Fast, factual wire coverage from across Malaysia and the region.
The Football Association of Wales has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino's re-election bid, citing governance failures related to a controversial plan to privatise World Cup stakes.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned his controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors after fierce opposition from confederations including UEFA. The reversal threatens his re-election bid next year.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has shelved controversial plans to sell a 20% stake in a proposed US$20 billion World Cup subsidiary to private investors, citing divisions among stakeholders that contradicted the organisation's unifying mission.
The Asian Football Confederation has rejected FIFA's plan to privatise World Cup management, joining UEFA and CONCACAF in opposition. The unified stance from three continental bodies threatens the proposal's viability and raises questions about Gianni Infantino's leadership.
UEFA and its 55 member nations have voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments in protest against plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, citing governance concerns and lack of consultation.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina's football federation following the display of a Falkland Islands banner during the 2026 World Cup semi-final against England, along with investigations into discriminatory chants, crowd violence, and player misconduct.
FIFA aims to establish a commercial entity attracting US$4.2 billion in private investment to increase funding for its 211 member federations, though UEFA has already voiced strong objections to the plan.
Johor police arrested 12 men, including a 15-year-old, after a violent altercation broke out during a World Cup final screening in Johor Bahru. Investigations are ongoing into the incident.
Australian forward Cristian Volpato tested positive for cocaine following a roadside drug test in Sydney after being stopped for speeding, with authorities suspending his international driving license and investigating further.
Australian rugby coach Les Kiss has signalled a more flexible approach to selecting overseas-based players, departing from predecessor Joe Schmidt's cautious stance as the Wallabies prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
FIFA has opened a formal investigation into a violent post-match confrontation that erupted between Spain and Argentina following the World Cup final, in which Spain secured victory with an extra-time goal.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall has launched a cleaning operation at Dataran Merdeka following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final broadcast, which drew over 25,000 fans. The authority appealed to the public to take responsibility for maintaining shared spaces.
Johor Baru police detained 12 men, one a minor, following a violent confrontation at a Taman Daya restaurant during World Cup final viewing early today.
Spain claimed World Cup glory with a 1-0 victory over Argentina, extending their dominance in international football through possession-based tactics and squad depth. The triumph reflects both tactical sophistication and national unity.
UN experts are calling for impartial investigations into allegations of undue interference at protests drawing attention to Mexico's disappearance crisis during the World Cup.
Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia dropped star players Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku for a reshuffled side that dominated the USA 4-1, vindicating his tactical gamble after narrow escapes in earlier rounds.
England's World Cup exit to Argentina exposed deeper issues beyond Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions. The defending champions' experience, Lionel Messi's brilliance, and England's fundamental approach to possession football all played crucial roles in the defeat.
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US authorities have confiscated more than 700 drones near FIFA World Cup venues and fan zones since the tournament began in June, demonstrating enhanced airspace security measures around major sporting events.
French authorities arrested more than 160 people in Paris and Lyon after disturbances erupted following France's 2-0 World Cup semifinal loss to Spain, with most incidents involving fireworks directed at police.
France's World Cup ambitions crumbled in a stunning 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas. Coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged his team's technical inferiority as their campaign ended without the dramatic finale that defined their 2022 run.
Senegal's football federation questioned its team doctor's medical background following a disappointing World Cup campaign, claiming he was trained as a gynaecologist rather than in sports medicine—allegations the doctor's professional association firmly rejected.
England advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after Jude Bellingham scored twice to secure a 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway at Miami Stadium on Saturday.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal as Spain defeated Belgium 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-final, earning a semi-final meeting with France near Dallas on Tuesday.
Substitute Mikel Merino scored a decisive late goal to guide Spain to a 2-1 victory over Belgium in their World Cup quarterfinal clash in Los Angeles, setting up a high-stakes semifinal encounter with France.
Penang police are ramping up enforcement operations targeting illegal betting networks ahead of the FIFA World Cup's final matches. The crackdown comes as 31 people have already been arrested across the state in connection with unlawful gambling activities.
Malaysian authorities have dismantled an illegal World Cup betting operation, arresting 11 suspects including six South Korean nationals in a raid on a call centre in Kuala Lumpur's Taman Desa area.
Argentina and Switzerland meet in the World Cup knockout stage on Saturday, revisiting their 2014 round-of-16 encounter in Brazil. The rematch carries different weight: Argentina now defend their Qatar 2022 title, while Switzerland seek their first quarter-final appearance since 1954.
Brampton, Ontario, which produced several Canadian men's national soccer team players, faces questions about its future after its storied soccer club lost its provincial development license, potentially disrupting the pathway for emerging talent to reach elite levels.
FIFA's refereeing chief has firmly defended the officiating in Argentina's 3-2 World Cup knockout victory over Egypt, dismissing Egyptian allegations of unfair treatment and asserting that match officials maintained complete independence.
France and Morocco face off in a World Cup quarter-final shaped by decades of post-colonial ties, migration, and shared footballing networks. The encounter reflects how interconnected the two nations have become through education, business, and sport.
