Jul 31, 2026, 02:00 PM UTC

European football governing body UEFA has escalated its standoff with FIFA by threatening a complete boycott of future international tournaments, including the World Cup, if FIFA President Gianni Infantino proceeds with selling a 20 percent stake in a commercial subsidiary to private investors.

FIFA rejected UEFA’s opposition, blaming misleading reports for disrupting consultations and asserting that "no one is selling football." The global body insisted it will move forward with evaluating the creation of "Fifa Forward Enterprise." However, pressure on Infantino is mounting, as Asian football leaders and key advisors have reportedly withdrawn support for the venture. The unanimous stance by UEFA's 55 member federations marks a significant crisis for global football governance.

Sources: Der Standard, DW, Tagesschau, TV 2 Nyheter

Malta's opposition Nationalist Party (PN) has expressed concern after reporting that 78% of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners across Malta and Gozo are either uncertain or unwilling to invest in their businesses over the next 12 months. The PN argued that the high level of hesitation among local business owners signals underlying economic challenges for the island nation.

In response, the Maltese government rejected the PN's claims regarding business sentiment and investment readiness. The disagreement comes amid broader political debates over economic performance and national investment conditions.

Sources: The Malta Independent

Austrian public broadcaster ORF announced updated guidelines requiring clear labelling of artificial intelligence content across its programming starting August 2. The decision aligns with new European Union labelling mandates coming into effect this weekend.

Under the updated framework established by the broadcaster's AI board, any application of artificial intelligence in news, sports, and magazine coverage must feature precise on-screen inserts. Furthermore, strict limitations apply to news reporting, where AI-generated images or videos will only be permitted when the broadcast specifically addresses artificial intelligence topics.

Sources: Der Standard

South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo has released a new cinematic work exploring quiet interpersonal dynamics through a visit to a partner's family home. The narrative centers on Donghwa and Junhee, a couple of three years, as Donghwa drives up to Junhee's family residence for the first time rather than dropping her off at the main road. Upon arrival, Junhee's father warmly greets the visitor and expresses immediate fascination with Donghwa's 1996 Kia used automobile. As the father takes the vehicle for a brief test drive, Donghwa waits outside, highlighting the subtle tensions and observational tone characteristic of Hong's storytelling style. The film delves into domestic interactions and mundane details, including conversational themes surrounding second-hand items and symbolic natural elements.

Sources: Der Standard.

The five children of the late Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi have decided to liquidate his vast private art collection, which comprises roughly 25,000 paintings and sculptures. The artworks are currently stored in a 4,500-square-meter warehouse located near Berlusconi's former residence in Arcore, close to Milan.

The storage facility containing the collection is scheduled for demolition to make way for the construction of a new supermarket on the property. Berlusconi, a prominent media tycoon and long-serving political figure, passed away in 2023. The sale marks a significant step by his heirs in managing and restructuring the late politician's extensive personal estate.

Sources: Der Standard.