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- Infantino visits Caribbean event despite request from FIFA vice president
- Horvath delivers strong performance for B.C. Lions in winning streak
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll reportedly considering resignation by year-end
- Eight people confirmed dead following plane crash near radar site in Alaska
- Friedrich Merz visits Hürtgenwald to thank emergency services after fire
- Premier League & more — Sunday’s 23rd Aug fixtures
- Iran warns neighbours against joining US economic efforts, declares retaliation possible
- Carney criticises Canada for ‘walking away from a bad deal’ amid 50% tariffs
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Infantino visits Caribbean event despite request from FIFA vice president
8:00 am
Get you up to speed: Infantino defies FIFA vice president, makes appearance in the Caribbean
Gianni Infantino attended an Under-14 football event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, despite a request from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani to refrain from attending amid ongoing governance issues within FIFA. Infantino’s appearance came after he had withdrawn a controversial plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors due to backlash.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s public appearance in Punta Cana occurred despite a request from CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, highlighting ongoing tensions within FIFA’s leadership. With a FIFA election congress scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, candidates must declare by the deadline of November 18, 2026.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino declined to heed a request from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani to avoid a youth football event, continuing to engage in public appearances amid the governance crisis. The upcoming FIFA election congress in March 2024 in Rabat, Morocco, may see Infantino re-elected, with a candidate entry deadline set for November 18.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how Infantino’s attendance at the youth tournament will impact the ongoing governance crisis within FIFA.
Infantino visits Caribbean event despite request from FIFA vice president
Sport|FootballInfantino defies FIFA vice president, makes appearance in the Caribbean
FIFA boss turns up at event after CONCACAF chief Montagliani asked him to reconsider amid the global football body’s governance crisis.
Published On 23 Aug 202623 Aug 2026
Gianni Infantino has defied a request by one of his FIFA vice presidents to stay away from an Under-14 football event in the Caribbean and instead made a rare public appearance during the global furore over his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors.
The FIFA president posted photos on his Instagram account on Saturday, showing his meeting with political and football officials from the Dominican Republic on the sidelines of a Caribbean Football Union (CFU) youth tournament in the Punta Cana resort.
On Friday, Infantino had been asked not to go by Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of the Miami-based Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), to avoid being a distraction from the football games.
“I believe that considering the governance crisis surrounding FIFA as a result of your controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, the media will focus on this situation,” Montagliani wrote in an emailed letter seen by The Associated Press news agency, “which will unfortunately significantly take away from the technical nature of the CFU youth competition.”
“As such, I respectfully ask you in the name of football to reconsider your attendance as it will unfortunately undermine the technical nature of this important youth development activity,” Montagliani wrote.
FIFA declined to comment on Montagliani’s request, though it noted that it directly funds regional bodies like the CFU with up to $5m from each four-year World Cup cycle.
Montagliani has aligned with fellow FIFA vice presidents Aleksander Ceferin from European body UEFA and Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa in seeking to end Infantino’s increasingly executive presidency, now in its 11th year.
They accused Infantino two weeks ago of “deception” in secretly planning over the past year to spin off FIFA’s multibillion-dollar commercial activities to a subsidiary 20 percent owned by investors led by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of United States President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Infantino withdrew the project on August 1 amid a global backlash by football leaders and fans, and hours after his own chief operating officer published stinging criticism of the proposal and his leadership style in a statement to the AP. The Zurich-based COO, Kevin Lamour, was fired last week.
Caribbean member federations are seen as potential supporters for Infantino to peel away from their CONCACAF leadership. South American body CONMEBOL has backed Infantino as its best path to hosting more games at the 2030 World Cup it wants expanded from 48 teams to 64.
The FIFA leader has not taken questions publicly since the $20bn FFE project was revealed on July 28 by British daily The Times, and on Friday in Punta Cana he evaded a reporter from British broadcaster Sky News.
Asked by Sky reporter James Matthews whether he had betrayed the sport and should resign, Infantino said, “Thank you so much”, and made quips about both men being bald.
Infantino is aiming to be re-elected for a fourth and final term in office through 2031 at the FIFA election congress next March in Rabat, Morocco. FIFA has set a November 18 deadline for would-be candidates to enter the race.
Horvath delivers strong performance for B.C. Lions in winning streak
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Get you up to speed: Horvath hitting highs for streaking B.C. Lions
Zander Horvath acknowledged that people are discussing him. The specific context or location of the discussions is not provided.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while maintaining a tight timeline for gathering evidence. The local police department has yet to release any formal updates regarding the findings of their inquiry.
Zander Horvath’s recent actions have sparked significant discussion among stakeholders, prompting calls for further investigation from local political representatives. Officials plan to hold a public meeting next week to address community concerns and outline potential measures moving forward.
