Posted inSoccer America Confidential

World Cup 2026 refereeing (Part 2): Personality, preparation and reading the game

In our previous article, we presented the statistics from this World Cup in comparative terms and made an objective assessment. The conclusion was that the referees implemented what FIFA had asked for. What were these objectives? • Fewer fouls and fewer cards, while controlling the game through personality and appropriate body language.  • Quick VAR […]

Posted inSoccer America Daily

Gianni Infantino slams World Cup critics for ‘spreading hate’

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at World Cup critics, claiming they were “spreading hate and false rumors” and arguing the tournament delivered “only joy and happiness.”

In a long open letter published on Monday, Infantino urged detractors to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray” after a tournament marked by controversies ranging from ticket pricing to visa issues.

Posted inSoccer America Daily

Norway set to make formal complaint to FIFA over Balogun red card saga

The Norges Fotballforbund (NFF) has already formally complained over FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarding soccer’s governing body’s inaugural Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, which was widely ridiculed. • Trump’s involvement in the Balogun affair sparked the controversy. • “When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk,” said NFF president Lise Klaveness.

Posted inSoccer America Daily

Argentine soccer federation says the U.S. did not detain its president

Argentina’s top soccer officials firmly denied reports that their federation’s president and treasurer were detained and questioned upon leaving the USA after the World Cup final. The Federación Argentina de Fútbol (AFA) did acknowledge a U.S. investigation into a third party with links to the association. The AFA, headed by soccer heavyweight Tapia since 2017, is the subject of several investigations in Argentina.

Posted inSoccer America Daily

‘Beautiful game’ provides Venezuelans with welcome distraction in wake of tragedy

“Today more than ever, we remain united” reads the banner brandished by the players of Venezuelan club UCV prior to the first major sporting event hosted by the country since the twin earthquakes that killed over 5,000 last month. Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) played a South American Cup match against Brazilian legend Pele’s former […]

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