The rule ​was introduced at the opening match of the Canadian Premier League season as part of efforts ‌by global soccer authorities to cut delays caused by video reviews, reduce controversy over marginal offside decisions and shift the balance of the game in favour of attackers.

“I see this as an opportunity to grow as a coach. It’s going to ​give me more tools for the future,” Atletico Ottawa head coach Diego Mejia told reporters.

Under ​the rule, an attacker is deemed onside if any part of the body that ⁠can legally score is level with, or further away from, the goal line than the second-to-last defender. ​An offside offence is only given if there is visible space — the so‑called “daylight” — between the attacker and the ​defender.

The concept has been championed for years by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s chief of global football development, as a way to ease frustration over marginal decisions and limit delays that have fueled debate long after matches have finished.

Wenger ​called the Canadian experience “an important pilot.”

Players from reigning champions Atletico Ottawa and Forge FC were involved in the ​first application of the new rule on Saturday, including a video review triggered after a penalty award was challenged by ‌the ⁠defending side.

Under the revised Canadian system, head coaches are allowed two challenges per match for game‑changing decisions, with the referee reviewing each appeal using video assistance.

The initial review took more than five minutes but was not centred on an offside decision, as officials assessed two possible offsides, a potential foul in the buildup and ​a collision between the goalkeeper ​and the striker that ⁠led to the penalty.

The challenge was unsuccessful.

A later offside decision using the daylight rule did not interrupt the flow of the match.

Video assistance itself is also ​new to the Canadian league and was used for the first time on ​Saturday. Some commentators ⁠said officials would need time to adapt to both the revised offside interpretation and the new technology. The system in use is not full VAR, but FIFA’s lighter Football Video Support (FVS) model.

The Canadian league’s willingness to adopt ⁠the rule ​has given FIFA a professional testing ground, something European leagues ​have so far resisted.

Critics argue the change could push defenders, particularly centre-backs, to adopt more cautious positioning.

Others say it could open space ​in midfield, with defenders likely to hold deeper lines.

-Reuters

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The recent appointment of Samson Adamu as Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football has sparked fresh conversations about legacy, influence, and the quiet emergence of dynasties in global sports administration.

For the first time in its 69-year history, CAF’s administrative nerve centre is being led, albeit in acting capacity, by a Nigerian and indeed a West African, marking a significant geopolitical shift in African football governance.

Yet beyond the symbolism of regional representation lies a deeper narrative: the possible birth of another administrative dynasty, echoing the long-standing dominance of Egypt’s Fahmy family.

From Father to Son: The Adamu Trajectory

Samson Adamu’s rise within CAF is not an isolated story of personal ambition; it is rooted in a powerful lineage. His father, Amos Adamu, was one of the most influential figures in Nigerian and African sports administration for over two decades.

Between 1992 and 2013, Dr Amos Adamu occupied multiple high-profile roles, ranging from Director General of the National Sports Commission to Executive Committee member of both CAF and FIFA.

He also played a pivotal role in landmark events such as the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2003 African Games. Notably, his era coincided with Nigeria’s historic qualification for its first FIFA World Cup in 1994.

Samson’s career path appears to mirror and modernise that legacy. Widely credited as the pioneer of modern beach soccer in West Africa, he transformed what was once a recreational pastime into a commercially viable sport.

Through his company, Kinetic Sports, he founded Copa Lagos in 2011—sub-Saharan Africa’s first international beach soccer tournament.

The event blended elite sport with entertainment, attracting global teams such as Brazil, England, and Spain, while earning recognition from FIFA and Beach Soccer Worldwide.

His growing influence became even more evident in 2016 when Nigeria successfully hosted the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, a qualifying tournament for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. That milestone further cemented his reputation within continental football administration, paving the way for his steady rise within the Confederation of African Football—from Director of Beach Soccer Competitions to Director of Tournaments and Events, culminating in his latest elevation.

Former CAF executive member Amos Adamu expressed pride in his son’s achievements, noting in an interview with Sports Village Square that excellence in sports runs deep in the family. He added that Samson’s brother, Ezekiel, has also carved a niche in the industry as a professional boxing promoter.