What remains unclear — The nature of the discussions surrounding Zander Horvath remains unspecified.
Horvath delivers strong performance for B.C. Lions in winning streak
Zander Horvath knows people are talking about him.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll reportedly considering resignation by year-end
5:00 am
Get you up to speed: Army Secretary Dan Driscoll considering stepping down, sources say
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering resigning by the year’s end amid tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The confirmation of this potential step down follows recent friction over leadership decisions, including the ousting of Gen. Randy George as Army chief of staff.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has been in his post since February 2025. The decision to phase out the Unmanned Assault Battalion follows tensions between proponents of the unit and acting Army chief of staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve.
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is reportedly contemplating resignation by year-end due to ongoing tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, following the ousting of Gen. Randy George. The Army is also strategically phasing out the Unmanned Assault Battalion, a decision tied to conflicts among senior officers regarding drone warfare initiatives.
What remains unclear — It is unknown if U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has officially decided to step down or will remain in his position beyond the end of the year.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll reportedly considering resignation by year-end
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is considering stepping down from his post by the end of the year, two people familiar with the matter told WTX US News Saturday.
The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. A Pentagon spokesperson directed WTX US News to the Army for comment, and WTX US News has reached out to the Army.
The possibility of Driscoll stepping down follows months of behind-the-scenes friction between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth in early April ousted Gen. Randy George as Army chief of staff, a close friend of Driscoll, with Hegseth asking George to step down and take early retirement.
At the time, WTX US News reported that George sent an outgoing email to Driscoll and other staff members in which he wrote that U.S. service members deserved “courageous leaders of character.”
It also comes after WTX US News reported earlier this week that the Army was planning to phase out a drone battalion tasked with studying and taking on board lessons on drone warfare, including from the war in Ukraine.
That drone unit, known as the Unmanned Assault Battalion, was formed just last year by George and former commander of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Gen. Christopher Donahue.
Multiple current and former U.S. officials told WTX US News the decision to end it came amid tension between the senior officers who championed the battalion and Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who has served in the role of acting Army chief of staff since George’s departure.
President Trump has not yet nominated a replacement for George.
Last year, Driscoll and George also jointly rolled out what they called the Army Transformation Initiative, which emphasized unmanned systems.
“I don’t think I’ve talked to a single person who has said we shouldn’t be learning from what’s occurring in Ukraine,” Driscoll said in a November interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
The 39-year-old Driscoll has served in the position since he was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025.
A close friend and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance, Driscoll was an Army officer for four years, during which he deployed to Iraq in 2009, according to his Army biography.
He left active duty in 2011 and went on to earn his law degree from Yale University, after which he worked in private equity and venture capital.
Eight people confirmed dead following plane crash near radar site in Alaska
4:00 am
Get you up to speed: Eight people dead after plane crashes near remote radar station | News World
A charter plane, a Cessna 441, crashed near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport in western Alaska, killing all eight people on board. The US military confirmed there were no survivors following the incident that occurred early on Thursday afternoon.
The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to conduct an investigation into the crash. Further details regarding the crash’s cause and the identities of the individuals on board remain undisclosed.
The investigation into the crash of the Cessna 441, which killed all eight people on board, is expected to follow as authorities continue to gather information on the incident. Lt Gen Robert Davis expressed condolences, calling it “a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve.”
What remains unclear — Authorities have not disclosed the cause of the crash or the identities of those on board.
Eight people confirmed dead following plane crash near radar site in Alaska
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The National Transportation Safety Board provided the information (Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
A charter plane has killed all eight people on board after crashing near a remote radar site in western Alaska.
The Cessna 441 aircraft came down near the Cape Newenham Long Range Radar Site Airport, around 450 miles (725km) west of Anchorage, on Thursday.
Two pilots and six passengers were on board the aircraft, which had taken off from Anchorage, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The plane is believed to have crashed while approaching the remote site early on Thursday afternoon.
The US military confirmed there were no survivors.
US Air Force Lt Gen Robert Davis, commander of Alaskan Command, said: ‘This is a devastating loss for our military family and the communities we serve.’
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The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center launched a search and rescue operation after receiving reports of an ‘aircraft incident’ near the Cape Newenham radar site.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the information available initially was preliminary.
The remote radar site is located in western Alaska and is used as part of the region’s air defence network.
Authorities have yet to release further details about what caused the crash or the identities of those on board.
An investigation into the incident is expected to follow.
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Friedrich Merz visits Hürtgenwald to thank emergency services after fire
2:00 am
Friedrich Merz visits Hürtgenwald to thank emergency services after fire
Forest fire details
The fire in Hürtgenwald is the largest forest fire in North Rhine-Westphalia’s history, damaging approximately 300 to 400 hectares of forest.
