Sports
FIFA prez Gianni Infantino blasts critics for 'spreading hate'
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino present the World Cup Trophy to Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ. FIFA president Gianni Infantino rejected scrutiny of his leadership and the organization, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumors” while they were “delivering the best show in the world,” minimizing or altogether ignoring issues that arose with the 2026 World Cup.
His message was delivered across 15 slides on his personal Instagram account, cross-posted to the FIFA Instagram account and distributed to media personnel by FIFA’s communications team.
Infantino’s message said, “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”
There were multiple issues with some teams and fans gaining access to the tournament. Four countries — Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast — played their matches despite many supporters being unable to enter the United States because of travel bans imposed by the Trump administration.
Iran’s team captain Mehdi Taremi called the World Cup a “disaster” due to the restrictions on visas and movement for members of its federation.
Infantino’s message also ignored the four people who died of suffocation during celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico’s round-of-32 victory over Ecuador, per The Athletic.
The message from Infantino, who has not held a press conference since before the World Cup began, also made a dismissive apparent reference to the significant controversy when U.S. forward Folarin Balogun had an automatic one-game ban reversed. FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the sanction with no explanation, and President Donald Trump later said he called Infantino to have the case reviewed, which Infantino denied.
“Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues,” Infantino posted. “Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.”
Among other issues faced before, during and since the 2026 World Cup, the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey, Texas and California are investigating FIFA over its ticketing prices for the tournament.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Browns' Jerry Jeudy: Clip didn't indicate his preferred QB1
Jun 11, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) catches a pass during minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy insists he wasn’t weighing in on Cleveland’s starting quarterback battle during a livestream clip that quickly went viral.
Jeudy flashes four fingers in the TikTok video, taken by many to indicate his support for the player who wears that jersey number, Deshaun Watson.
“Yall cut the clip perfectly for that narrative,” Jeudy posted Sunday on X, referencing the apparent skip in the clip between when the question is posed and when Jeudy holds up his fingers.
Jeudy, 27, who is entering his third season with the Browns, said he will not weigh in as new head coach Todd Monken and his staff evaluate the training camp competition between Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
“I don’t speak on decisions that aren’t mine to make. I support my teammates/Brothers, I do my job, and control what I can control,” Jeudy posted on X. “Let’s stop creating narrative that aren’t there for likes and clicks. I bet this won’t go viral because it’s too positive/real for y’all.”
Jeudy caught 50 passes for 602 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts) in 2025, when Watson missed the entire season with a torn Achilles. Jeudy made the Pro Bowl in his first season with Cleveland in 2024, setting career highs in catches (90) and receiving yards (1,229).
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Michigan AD Warde Manuel's buyout tops $7M
Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel walks on the court after 96-66 win over USC at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel’s separation agreement reportedly includes a lump sum payment of more than $7 million.
Other perks will include a $108,000 contribution to his retirement account and $82,000 toward attorney fees as well as eligibility for tickets to Wolverines games and golf privileges, The Associated Press reported Monday.
Manuel is stepping down at the end of 2026, with the university announcing last week it is buying out the final three years on his contract.
Manuel, 58, who has held the position since 2016, has agreed not to work as an athletic director or senior athletic adviser for another Big Ten program for two years after the date of his voluntary resignation on Dec. 31, per the report. He is allowed to take a job outside of the conference with no penalty.
Highlights of Manuel’s time in Ann Arbor included national championships in football and men’s basketball, but his tenure was ultimately engulfed in controversy thanks to a sign-stealing scandal involving former football coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff and an improper relationship with a staff member by Harbaugh’s successor, Sherrone Moore.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy's wife shot by son
Nov 7, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy looks on during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s wife is hospitalized in stable condition in Virginia after being shot by the couple’s son in their home on Sunday night, ESPN reported.
A woman identified by ESPN’s sources as Mia Bieniemy, 57, was being treated for “serious injuries” in Loudoun County, where a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said police responded to a call at 7:32 p.m. ET Sunday in Ashburn, Va.
The Chiefs said they are aware of the incident involving the family of their 56-year-old assistant coach, who was with the club for training camp on Sunday in St. Joseph, Mo., but was not in attendance on Monday.
Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, was arrested on charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling, according to the sheriff’s office. He is being held without bond.
Eric Bieniemy rejoined head coach Andy Reid’s staff in January after previous stints with Kansas City as the running backs coach (2013-17) and offensive coordinator (2018-22). He helped the Chiefs win Super Bowls LIV and LVII.
He coached the Chicago Bears’ running backs in 2025 and previously served as the OC for UCLA (2024), the Washington Commanders (2023) and his alma mater Colorado (2011-12).
–Field Level Media
Browns' Jerry Jeudy: Clip didn't indicate his preferred QB1
Report: Michigan AD Warde Manuel's buyout tops $7M