The Fahmy Blueprint

To understand the significance of the Adamu ascent, one must revisit the most enduring administrative dynasty in African football—the Fahmy family of Egypt.

The lineage began with Mourad Fahmy, who served as CAF General Secretary from 1961 to 1982. He was succeeded by his son, Mustapha Fahmy, who held the position for nearly three decades until 2010 before moving to FIFA.

The dynasty extended into a third generation when Amr Fahmy took over the role in 2017, effectively maintaining the family’s grip on CAF’s administrative machinery for over half a century. It was a case of from grandfather to son, then to grandson.

The Fahmy Dynasty at CAF: Three generations of leadership—Mourad Fahmy (1961–1982), his son Mustapha Fahmy (1982–2010), and grandson Amr Fahmy (2017–2019)—who shaped the administrative backbone of African football across nearly six decades.

This continuity was not merely symbolic; it shaped policies, competitions, and governance structures across African football for decades.

Dynasties Beyond Africa

The Fahmy model is not unique. Across global sports, familial networks have often influenced governance and administration.

One notable example is the Brazilian axis involving João Havelange and his son-in-law Ricardo Teixeira. While not a direct bloodline succession, their combined leadership of FIFA and the Brazilian Football Confederation created a powerful transnational influence over the game.

Such dynasties, whether rooted in lineage or strategic alliances, highlight a recurring theme in sports governance: continuity often breeds influence, and influence can evolve into legacy.

A New Chapter for Africa?

Samson Adamu’s appointment does not yet constitute a dynasty in the classical sense. However, it represents the early contours of one that converges legacy, expertise, and institutional familiarity.

Unlike previous eras, his rise is also shaped by modern sports marketing, commercialisation, and global connectivity. His work in beach soccer demonstrated an ability to innovate within the system, not merely inherit it.

RELATED STORY: https://sportsvillagesquare.com/2017/11/17/grandfather-son-grand-son-fahmy-family-sets-dynasty-caf/

For African football, this could signal a transition, from traditional bureaucratic continuity to a hybrid model where legacy meets innovation.

Whether the Adamu name will come to define another era in CAF’s administrative history remains to be seen. But for now, the parallels with the Fahmy dynasty are unmistakable, and the story of succession in African football has entered a compelling new phase.

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The ​provisional rule, known as an “alternative offside law” by world football authorities, will be tested ‌in the Canadian Premier League’s season opener on Saturday in Hamilton, Ontario, between hosts Forge FC and reigning champions Atletico Ottawa.

“Just having that idea that most of those times you’re not going to be offside now, I think ​it just adds a bit more confidence in players making the runs, whether it’s ​wingers, strikers or attacking midfielders,” Forge FC forward Tristan Borges told reporters on ⁠Friday.

“Defenders are going to be a little bit more wary of it and watch it a ​little bit more, which ultimately will add more excitement to the game.”

FIFA says the rule has evolved ​from ideas designed “to enhance match tempo and reduce time-wasting,” as well as to promote a more attacking style of play.

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, called the Canadian test “an important pilot”.

“By testing this new ​interpretation in a professional competition, we can better understand its impact,” he added.

Few developments in world ​soccer have provoked more controversy in recent years than protracted video‑assisted offside decisions that disallow goals and interrupt ‌play over ⁠marginal infringements.

Matches were often halted for several minutes as VAR reviewed offside decisions, dulling goal celebrations for players and fans and disrupting the game’s flow.

The proposed FIFA rule is designed to make calls clearer and faster, reducing controversy and delays. Critics in Europe have resisted the rule for a ​number of reasons, with some ​believing it will ⁠cause defenders to play too defensively and bog down the game.

The trial in Canada is taking place with a young league, launched in 2019 and ​quickly hit with pandemic shutdowns. It now has eight teams in a ​country where the ⁠popularity of soccer is soaring, but the professional infrastructure remains underdeveloped.

Interest in football has grown in a country traditionally associated with ice hockey, driven by the popularity of the English and Spanish leagues and ⁠the prospect ​of hosting the World Cup alongside the United States ​and Mexico.

