Saudi Arabia's successful 2034 bid will be confirmed by acclamation at an extraordinary Fifa congress, to be held online on 11 December, while the Guardian has learned that the draw for European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup two days later will also take place remotely.
Infantino is under pressure to explain several recent controversial decisions from Fifa, particularly giving Saudi Arabia World Cup hosting rights without a vote and its organisation of next year's Club World Cup, and has opted to keep the world's media away from Zurich.
The 54-year-old has not given a press conference since he was re-elected president at the 73rd Fifa congress in Rwanda in March 2023, causing surprise by refusing to speak after this year's congress in Bangkok.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 14, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Bentancur to get long ban over alleged racist remark
Tottenham are resigned to Rodrigo Bentancur being given a lengthy ban of at least six matches by the Football Association for making an allegedly racist remark about Son Heung-min.
Kane faces Carsley axe Shock as captain set to be left out for crunch Greece match
Harry Kane is set to be a shock omission from Lee Carsley's England team for tonight's must-win Nations League match against Greece in Athens.
Infantino to avoid scrutiny with virtual 2026 draw
Gianni Infantino will avoid any scrutiny of the controversial decision to give the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia next month after Fifa opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event.
Gordon heeds England's call as no-shows hinder Carsley
While a depleted side face tricky tests against Greece and Ireland, there will be big opportunities for some
Lawrence caps quick Chelsea comeback after Agnew's early strike
Chelsea's aspiration of claiming this season's Women's Champions League was hardly in danger as Murphy Agnew handed Celtic a shock lead.
Paul's big-money fight is a circus but the YouTuber is no clown
Despite the absurd persona, his business savvy and support of female fighters must be acknowledged
Tyson offers reminder of boxing's glory days before weary return
Former Baddest Man on the Planet is reflective but determined in open workout as he gears up for inglorious fight with YouTuber, reports
Lineker leaves second BBC presenting role
Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of Sports Personality of the Year (Spoty), the BBC has confirmed.
Coe pulls no punches with his IOC pitch
Sebastian Coe has promised to introduce an \"uncompromising and clearcut\" policy to protect women's sport and to look into awarding prize money to all Olympic medallists if he is elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) president.
Slade vows 'not to shut up shop' against Springboks
England are looking to banish their autumn frustrations at South Africa's expense this Saturday and have vowed \"not to shut up shop\" against the reigning world champions.