The Pitch Inspection
@thepitchinspection.bsky.social
Independent Reporting | Football | Politics
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Contact us at: [email protected]
Subscribe: http://thepitchinspection.substack.com
Contact us at: [email protected]
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Will FIFA turns its back on the United Nations?
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
thepitchinspection.substack.com
New Post
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
"Suggest you google this guy"
Manchester City Council responded to my 2013 Freedom of Information request for details of their deal with Manchester City by flagging my background to City's chief communications officer.
Deeply inappropriate (and that's being generous).
Manchester City Council responded to my 2013 Freedom of Information request for details of their deal with Manchester City by flagging my background to City's chief communications officer.
Deeply inappropriate (and that's being generous).
October 7, 2026 at 6:10 AM
"Suggest you google this guy"
Manchester City Council responded to my 2013 Freedom of Information request for details of their deal with Manchester City by flagging my background to City's chief communications officer.
Deeply inappropriate (and that's being generous).
Manchester City Council responded to my 2013 Freedom of Information request for details of their deal with Manchester City by flagging my background to City's chief communications officer.
Deeply inappropriate (and that's being generous).
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
The coda to this is a senior Man City exec proving they have always had total contempt for anyone seeking to question their activities.
bsky.app/profile/ncge...
bsky.app/profile/ncge...
"I want to disrupt momentum"
Manchester City's response to my FOI to Manchester City Council was reported in Der Spiegel's "football leaks".
Not only did the council flag my background to the club, the club dictated terms on the release of the information.
www.spiegel.de/internationa...
Manchester City's response to my FOI to Manchester City Council was reported in Der Spiegel's "football leaks".
Not only did the council flag my background to the club, the club dictated terms on the release of the information.
www.spiegel.de/internationa...
October 7, 2026 at 10:35 AM
The coda to this is a senior Man City exec proving they have always had total contempt for anyone seeking to question their activities.
bsky.app/profile/ncge...
bsky.app/profile/ncge...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
My piece in @josimarfootball.bsky.social on what explains the UAE's aggressive legal strategy in the Manchester City case.
It's what they do and they have consistently gotten away with it.
josimarfootball.com/2026/10/05/m...
It's what they do and they have consistently gotten away with it.
josimarfootball.com/2026/10/05/m...
October 6, 2026 at 10:46 AM
My piece in @josimarfootball.bsky.social on what explains the UAE's aggressive legal strategy in the Manchester City case.
It's what they do and they have consistently gotten away with it.
josimarfootball.com/2026/10/05/m...
It's what they do and they have consistently gotten away with it.
josimarfootball.com/2026/10/05/m...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Manchester City har tapt første runde. Men striden om snaue 12 milliarder kroner er langt fra over. Skal klubben snu saken i anken, må den forklare ikke bare hvor pengene egentlig kom fra, men hvorfor bevis eventuelt først kommer nå.
Kronikk av Egil André Berglund
josimar.no/artikler/nar...
Kronikk av Egil André Berglund
josimar.no/artikler/nar...
Når Premier Leagues integritet møter storpolitikken | Josimar
josimar.no
October 6, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Manchester City har tapt første runde. Men striden om snaue 12 milliarder kroner er langt fra over. Skal klubben snu saken i anken, må den forklare ikke bare hvor pengene egentlig kom fra, men hvorfor bevis eventuelt først kommer nå.
Kronikk av Egil André Berglund
josimar.no/artikler/nar...
Kronikk av Egil André Berglund
josimar.no/artikler/nar...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Typically informed, articulate and principled from Richie Sadlier on the question of Ireland's match with Israel. Joins Brian Kerr and Stephen Bradley in taking a clear stance on the matter.
Remember: Irish football isin this situation because UEFA refuses to apply its statutory rules to Israel.
Remember: Irish football isin this situation because UEFA refuses to apply its statutory rules to Israel.
Spot on Richie Sadlier, the FAI should not play Israel, UEFA should expel the apartheid state. We disagree that it would be self-sabotage to boycott though, it would be upholding international law and UEFA's own rules, and of course standing with the Palestinian people #BanIsrael
Video RTÉ Sport
Video RTÉ Sport
February 20, 2026 at 8:43 AM
Typically informed, articulate and principled from Richie Sadlier on the question of Ireland's match with Israel. Joins Brian Kerr and Stephen Bradley in taking a clear stance on the matter.
Remember: Irish football isin this situation because UEFA refuses to apply its statutory rules to Israel.
Remember: Irish football isin this situation because UEFA refuses to apply its statutory rules to Israel.
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
There's only two reasons Fifa would launch its own crypto (and they are not mutually exclusive):
1. To enable and disguise the payment of bribes.
2. To rinse fans of more money by lying to them that it's an investment or by making access to ticket contingent on having bought the crypto.
1. To enable and disguise the payment of bribes.
2. To rinse fans of more money by lying to them that it's an investment or by making access to ticket contingent on having bought the crypto.
