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.”
🚨 EXC: Newcastle braced for Arsenal approach for Bruno Guimaraes
🗣️ UK reps for Brazilian have held talks with Premier League champions
⬇️ Full story w/ @TomCollomosse
https://t.co/AsPVUR7Xq6
Gabriel Martinelli on former Arsenal team-mate Kieran Tierney:
"He's my guy. He's one of the best guys I've met in football. He's so kind and so humble as well. So rapid! We used to joke who was the quickest in the sessions, in my opinion it was always him... I'm always cheering for him." ❤️
Watching the world cup on the BBC and it reminded me that this popped up on my Facebook memories yesterday for 16 years ago. My 19 year old cadence was slightly different but I could see it early
This is hilarious. I was there and there's people online desperately looking for footage to prove their own views. Look at all the videos by fans, talk to people that were there, live in the real world.
Managed to get out the girlfriends friend's birthday on Saturday but it means I'll be getting to Stratford around 4.30. Does anyone have any recommendations for watching the game around Stratford or East generally? Most places are sold out now..