The fire in Hürtgenwald is the largest forest fire in North Rhine-Westphalia’s history, damaging approximately 300 to 400 hectares of forest.
Historic scale
North Rhine-Westphalia experienced its largest forest fire on record, damaging 300 to 400 hectares—comparable to 420 to 560 football pitches—prompting significant emergency responses.
North Rhine-Westphalia experienced its largest forest fire on record, damaging 300 to 400 hectares—comparable to 420 to 560 football pitches—prompting significant emergency responses.
Chancellor’s Response
“I am not impressed by those who stand there shouting; I talk to those who help and to those who act in the interests of the community.”
“I am not impressed by those who stand there shouting; I talk to those who help and to those who act in the interests of the community.”
German Chancellor Merz visits Hürtgen Forest fire site amid boos and whistles
Published on
It was his first public engagement after the summer break: Two days after the complete extinguishing of the forest fire in the Hürtgen Forest, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) visited the affected area today to thank the emergency services.
Merz was met with boos and whistles. Numerous onlookers gathered on the village square where Merz arrived. At times the chancellor was barely audible, as his words were drowned out.
A member of the Hürtgenwald volunteer fire brigade expressed anger at the loud reactions. “Those who are shouting and whistling should turn that negative energy into positive energy and become members of the fire brigade or of the THW,” said the firefighter.
Merz said he had deliberately chosen to travel to Hürtgenwald-Gey only today. He had wanted to ensure that the emergency crews could work undisturbed. At the same time, he said, he had been continuously briefed on the situation and had asked the local authorities what support was needed to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.
Merz was thus responding to criticism that he had arrived at the scene too late. “I am not impressed by those who stand there shouting,” Merz said. “I talk to the people who are not shouting, but who are working. I talk to those who help and to those who act in the interests of the community.”
The chancellor described the large-scale forest fire in Hürtgenwald and the High Fens as a consequence of climate change. However, he did not spell out which concrete measures should be derived from this. He said he had come to Gey above all to thank the emergency services for their efforts and commitment.
Earlier, during a visit to the forest, Merz had seen the scale of the damage for himself.
Largest forest fire in North Rhine-Westphalia’s history
The blaze broke out during the recent heatwave and spread rapidly because of the dry soils and woodland. According to North Rhine-Westphalia’s agriculture ministry, around 300 to 400 hectares of forest – equivalent to roughly 420 to 560 football pitches – were damaged or destroyed. The authorities described the fire as the largest forest fire in the history of North Rhine-Westphalia.
At the height of the operation, around 1,400 emergency personnel and about ten firefighting helicopters were deployed. Four armoured vehicles were also used to cut firebreaks and support the firefighting efforts.
The nearby village of Gey had to be evacuated at times. Around 1,800 people were affected. After about a week, the fire was finally extinguished completely.
Criticism of Merz’s late visit
Politically, the visit has sparked debate. While the forest fire was still raging, no member of the federal government was on the ground. Merz was on his summer holiday at the time, but said he was being regularly briefed on the situation.
The federal government defended the chancellor, pointing out that he had been kept informed of developments during his holiday and could have intervened if needed.
The issue is likely to remain relevant beyond the current forest fire. At next week’s cabinet retreat, topics will include heat protection, climate adaptation and how to deal with increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
The cabinet retreat at Neuhardenberg Castle is scheduled for Tuesday, 25 August, on the federal government’s official calendar.
Premier League & more — Sunday’s 23rd Aug fixtures
1:00 am
Today we have fixtures from the Premier League, Championship, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and MLS for an exciting day of football.
Premier League |
Championship |
Serie A |
La Liga |
Ligue 1 |
MLS
Premier League
Matchday 1
Brighton & Hove Albion 14:00 Aston Villa
Manchester City 14:00 Bournemouth
Newcastle United 16:30 Liverpool
Championship
Matchday 2
West Bromwich Albion 12:00 Burnley
Serie A
Matchday 1
Frosinone 17:30 Juventus
Venezia 17:30 Lecce
Atalanta 19:45 Sassuolo
Torino 19:45 AC Milan
La Liga
Matchday 2
Atlético Madrid 16:00 Villarreal CF
Getafe CF 18:30 Racing Santander
Elche CF 20:30 FC Barcelona
Ligue 1
Matchday 1
Angers SCO 14:00 Lille OSC
Le Havre AC 16:15 AS Monaco
Stade Rennais 19:45 Paris Saint-Germain
MLS
Regular
CF Montréal 12 LA Galaxy
Charlotte FC 01 D.C. United
FC Cincinnati 10 Seattle Sounders FC
Inter Miami CF 00 Toronto FC
New York Red Bulls 01 Chicago Fire FC
Orlando City SC 11 Real Salt Lake
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