February 20, 2026 at 10:56 AM
There's only two reasons Fifa would launch its own crypto (and they are not mutually exclusive):
1. To enable and disguise the payment of bribes.
2. To rinse fans of more money by lying to them that it's an investment or by making access to ticket contingent on having bought the crypto.
1. To enable and disguise the payment of bribes.
2. To rinse fans of more money by lying to them that it's an investment or by making access to ticket contingent on having bought the crypto.
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
"The uncomfortable truth is that Infantino seems unwilling to risk his personal relationship with Trump by publicly criticizing policies that fundamentally contradict FIFA’s stated mission."
Excellent from Rasoul Rahmani on @antoineduval.bsky.social's sports law Blog
www.asser.nl/SportsLaw/Bl...
Excellent from Rasoul Rahmani on @antoineduval.bsky.social's sports law Blog
www.asser.nl/SportsLaw/Bl...
Asser International Sports Law Blog | A World Cup Without the World? How Trump’s Travel Ban Contradicts FIFA’s Values - By Rasoul Rahmani
Editor's note: Rasoul Rahmani is a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Law, University of Turku, Finland
www.asser.nl
February 9, 2026 at 2:34 PM
"The uncomfortable truth is that Infantino seems unwilling to risk his personal relationship with Trump by publicly criticizing policies that fundamentally contradict FIFA’s stated mission."
Excellent from Rasoul Rahmani on @antoineduval.bsky.social's sports law Blog
www.asser.nl/SportsLaw/Bl...
Excellent from Rasoul Rahmani on @antoineduval.bsky.social's sports law Blog
www.asser.nl/SportsLaw/Bl...
This one seems relevant once more ⤵️
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
A Thread.
1/13
A Thread.
1/13
January 24, 2026 at 5:49 AM
This one seems relevant once more ⤵️
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
January 23, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Congratulations to Aida Youth Centre and all who supported them. Brilliant campaigning that put Infantino and Ceferin under serious pressure.
This is a symbolic victory amid a much wider tragedy that FIFA amd UEFA have done nothing to arrest.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
This is a symbolic victory amid a much wider tragedy that FIFA amd UEFA have done nothing to arrest.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
FIFA’s Infantino, UEFA’s Ceferin intervene to save local soccer pitch in West Bank from destruction
The IDF had been scheduled to demolish the pitch this week but that has been suspended after negotiations, sources said.
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Congratulations to Aida Youth Centre and all who supported them. Brilliant campaigning that put Infantino and Ceferin under serious pressure.
This is a symbolic victory amid a much wider tragedy that FIFA amd UEFA have done nothing to arrest.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
This is a symbolic victory amid a much wider tragedy that FIFA amd UEFA have done nothing to arrest.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
"FIFA can audit compliance with technical statutes but appears structurally incapable of – or uninterested in – confronting entrenched governance failures within member associations." Brilliant piece from @fidelisz.bsky.social for @playthegame-org.bsky.social www.playthegame.org/news/the-bro...
How systemic corruption's killing South African football
As South African football struggles with unpaid players and collapsing development structures, this investigation traces the flow of legacy funds meant for the grassroots and explains the financial an...
www.playthegame.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:21 AM
"FIFA can audit compliance with technical statutes but appears structurally incapable of – or uninterested in – confronting entrenched governance failures within member associations." Brilliant piece from @fidelisz.bsky.social for @playthegame-org.bsky.social www.playthegame.org/news/the-bro...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
If only there were some prominent figure ostensibly friendly with Trump, without political pressures, who could show diplomatic skill, and who has spoken about the uniting power of football…
Greenland crisis exposed Infantino’s new sports diplomacy
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Greenland crisis exposed Infantino’s new sports diplomacy
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
How Trump’s Greenland obsession could spark a World Cup boycott
Gianni Infantino’s cosying up to the US President has left Fifa in an awkward situation, writes Miguel Delaney, with the real prospect of lasting ramifications for the World Cup this summer
www.independent.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 9:32 AM
If only there were some prominent figure ostensibly friendly with Trump, without political pressures, who could show diplomatic skill, and who has spoken about the uniting power of football…
Greenland crisis exposed Infantino’s new sports diplomacy
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Greenland crisis exposed Infantino’s new sports diplomacy
www.independent.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
How U.S. immigration policies and visa reforms spell disaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A thread. 🧵
A thread. 🧵
December 26, 2025 at 2:20 PM
How U.S. immigration policies and visa reforms spell disaster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A thread. 🧵
A thread. 🧵
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Comment Gianni Infantino a vu ses rémunérations s’envoler en dix ans de règne à la FIFA
Comment Gianni Infantino a vu ses rémunérations s’envoler en dix ans de règne à la FIFA
D’après des documents fiscaux américains, dont « Le Monde » a pris connaissance, la Fédération internationale de football a payé en 2024, pour son patron, un peu plus de six millions de dollars annuels en salaires, bonus, et autres avantages contractuels.
www.lemonde.fr
January 15, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Comment Gianni Infantino a vu ses rémunérations s’envoler en dix ans de règne à la FIFA
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Senior British politician has raised the spectre of UK sanctions against Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour Al Nahyan.