Although small by global standards, the CPL drew worldwide online attention when its 2025 final was played during a blizzard, ​producing a spectacular bicycle kick that became known as the “icicle kick.”

-Reuters

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The President of the Confederation of African Football is set for a potentially far-reaching press conference on Sunday evening, with four key issues expected to dominate discussions and shape the immediate future of African football.

At the top of the agenda will be the announcement of Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as the acting general secretary of CAF. He will thus be the highest-ranking Nigerian football official.

The next may be the growing concerns over Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the controversy surrounding Senegal’s continued public display of the AFCON trophy, and the anticipated announcement of hosts for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the tournament.

The briefing is widely viewed as a critical moment for CAF’s leadership, coming at a time when governance, credibility and long-term planning are under intense scrutiny.

Particular attention is expected to be paid to Kenya, one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania. CAF is believed to have raised red flags over the pace of infrastructure development in the country, especially regarding stadium upgrades, training facilities and transport networks.

Recent inspection findings have reportedly pointed to gaps that could jeopardise project timelines if not urgently addressed. CAF may, therefore, outline stricter compliance benchmarks or timelines for Kenya to meet, with the possibility of sanctions or redistribution of hosting rights within the East African bloc if progress remains unsatisfactory.

The CAF President is likely to reaffirm the body’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament while emphasising that hosting comes with non-negotiable standards.

Another sensitive issue expected to feature prominently is the situation involving Senegal, whose national team has continued to parade the AFCON trophy despite reports that they have been stripped of the title.

The development has sparked debate across the continent, raising questions about adherence to CAF’s disciplinary processes and the authority of its decisions. Observers say the episode risks setting an uneasy precedent if not decisively handled.

CAF is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported withdrawal of Senegal’s title, as well as outline any disciplinary or corrective measures deemed necessary.

Beyond the immediate controversies, attention will also turn to the future as CAF is expected to announce host nations for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Such decisions are typically strategic, reflecting CAF’s broader vision of expanding football development across different regions of the continent. Sunday’s announcement could, therefore, reshape the geographical rotation and long-term planning of Africa’s flagship competition.

In addition, the CAF President is anticipated to unveil Samson Adamu as the acting General Secretary, marking a key administrative transition within the organisation. The role is central to CAF’s day-to-day operations and policy implementation, making the appointment a significant indicator of the leadership’s direction in the coming years.

Sunday’s press conference is shaping up as more than a routine engagement with the media. It represents a defining moment for CAF as it seeks to assert authority, address contentious issues and chart a clear path forward.

Stakeholders across African football will be watching closely for firm decisions and clear messaging that could influence not only the organisation of upcoming tournaments but also the credibility and governance standards of the game on the continent.

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Nigeria has recorded another major milestone in continental football administration with the appointment of Samson Adamu as Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football.

Sports Village Square reports that Adamu, whose father, Dr Amos Adamu, was also a seasoned football administrator, has become the eighth person to hold the seat at the confederation, which clocked 69 on February 8 last year.

Top sources within CAF confirmed on Sunday that Adamu’s appointment takes immediate effect following the exit of Véron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down from the position after mounting pressure and internal transition discussions.

Mosengo-Omba, a Congolese lawyer, had been appointed in March 2021, succeeding Abdelmounaim Bah, and brought with him experience from FIFA, where he served as Chief Member Associations Officer.

Adamu’s elevation is widely seen as a recognition of his growing influence and performance within CAF since joining the organisation in 2018 as Director of Competitions.

 In that role, he replaced Mosengo-Omba and quickly established himself as a key figure in the organisation of major continental tournaments.

For Nigeria, his appointment represents a significant boost in representation at the highest administrative level of African football, reinforcing the country’s longstanding contribution to the development of the game on the continent.

Before his move to CAF, Adamu had built a strong reputation as an innovator in sports management, notably as the initiator and Chief Executive Officer of the internationally acclaimed Copa Lagos Futsal tournament, which attracted global attention and participation.

Since arriving at CAF, he has earned commendation for his efficiency and visibility, playing central roles in competition management and strategic coordination. His consistent performance reportedly made him a natural choice when discussions began over a replacement for Mosengo-Omba.

