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Al Jazeera

Embattled Gianni Infantino says he is open to talks over FIFA reform

FIFA president proposes ‘consultation’ with member federations to reform world football governing body’s decision-making processes.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an outside review of how the governing body makes major decisions, ⁠acknowledging in a letter to members that its handling of a now-abandoned investment plan had caused outrage.“First, I will ask the Council whether it wishes to commission an independent external review of FIFA’s current governance framework for ⁠major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements,” Infantino wrote to the FIFA Council and all 211 member association presidents on Monday in a letter seen by the Reuters news agency.He also said he would propose consultations with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA’s decision-making.The proposals would examine who has a say in major initiatives – including the roles of the president, bureau, ‌council and congress – and how to improve transparency and accountability.Infantino faced a fierce backlash over his proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors. The plan was abandoned in July after opposition and boycott threats, with UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf subsequently calling for changes to FIFA’s leadership.Infantino said the abandoned plan had explored whether selling a minority stake in a FIFA-controlled commercial company could raise more money for football development. It would not have involved giving up control over ⁠sporting decisions, he said.But the proposal became public before it could be presented in ⁠full to the council and member associations, according to Infantino.“I recognise that, without the full context, this caused concern and created the impression that decisions had already been taken. They had not.“It remained a proposal, not a decision, and was always subject to the necessary approvals ⁠of the Council and the Member Associations. It has now been withdrawn and will not proceed.”Infantino said he had heard differing ideas about who should decide major strategic ⁠questions. Some favoured requiring unanimous agreement in the bureau, while others wanted ⁠such matters put directly to the congress and member associations.“My role is not to pre-judge that discussion. Those who support a particular model should have the opportunity to set out their case clearly,” he wrote.Suggestions received by the October 15 FIFA Council meeting could be discussed there, with ‌later submissions also considered within a deadline yet to be specified. Any changes to FIFA’s statutes would need congress approval.Infantino also said member associations’ positions on proposals or governance matters would not affect their treatment by FIFA, whose ‌development ‌and solidarity programmes would continue under existing rules.“No association’s treatment will depend on its position on any proposal or institutional matter,” he wrote.“I remain fully committed to leading FIFA and confident in what we can achieve together.”

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The Straits Times

Not the time to soften stance over Belarus, Lithuania says

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 21 - The European Union has no reason to ease sanctions on Belarus, Lithuania's foreign minister said on Monday, arguing that President Alexander Lukashenko's government continues to repress opponents, violate human rights and back Russia's war in Ukraine.US President Donald Trump said earlier in the day that Washington was working on a deal to purchase potash from Belarus, a key sector sanctioned by the EU.The comments came a week after his administration negotiated the release of political prisoners in Belarus in return for some sanctions lifting, the latest in a year of talks between the two sides.The US diplomacy is sensitive because Lukashenko, in charge of the former Soviet state since 1994, has long been shunned by the West for repressing his opponents and supporting Russia's war in Ukraine."Of course we would prefer to coordinate on sanctions policy as it is the most effective way to do this, but EU sanctions policy is a bit different," Kęstutis Budrys told Reuters in an interview at the UN General Assembly. "We do not see any reasons why our position on Belarus should soften as Belarus is not changing its behaviour."The comments underscore a growing transatlantic divergence in approach toward Belarus.While Budrys welcomed the release of prisoners, of which he said there remained about 1,000, and Vilnius would continue to provide assistance when they were freed, he said the EU should continue applying pressure on both the Belarusian and Russian governments, arguing that sanctions remained effective."We see how Lukashenko tries to find ways to get rid of them, and it means that we have to continue," he said."On our side, we have to be very exact and continue what works, and that is the pressure on the regime," he said.The minister, whose country borders Belarus, said Minsk continued to pose a security challenge to the bloc, accusing it of orchestrating hybrid attacks against EU member states.He cited what he described as the weaponisation of migration flows, particularly affecting Lithuania, Poland and Latvia, as well as smuggling operations, balloon incursions and other activities aimed at undermining European security."They are one of the major sources of hybrid activities against the European Union," he said.The EU's current sanctions framework on Belarus remains in force until February 2027. REUTERS

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Citizen Digital

Mancini eager for 'new adventure' on Italy return

Mancini has handed first call-ups to nine players in his 34-man squad for four upcoming games, including 18-year-old Bologna goalkeeper Massimo Pessina and Brentford's 22-year-old right-back Michael Kayode. Portugal’s coach Jorge Jesus looks on during a press conference to announce the list of players for the next Nations League qualifying matches at Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras on September 18, 2026. (Photo by Patricia de Melo Moreira / AFP)Roberto Mancini said on Monday he was eager for a "new adventure" with Italy ahead of the opening game of his second stint as the national team's coach.Mancini led the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title during his previous spell in charge.But they failed to reach the 2022 World Cup and he resigned the following year to take over the Saudi Arabia national side.The four-time world champions have missed out on the past three World Cups and have not played a knock-out stage match at the tournament since losing the 2006 final to France.Mancini starts his latest reign with a home Nations League game against Belgium on Friday."We must not dwell on negative things, when you embark on a new adventure, you're eager to do something special, and over the next four years we'll bring home something special," former Italy midfielder Mancini told reporters."For me it's a challenge and a new chapter in my career."I'm here to win and that's the objective we all s...

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Google News — Entertainment

Retailer Revolve announces partnership with Donatella Versace

Retailer Revolve announces partnership with Donatella Versace CNBCDonatella Versace to launch new fashion line one year after stepping down from namesake brand Page SixFashion retailer Revolve partners with design icon chainstoreage.comDonatella Versace is launching a new project in partnership with REVOLVE UA.NEWSDonatella Versace partners with Gen Z fashion retailer REVOLVE The Lufkin Daily News

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Google News — Entertainment

New flame? Kevin Costner, 71, spotted with 39-year-old influencer McKenna Wesley

New flame? Kevin Costner, 71, spotted with 39-year-old influencer McKenna Wesley MARCAExclusive | Inside Kevin Costner’s year-long relationship with 39-year-old Arizona influencer Page SixKevin Costner's 'affectionate' mystery blonde companion UNMASKED Daily MailKevin Costner Linked To Influencer McKenna Wesley Following Recent Public Appearances zoomtventertainment.comKevin Costner sparks romance rumors after grocery run with lifestyle coach 930 WFMD Free Talk

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