Claudius Schaefer, whose organisation represents 53 professional men's and women's football leagues, said there could be "only one consequence" for Infantino after his plan triggered a storm of protest from regional associations.

The midfielder later described the defeat as "the worst pain of my 28 years of life" and "the saddest day of my life" in a post on social media.

Political defeats can be overcome. A loss of credibility is far harder to repair.

The beleaguered Infantino said he would focus on restoring harmony while continuing to grow the game.

Chelsea have signed experienced striker Danny Welbeck on a two-year deal from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, the London side said on Saturday.

Experienced defender Topu Barman described Bangladesh's Group A at the SAFF Championship as a "tight" one, but remains optimistic about the hosts' chances of going all the way in the regional football showpiece on home soil in November.

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi is unsure whether Richarlison will stay at the club, saying the Brazilian forward "sometimes" wants to leave.

Lionel Messi returned to competitive action for the first time since Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, but his comeback ended in disappointment as Inter Miami were held to a 2-2 draw by the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer today.

Mykhailo Mudryk will be welcomed with open arms when he rejoins Chelsea this week in Hong Kong, manager Xabi Alonso said, but the Ukrainian will not be rushed back after winning his appeal against a doping ban.

North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF on Saturday called for a "comprehensive reckoning with" Gianni Infantino's leadership of FIFA after his aborted plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.

UEFA said it had lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Saturday after world soccer's governing body abandoned plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup.

Hosts Bangladesh have been drawn in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan for the 2026 SAFF Championship, while regional powerhouse India headline Group B with the Maldives and Pakistan.

The former BFF president has led SAFF since 2009.

Football has lost one of its greatest icons, a champion who left an indelible mark on Italian and world sport.

The official draw for the TECNO - SAFF Championship 2026 is set to take place today in Thimphu, Bhutan. Here are some of the key points about today's draw:

The Asian Football Confederation said on Saturday it welcomed the scrapping of FIFA's proposal to allow private investment in the World Cup.

After causing a few days of uproar in the footballing community, FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday scrapped the plan to sell stakes to private investors in FIFA-run events, including the World Cup.

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to resume his career after the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency "resolved his appeal" against a ban for failing a doping test.

Lionel Messi's post-World Cup break could be coming to an end on Saturday night when Inter Miami host the Columbus Crew.

Barcelona signed teenage winger Jesse Bisiwu on Friday from Club Brugge for a reported 8.5 million euros ($10 million).