Bob Mackin

News, sports, business and politics journalist. Red Mittens & Red Ink: The Vancouver Olympics author. Also reporting via @theBreakerNews

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

@ChrisDaniels_TV https://t.co/y5ESOvRuI7

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

The #USMNT doesn't need Pearl Jam right now, it needs... Citizen Dick. #BigInBelgium #Singles
https://t.co/odvOuJvvOy

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

The #USMNT doesn't need Pearl Jam right now, it needs... Citizen Dick. #BigInBelgium #Singles
https://t.co/odvOuJvvOy

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

Freese froze in CONCACAF's last stand.
Trump can't reverse this burgeoning Belgian blowout. #FIFAWorldCup

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

The last FIFA flight to Vancouver? Unless someone's leaving Lumen Field in Seattle early, this Qatar Executive charter will probably be delayed. Tuesday is the last of seven at BC Place Stadium. #WeAre26

[CSPAN @cspan]

Aug. 28, 2018: FIFA President Gianni Infantino shows President Trump yellow and red cards in the Oval Office.

[Asia Gaming Brief @agbrief]

Macau police have arrested 2 mainland Chinese men suspected of using modified clothing to livestream casino betting activity and place wagers on behalf of offshore clients at 2 local casinos. https://t.co/VGAw51N03U

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

TSN ending its highly popular Vancouver outdoor studio tomorrow. #bcpoli #WeAre26

[Vancouver Convention Centre @VanConventions]

Thank you @TSN_Sports, for bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 excitement to Jack Poole Plaza, and thanks to the incredible fans who came out to cheer on their teams.

While the TSN studio and screens wrap up after July 7, other venues will continue until the final match, July 19th.

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

https://t.co/b1OldamW5V

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

For reference: this is what a FIFA Disciplinary Committee decision looks like. Nothing like this has been published in the Balogun red card case so far. #WeAre26
https://t.co/B3JtuzNsT0

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

In its haste to put the toothpaste back in the tube, FIFA omitted the name of the disciplinary committee chairperson: U.A.E. lawyer Mohammed Al Kamali. #WeAre26 #FIFAWorldCup #BalogunGate #TrumpCard

[FIFA Media @fifamedia]

Statement from the Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee - 6 July 2026

🗞️🔗➡️ https://t.co/KqNfqBJZoT

#FIFAWorldCup

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

Note: as of this hour, this page has not been updated since June 1. #WeAre26

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

For reference: this is what a FIFA Disciplinary Committee decision looks like. Nothing like this has been published in the Balogun red card case so far. #WeAre26
https://t.co/B3JtuzNsT0

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

@BobPickard FIFA is well-stocked, thanks to Aramco.
I’ve encountered better-managed community youth soccer clubs.

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

FIFA damage control.

[FIFA Media @fifamedia]

FIFA President Gianni Infantino:

“I have seen the public comments regarding the decision of the independent FIFA Disciplinary Committee related to the suspension of Folarin Balogun, and I would like to reiterate a fundamental principle of FIFA’s governance.

“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected.

“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders and business executives from around the world on many different issues. During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.

“I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.

“What I always do, however, is respect those decisions and the autonomy of the bodies that make them. Whether we personally like a decision or not is irrelevant. Respect for independent institutions and the rule of law is what protects the integrity of our competitions and the credibility of FIFA at all times.”

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

The new Massey Tunnel is now costing $8.5 billion.

Which is, by comparison, more than half the cost of #SiteC.

In 2021, the NDP said the new tunnel would cost $4.15 billion.
#bcpoli

[FIFA Media @fifamedia]

Statement from the Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee - 6 July 2026

🗞️🔗➡️ https://t.co/KqNfqBJZoT

#FIFAWorldCup

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

The floodgates are open.

[Sky Sports News @SkySportsNews]

BREAKING: The English FA are considering an appeal against Jarrel Quansah's red card against Mexico 🚨

Tuchel said after the game he was furious at the officials who took charge of the game and the two VAR decisions which saw Quansah sent off and Mexico awarded a penalty.

[Dennis Molinaro 牟丹尼 @Dennismolin11]

WSJ: Carney 'pushed for Europe's de-Americanization.' A Canadian PM spending his capital to turn Europe against Washington? Whatever that is, it won't go over well.

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

As of July 14, when the #FIFAWorldCup semifinals begin, the @scienceworldca dome-wrapping will be out-of-date. This is the ball design for semi-finals and beyond. #WeAre26

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

Trivia: The first player red carded in #FIFAWorldCup history was Carlos Caszely of Chile on June 14, 1974 vs. W. Germany.
His 76th birthday was -- coincidentally -- July 5.
The same day the Trump red card suspension scandal erupted. #WeAre26 #SportsBiz #soccer #football

[Football on TNT Sports @footballontnt]

List of players to have their red cards overturned (or suspended) at the World Cup, since the card was introduced in 1970:

🇺🇸 Florian Balogun

End of list.

[Gregg Bell @gbellseattle]

Ichiro, Edgar Martinez, Ken Griffey Jr. again in Stars and Stripes soccer jerseys morning of the biggest global sports day in Seattle’s history.

A perfect day. Not a cloud. Going to be 75 or so degrees for U.S.-Belgium 5pm in the World Cup round of 16 at Lumen Field.

[Bob Mackin @bobmackin]

Another FIFA flight on Qatar Executive: Will this Gulfstream G650 carry Gianni Infantino (and VP Victor Montagliani) to Seattle for the most-controversial match (so far) of #FIFAWorldCup? Will Belgium's appeal succeed before it lands? #WeAre26