FIFA has publicly backed Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump criticised a red card decision in the World Cup last-32 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Moroccan centre-back Issa Diop, who spent years declaring his allegiance to France, now faces the challenging prospect of defending against Kylian Mbappé in Thursday's World Cup quarter-final between the two nations.
Folarin Balogun, born in New York to a Nigerian mother unable to fly home, has become the focal point of a collision between World Cup drama, American identity politics, and the ongoing debate over birthright citizenship.
South Korea's football chief Chung Mong-gyu has resigned from the Korea Football Association following the national team's premature World Cup exit, ending months of mounting pressure over administrative irregularities and coaching decisions.
FIFA suspended US striker Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban following a red card, allowing him to face Belgium in the World Cup knockout stage after President Trump intervened with FIFA leadership, triggering fierce criticism over sporting integrity.
Controversial comments by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia about Senegal have reignited concerns over racially coded language in football coverage, with researchers documenting how Black players are consistently praised for physical attributes rather than tactical intelligence.
Malaysian authorities arrested 34 individuals during a dawn raid on an unlicensed betting operation in Kuala Lumpur's Taman Wahyu area. The call centre was facilitating World Cup wagers, operating without proper licensing or regulatory oversight.
Chinese social media users criticised Paraguay's aggressive approach during their World Cup defeat to France, questioning the referee's card distribution and expressing frustration over the match's emphasis on physicality rather than skill.
Morocco's head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says his team is now a major footballing force, not a surprise package, following a 3-0 demolition of Canada in the World Cup Round of 16 in Houston.
England travel to Mexico City to face El Tri at the iconic Estadio Azteca, while Norway's Erling Haaland looks to upset five-time champions Brazil. Two World Cup round-of-16 matches will determine the next quartet of quarter-finalists.
The US embassy in Mexico City has warned its citizens to remain vigilant during the World Cup last-16 encounter between Mexico and England, citing risks from large gatherings and potential demonstrations.
Mexico's World Cup progress has sparked national pride, yet the tournament unfolds against a backdrop of 135,000 missing persons, persistent inflation concerns, and mounting civil unrest that citizens struggle to reconcile.
The United States meets Belgium in a World Cup quarter-final at Seattle's Seahawks stadium, seeking to advance further than pre-tournament expectations after impressive wins over Paraguay, Australia, and Bosnia.
Hervé Renard has stepped down as Tunisia's coach following the team's World Cup group-stage exit. Tunisia conceded 12 goals in the tournament, a new record, and failed to win a single match.
Morocco cruised past Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16 match in Houston, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi netting twice. The victory sends the North Africans to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament.
Reigning champions Argentina advanced to the World Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde, but the narrow escape has raised fresh concerns about their defensive solidity as they prepare to face Egypt.
Jürgen Klopp has confirmed he is in negotiations with Germany's Football Federation to become national team coach following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after the World Cup elimination to Paraguay.
Texas authorities have opened an investigation into ticket resale platform StubHub following widespread complaints from World Cup fans whose purchased tickets never arrived, despite promises of guaranteed delivery.
Cape Verde's coaching staff has dismissed suggestions of timidity ahead of their World Cup knockout match against reigning champions Argentina, vowing to maintain the aggressive approach that earned them a spot in the last 16.
Harry Kane's two second-half strikes rescued England from a shock World Cup exit against the Democratic Republic of Congo, securing a 2-1 comeback victory and a last-16 clash with Mexico.
Three people died from asphyxiation in Mexico City as fans celebrated Mexico's 2-0 World Cup victory over Ecuador. The deaths occurred near Paseo de la Reforma, prompting officials to urge responsible celebration.
Toronto health officials are urging fans attending Thursday's Portugal-Croatia World Cup match to stay hydrated and limit alcohol as temperatures are forecast to reach dangerous levels with high humidity.
England mounted a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat DR Congo 2-1 in their World Cup knockout match, with Harry Kane scoring twice to advance. They now face Mexico in the next round at Mexico City's high-altitude Azteca Stadium.
A George Town magistrate court has rejected a police remand application for four individuals, including one woman, arrested in connection with World Cup football betting operations.
Brazil advanced to the World Cup last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to overturn a first-half deficit.
Iraq's Olympic Committee has initiated an investigation into the national team's World Cup performance, committing to systemic reforms and structural changes aimed at improving competitive results in future international tournaments.
France's formidable attacking arsenal, led by Kylian Mbappe and featuring Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, overwhelmed Group I opponents. Coach Didier Deschamps makes tactical tweaks to shore up the left flank before facing Sweden in the knockout round on Tuesday.
Iran's football federation has condemned what it describes as unfair treatment during their World Cup campaign, pointing to travel restrictions, VAR decisions, and geopolitical tensions as the team heads home.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has demanded a government investigation into the national team's shock World Cup elimination, accusing leadership of prioritising nepotism over merit and calling for accountability measures.
Ecuador produced a remarkable upset, defeating Germany 2-1 in their final Group E encounter to secure a place in the World Cup knockout rounds despite arriving as heavy underdogs.