Although his current role is in an acting capacity, observers believe Adamu’s appointment could pave the way for a substantive position, depending on ongoing administrative decisions within CAF.

His emergence underscores Nigeria’s continued relevance not only on the pitch but also in the corridors of power in African football governance.

Past and Recent General Secretaries of CAF (in reverse chronological order):

• Samson Adamu (Nigeria): Appointed Acting General Secretary on March 29, 2026.
• Véron Mosengo-Omba (DR Congo/Switzerland): Served from March 2021 to March 2026.
• Abdelmounaim Bah (Morocco): Served as Acting General Secretary from March 2020 to March 2021.
• Mouad Hajji (Morocco): Served April 2019 to March 2020.
• Amr Fahmy (Egypt): Served from 2017 to 2019.
• Hicham El Amrani (Morocco): Served from 2010 to 2017.
• Mustapha Fahmy (Egypt): Served for nearly 30 years (starting in 1961).
• Youssef Mohamad (Sudan): Served as the first General Secretary upon CAF’s foundation in 1957.

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Mayolas, his ​wife and his son ​were sentenced to life in prison ⁠earlier this month after ​a criminal court in the Congolese capital​, Brazzaville, convicted them of embezzling $1.1 million in FIFA funds. Media reports said ​their whereabouts were not known ​, and they were tried in absentia.

FECOFOOT general ‌secretary ⁠Wantete Badji and treasurer Raoul Kanda are also subject to the disciplinary proceedings, FIFA said. ​Badji ​and Kanda ⁠were sentenced to five years each in prison ​by the court in ​Brazzaville ⁠for related charges.

“These proceedings follow the receipt of information and ⁠documents ​during an audit,” ​FIFA said in a statement.

-Reuters

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The proposal, on the agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting of the global drug-fighting watchdog’s executive committee, is the latest manoeuvre to come out of a yearslong refusal of the U.S. government to pay its annual dues to WADA.

The refusal is part of the American government’s unanimous, bipartisan protest of the agency’s handling of a case involving Chinese swimmers and other issues.

The Associated Press learned of the agenda item through correspondence it obtained between WADA and European officials involved in the agency’s decision-making. Two others with knowledge of the agenda confirmed the existence of the rules proposal to AP; they were not authorised to speak publicly about the agenda, which has not been released publicly.

The proposal was, in fact, first brought up in 2024, when U.S. authorities successfully lobbied for its rejection. The U.S. has since lost its seat on the executive committee.

“In spite of WADA’s increasing threats, we continue to stand firm in our demand for accountability and transparency from WADA to ensure fair competition in sport,” said Sara Carter, the director of the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

The rule, if passed, would figure to be mostly symbolic, given the limits an international sports federation could have on the president of a country attending an event inside his own borders.

“I have never heard of a $50-million-budget Swiss foundation being able to enforce a rule to, for example, prevent the United States president from going anywhere,” said Carter’s predecessor at ONDCP, Rahul Gupta, who was on the WADA executive committee two years ago and led the movement to reject the proposal. “And the next question you have to ask is: How are you going to enforce it? Are they going to post a red notice from Interpol? It’s ludicrous. It’s clear they have not thought this through.”

In a news release after this story published, WADA said the AP story was “entirely misleading,” focusing on Fitzgerald’s statement to the AP that if proposals being discussed were “introduced, given that the rules would not apply retroactively, the FIFA World Cup, LA and Salt Lake City Games (in 2034) would not be covered.”

Fitzgerald’s only answer to three emails from AP seeking clarification on his initial response — specifically about how a rule that had not yet been adopted could or couldn’t be applied retroactively on events that are scheduled for the future — was: “I’m trying to say that it would not apply retroactively so those events would not be covered. Given that and the next meeting of the Board being scheduled for November, I don’t see how it could come into play for this year’s World Cup.”

-AP

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The Confederation of African Football has dismissed Yasin Osman Robleh, the Djiboutian official who headed its judicial bodies for the past six years, in a move aimed at restoring confidence in the organisation’s disciplinary processes.