"Sheikh Mansour is possibly the most high profile UAE investor in the country. What are we going to do about that?"
"Sheikh Mansour is possibly the most high profile UAE investor in the country. What are we going to do about that?"
January 12, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Senior British politician has raised the spectre of UK sanctions against Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour Al Nahyan.
"Sheikh Mansour is possibly the most high profile UAE investor in the country. What are we going to do about that?"
"Sheikh Mansour is possibly the most high profile UAE investor in the country. What are we going to do about that?"
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
New Post
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turns its back on the United Nations?
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
thepitchinspection.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:53 AM
New Post
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
From Aruba and Mauritania to the Seychelles, FIFA is commercialising as many lower-level games as possible via FIFA+.
Stats Perform will be collecting the data for betting operators.
Here is more background. With @stevemenary.bsky.social.
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
Stats Perform will be collecting the data for betting operators.
Here is more background. With @stevemenary.bsky.social.
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
FIFA+ livestreams fuel global in-play betting markets
New research from Play the Game shows how unlicensed betting companies are using FIFA’s own streaming platform to offer in-play wagers on low-level matches worldwide. Many smaller federations are unaw...
www.playthegame.org
January 12, 2026 at 10:23 PM
From Aruba and Mauritania to the Seychelles, FIFA is commercialising as many lower-level games as possible via FIFA+.
Stats Perform will be collecting the data for betting operators.
Here is more background. With @stevemenary.bsky.social.
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
Stats Perform will be collecting the data for betting operators.
Here is more background. With @stevemenary.bsky.social.
www.playthegame.org/news/fifa-li...
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Paris Saint-Germain have been knocked out of the Coupe de la Ligue — by Paris FC.
Jonathan Ikone's goal knocked the holders out in the round of 32.
Jonathan Ikone's goal knocked the holders out in the round of 32.
January 12, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Paris Saint-Germain have been knocked out of the Coupe de la Ligue — by Paris FC.
Jonathan Ikone's goal knocked the holders out in the round of 32.
Jonathan Ikone's goal knocked the holders out in the round of 32.
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
A Thread.
1/13
A Thread.
1/13
January 12, 2026 at 1:31 PM
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
A Thread.
1/13
A Thread.
1/13
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
A Thread.
1/13
A Thread.
1/13
January 12, 2026 at 1:31 PM
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
A Thread.
1/13
A Thread.
1/13
New Post
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turns its back on the United Nations?
As Donald Trump withdraws the United States from long standing United Nations treaties, what does it mean for FIFA and the 2026 World Cup?
thepitchinspection.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:53 AM
New Post
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
Will FIFA turn its back on the UN?
The “Football Unites the World” initiative was created to support major UN organisations.
The main host for the 2026 World Cup, is now withdrawing from all of them.
Please Read / Comment / Share
thepitchinspection.substack.com/p/will-fifa-...
As Gianni Infantino promotes World Cup tickets on his instagram account, the reality that awaits travelling football fans at the U.S. based World Cup games in just 5 months time ⤵️
This guy is in Minneapolis standing before an American citizen in an SUV.
The only reason he's brandishing an assault rifle is because he wants the people he's purportedly there protecting to feel terrorized by his presence.
This is not protection. This is occupation.
The only reason he's brandishing an assault rifle is because he wants the people he's purportedly there protecting to feel terrorized by his presence.
This is not protection. This is occupation.
January 11, 2026 at 11:41 AM
As Gianni Infantino promotes World Cup tickets on his instagram account, the reality that awaits travelling football fans at the U.S. based World Cup games in just 5 months time ⤵️
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Earlier today, Elon Musk endorsed full-on Neo-Nazi blood and soil ideology.
January 8, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Earlier today, Elon Musk endorsed full-on Neo-Nazi blood and soil ideology.
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
New Libero
You come at the Sporting Director, you best not miss
@rorysmith.bsky.social
@migueldelaney.bsky.social
@jameshorncastle.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/37506c
You come at the Sporting Director, you best not miss
@rorysmith.bsky.social
@migueldelaney.bsky.social
@jameshorncastle.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/37506c
Libero: Libero 086 | Amorim, Maresca And The Battle For Power
That’s been quite a week, hasn’t it? On today’s Libero, Miguel Delaney, Rory Smith and James Horncastle explore how the sackings of Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim shed light on where power lie...
pod.fo
January 9, 2026 at 7:00 AM
New Libero
You come at the Sporting Director, you best not miss
@rorysmith.bsky.social
@migueldelaney.bsky.social
@jameshorncastle.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/37506c
You come at the Sporting Director, you best not miss
@rorysmith.bsky.social
@migueldelaney.bsky.social
@jameshorncastle.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/37506c
Reposted by The Pitch Inspection
Link to the @thefsa.bsky.social's blueprint document "Stop Exploiting Loyalty": thefsa.org.uk/wp-content/u...
January 9, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Link to the @thefsa.bsky.social's blueprint document "Stop Exploiting Loyalty": thefsa.org.uk/wp-content/u...