving stakes in major competitions.

Rahul Gandhi vs Government Over Student Protest Row | Hezbollah Ceasefire Clash |Iran Hormuz Warning

Egypt's national football team received a hero's welcome after returning home from a historic FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States. Thousands of fans gathered to celebrate Mohamed Salah and the Pharaohs after Egypt reached the Round of 16 for the first time in its history and came close to eliminating defending champions Argentina. Celebrations continued with an open-top bus parade through New Alamein, while President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is set to honor the squad. However, Egypt's exit remains controversial after the team's coach accused FIFA of favoring Argentina and questioned several refereeing decisions. FIFA has rejected the allegations, insisting match officials acted independently.

Egypt returns home to massive celebration after memorable fifa world cup campaign

Switzerland's top prosecutor resigned Friday following a drawn-out controversy over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA, citing a court ruling partially upholding accusations against him.

"In the interest of the institution, I offer my resignation," Attorney General Michael Lauber said in a statement.

Lauber, 54, has faced multiple investigations over his handling of the FIFA probe, in particular over a number of alleged secret meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

In March, a disciplinary investigation found he had repeatedly lied when questions were raised about those meetings and the overall investigations of top FIFA executives since 2015, and ordered him to be docked eight percent of his salary.

Lauber appealed that ruling, and on Friday Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court did find that the disciplinary panel had been harsh in its ruling, and reduced his penalty to a five percent reduction in pay.

However, it upheld a majority of the accusations against him, finding that the "confirmed breaches of official duty and their seriousness still justify the decision... to opt for the most severe type of disciplinary sanction possible".

"I respect the decision of the Federal Administrative Court," said Lauber, adding that he firmly rejected accusations he had lied in the case.

Switzerland's top prosecutor resigned Friday following a drawn-out controversy over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA, citing a court ruling partially upholding accusations against him.

Switzerland's top prosecutor resigned Friday following a drawn-out controversy over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA, citing a court ruling partially upholding accusations against him. "In the interest of the institution, I offer my resignation," Attorney General Michael Lauber said in a statement. Lauber, 54, has faced multiple investigations over his handling of the FIFA probe, in particular over a number of alleged secret meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. In March, a disciplinary investigation found he had repeatedly lied when questions were raised about those meetings and the overall investigations of top FIFA executives since 2015, and ordered him to be docked eight percent of his salary. Lauber appealed that ruling, and on Friday Switzerland's Federal Administrative Court did find that the disciplinary panel had been harsh in its ruling, and reduced his penalty to a five percent reduction in pay. However, it upheld a majority of the accusations against him, finding that the "confirmed breaches of official duty and their seriousness still justify the decision... to opt for the most severe type of disciplinary sanction possible". "I respect the decision of the Federal Administrative Court," said Lauber, adding that he firmly rejected accusations he had lied in the case.

Swiss legal chief quits amid FIFA controversy