According to reports from convergence sources, the decision was confirmed on Saturday by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, bringing an abrupt end to Robleh’s tenure overseeing the confederation’s disciplinary and investigative committees since 2019.

Robleh’s position reportedly came under increasing pressure following the controversy surrounding sanctions imposed after the Africa Cup of Nations Final between Morocco and Senegal. The disciplinary decisions that followed the match sparked criticism from several quarters and placed CAF’s legal framework under intense scrutiny.

In response to the situation, CAF’s Executive Committee has appointed Togolese lawyer Cedric Egai, currently the confederation’s Director of Legal Affairs, as interim head of the judicial bodies.

Egai is expected to stabilise the organisation’s legal arm while CAF works toward appointing a permanent successor to Robleh.

Disciplinary Decisions Delayed

The leadership change has already affected ongoing disciplinary processes within the confederation. CAF’s disciplinary committee reportedly held hearings last Thursday on several cases, including the high-profile encounter involving Egypt’s Al Ahly and Morocco’s AS FAR.

However, decisions on those matters have been temporarily put on hold pending the confirmation of new leadership within the judicial structure.

Sources indicate that once a permanent successor is appointed, CAF will move swiftly to conclude outstanding disciplinary rulings affecting both clubs and national teams.

Restoring Confidence

The move is widely seen as part of CAF’s effort to restore confidence in its judicial system following weeks of controversy surrounding disciplinary decisions at major competitions.

Robleh’s departure closes a significant chapter in CAF’s legal administration, while Egai’s interim appointment signals a potential shift in leadership and governance at a critical time for African football.

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The decisions were taken at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM), chaired by Mike Jones, President of the Football Association of Wales, during celebrations marking the FAW’s 150th anniversary.

The reforms, which will apply from the 2026/27 season and be implemented at the 2026 World Cup and other competitions, respond to growing calls across the football community for measures that preserve match tempo and reduce deliberate disruption.

Five-Second Countdown for Throw-Ins and Goal Kicks

Building on last season’s amendment preventing goalkeepers from holding the ball for excessive periods, IFAB has extended the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks.

If a referee judges that a restart is being deliberately delayed, a visible five-second countdown will begin. Failure to put the ball back into play within that period will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team. In the case of a delayed goal kick, the sanction escalates to a corner kick for the opposition.

The measure is designed to eliminate a common time-management tactic frequently deployed late in matches.

Strict Timelines for Substitutions

To further streamline match flow, substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed or the referee’s signal being given.

Players who exceed that limit must still exit immediately, but their replacement will not be allowed to enter until the next stoppage after one minute of running clock time has elapsed — effectively discouraging slow exits intended to run down the clock.

Mandatory One-Minute Absence After On-Field Treatment

Under another significant change, players who receive on-field medical assessment — or whose injury prompts a stoppage — must leave the pitch and remain off for at least one minute once play resumes.

The rule aims to curb tactical injury interruptions while still safeguarding genuine medical needs.

IFAB also approved further trials to assess goalkeeper-related tactical injury delays and explore deterrent options.

VAR Protocol Expanded to Include Second Yellow Cards

In a notable development for officiating, IFAB expanded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol.

The VAR will now be permitted to review:

• Red cards resulting from a clearly incorrect second yellow card;
• Mistaken identity cases where the wrong player is cautioned or sent off;
• Clearly incorrectly awarded corner kicks, provided the review can be completed immediately without delaying the restart.

The move addresses longstanding criticism that second cautions — unlike straight red cards — were previously outside VAR review scope, despite their decisive impact on matches.

IFAB also confirmed continued trials of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and ongoing development of FIFA-led Football Video Support (FVS).

Amendments to the Laws of the Game 2026/27

The next edition of the Laws of the Game, effective 1 July 2026 (with early adoption permitted), will introduce further clarifications and adjustments:

• Law 3: Senior ‘A’ international friendlies may now allow up to eight substitutes, expandable to eleven by mutual agreement.
• Law 4: Non-dangerous equipment will be permitted if safely covered.
• Law 5: Referee body cameras (head- or chest-mounted) may be used at competition discretion, with organisers controlling footage.
• Law 8: Clarifies that a dropped ball will be awarded to the team that would likely have retained possession.
• Laws 10 & 14: Formal incorporation of guidance on accidental “double touch” penalty incidents.
• Law 12: Where advantage is played for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity and a goal is scored, the offender will not be cautioned.

