Charlie Eccleshare

Senior tennis writer @TheAthleticFC. Previously Spurs correspondent. Football Cliches man, also seen/heard on Totally Football Show

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

If anything, you'd be disappointed if Infantino *wasn't* discussing these matters with presidents and heads of state

[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.”

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

If you'd have told me in November 2020, when Trump lost the presidential election, a few weeks before Folarin Balogun scored for Arsenal against Molde in the Europa League...

[Aaron Rupar @atrupar]

Trump on Balogun: "I saw the play, and I'm a person that loves sports ... that wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction ... this referee, who is a little bit suspect if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe ... he's our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card. I didn't know what that meant ... yes, I asked for a review by FIFA."

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

@MatthewOkot @FootballCliches My little mate

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Djokovic beats Safiullin to reach Wimbledon QFs, and in so doing post a record 106th match win at Wimbledon, overtaking Roger Federer.

I ranked his top 10 - based on combination of significance, quality of performance, and entertainment value ⬇️

https://t.co/b04RqNTaye

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Well done boys, good process

[Adam Crafton @AdamCrafton_]

BREAKING @TheAthleticFC

Folarin Balogun will be available to play the USMNT’s round of 16 match against Belgium with his one-game red-card ban suspended. Extraordinary development.

Story with @Dan_Sheldon_

https://t.co/oQ61J9btzT

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Djokovic beats Safiullin to reach Wimbledon QFs, and in so doing post a record 106th match win at Wimbledon, overtaking Roger Federer.

I ranked his top 10 - based on combination of significance, quality of performance, and entertainment value ⬇️

https://t.co/b04RqNTaye

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

And none of those winners have even reached a subsequent final.

[Bastien Fachan @BastienFachan]

For the NINTH straight year, we will have a first-time Wimbledon women's champion:

2017 - Garbine Muguruza
2018 - Angelique Kerber
2019 - Simona Halep
2021 - Ash Barty
2022 - Elena Rybakina
2023 - Marketa Vondrousova
2024 - Barbora Krejcikova
2025 - Iga Swiatek
2026 - __________

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Novak Djokovic has tended to be characterised as the greatest returner and defensive player in the history of the game. Which he is.

But at 39, it's his world-class serve that is keeping the prospect of a 25th Grand Slam alive

https://t.co/sazDf0Rn9A

[Trenton Jocz @TrentonJocz]

Stats that are somehow true: Swiatek is T-1st in points % won and 2nd in games % won this season, higher than all but Kostyuk(!), including Sabalenka.

But she's *16th* in win %. Almost every issue she has is confidence-based, made worse by how hyperaware she is of it.

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

A star is born on Centre Court, as one of the biggest in the sport fades with barely a whimper.

Too many missed opportunities from Iga Swiatek, and gifts to her opponent Alex Eala, who was outstanding ⬇️

https://t.co/P60AVA1QtV

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Iva Jovic is a natural on grass, with a 13-2 record on the surface, despite never playing on it growing up

Her secret? Youth-team football. “If it was my way, I would have every young player play soccer. For footwork, it’s one of the closest crossovers.”

https://t.co/vd8mO3zdC7

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Iva Jovic is a natural on grass, with a 13-2 record on the surface, despite never playing on it growing up

Her secret? Youth-team football. “If it was my way, I would have every young player play soccer. For footwork, it’s one of the closest crossovers.”

https://t.co/vd8mO3zdC7

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

As usual, players are slipping all over the place on the Wimbledon grass.

Tommy Paul says to thrive you need to "fall well". That, and learn how to get straight back up again. As Frances Tiafoe put it, "you're going to eat it sometimes." ⬇️

https://t.co/Y0IKjbN6J2

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

As usual, players are slipping all over the place on the Wimbledon grass.

Tommy Paul says to thrive you need to "fall well". That, and learn how to get straight back up again. As Frances Tiafoe put it, "you're going to eat it sometimes." ⬇️

https://t.co/Y0IKjbN6J2

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

@JordanSollof9 Thank you! Would be amazed if she doesn't play the U.S. Open

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Well that massively exceeded expectations. Report from an incredible night on Centre Court ⬇️

https://t.co/xelXObKrsd

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Maya Joint has a huge task today up against Serena Williams, one of the biggest legends of the sport, on Centre Court.

Her mindset will be key, and learning what not to do in a similar position, from players like Jack Draper ⬇️

https://t.co/3rGu40cqhe

[Charlie Eccleshare @CDEccleshare]

Maya Joint has a huge task today up against Serena Williams, one of the biggest legends of the sport, on Centre Court.

Her mindset will be key, and learning what not to do in a similar position, from players like Jack Draper ⬇️

https://t.co/3rGu40cqhe

[James Hansen @jameskhansen]

andy roddick watched the shadows slant across the centre court grass in a heartbreaking 2009 final against roger federer.

this year, he arrives as an espn commentator — having established a fresh brand of analysis that is permeating through tennis

https://t.co/eQShj32OpH

[The Athletic @TheAthletic]

The Williams sisters changed Wimbledon on and off the court.

From building a dynasty to helping secure equal prize money, their legacy at the All England Club stretches far beyond championships.

Free to read, from @CDEccleshare: https://t.co/s0dHFzcwsI