Focus on Discriminatory Behaviour and Player Protests

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, IFAB agreed that further consultation will be undertaken to develop tougher measures against discriminatory conduct.

The board will also examine scenarios where:

• Players leave the field collectively in protest of refereeing decisions;
• Players cover their mouths while confronting opponents — a practice viewed as undermining transparency.

A Forward-Looking Agenda

The AGM, attended by representatives from FIFA, The FA, the Scottish FA, the FA of Wales, the Irish FA and IFAB administration, signals what officials described as a decisive effort to modernise the sport.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, IFAB’s reforms represent one of the most comprehensive tempo-focused overhauls in recent years — an attempt to ensure that football remains faster, fairer and more resistant to manipulation of time.

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In a letter sent to the presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino reflected on his election at the Extraordinary Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, on 26 February 2016, recalling that FIFA was facing a crisis that threatened its very existence at the time.

“By voting for me, the FIFA Congress chose to chart a new path forward built on reform, transparency and development,” he wrote. “I believe we have successfully brought football back to FIFA and FIFA back to football. And we have done so together.”

Infantino stressed that unity between FIFA and its Member Associations had been central to the organisation’s transformation.

“It is therefore with a great sense of unity that I would like to extend my deepest thanks for your work, your dedication and, of course, your unwavering support in making this possible and for your role in bringing FIFA back to football over the last 10 years,” he said.

Describing FIFA as “the glue that binds the footballing pyramid and the wider footballing ecosystem together,” Infantino underlined the importance of a strong and trusted governing body for the continued growth of the sport.

“A strong, trusted and unified FIFA is not only desirable, but also in fact necessary for our sport to continue to flourish,” he added. “Although we live in a world marked by division and conflict, football is still the great power that unites us all.”

Key achievements highlighted

In his message, the FIFA President outlined 11 major achievements since 2016, beginning with increased financial support to Member Associations through the FIFA Forward Programme. Introduced in 2016, funding to MAs has increased sevenfold, with associations empowered to determine how best to invest in football development within their territories.

He also pointed to the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, designed to ensure that every young player has the opportunity to develop regardless of financial background or geography, alongside enhanced capacity building in administration, finance, infrastructure, medical services, safeguarding and women’s leadership.

Infantino noted greater involvement of Member Associations in decision-making through FIFA Executive Summits and newly introduced Standing Committees, as well as reforms aimed at boosting transparency, including annual accounts delivered under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and clearer bidding processes for major tournaments.

On the field, the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in 2018 — now implemented in 83 Member Associations — was cited as a key step towards greater fairness. FIFA has since introduced VAR Light and Football Video Support to widen access to video technology. In 2024, all 211 MAs also unanimously backed a Global Stand Against Racism initiative.

Infantino further highlighted expanded playing opportunities across competitions. The FIFA World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, while the FIFA Women’s World Cup grew to 32 teams in 2023 and is set to expand to 48 from 2031. More than 1,700 women’s development projects have been delivered across 204 Member Associations.

Youth competitions have also been broadened, including the expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup for both boys and girls and the introduction of a new festival-style FIFA U-15 Youth World Cup open to all 211 MAs.

The letter referenced relief measures during times of hardship, notably the COVID-19 Relief Plan, which made USD 1.5 billion available, emergency disaster funding via the FIFA Foundation, and a post-conflict recovery fund approved in December 2025 to support football communities affected by war.

At club level, Infantino highlighted the historic first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, the new FIFA Women’s Club World Cup planned for 2028, and the launch of annual intercontinental competitions and an expanded FIFA Club Benefits Programme.

Concluding his message, Infantino reiterated his gratitude to Member Associations for “keeping the best interests of football at heart,” expressing confidence that a united global football community would continue to drive the sport’s growth in the years ahead.

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