✍️ I am a journalist at The Athletic 🏆 British Sports Writer of the Year 🇺🇸 Recently relocated to NYC
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Exclusive; What *really* happened at Michel Johnson’s Grand Slam Track, which owes athletes millions 💰GST never had $30m+ cash in 1st place 💵Todd Boehly’s Eldridge backed away from non-binding term sheet for up to $40m to rescue GST after opening meet in Kingston www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
GST and Winners Alliance continue to insist they believe in the idea and are seeking further funding. The full remarkable inside story as a track legend scrambles to salvage his reputation and his league. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
Further big payments owed to multiple contractors, facilities and World Athletics (for use of rights and rankings). GST has cut members of exec team and reduced staff pay. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
Even now, the only money paid out by GST to athletes is promotional fees from Jamaica; prize money still not paid, and all fees for Miami and Philly not paid. Some agents considering legal action, others more patient. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
Yet Eldridge sources insist their concerns centred on the business model; a reliance on event-day revenue which then became a bigger problem when Jamaica meet underwhelmed. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
The Philly meet was almost cancelled: still in balance 10 days before the event. In agent calls, MJ blamed payment delays first on drug testing delays, then cited world economic turmoil as dissuading investors. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
While cause for optimism with Eldridge deal sheet; Johnson knew before Jamaica funding not guaranteed & agents/athletes were not informed before Miami & Philly meets that funding was an issue, even as business class travel + $12.6m prize pot remained www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
While GST went public last year declaring they had $30m+ “secured financial commitments”, the truth, they & lead investors Winners Alliance now concede, is they had $13m with WA having the OPTION of investing a further $19m. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
Exclusive; What *really* happened at Michel Johnson’s Grand Slam Track, which owes athletes millions 💰GST never had $30m+ cash in 1st place 💵Todd Boehly’s Eldridge backed away from non-binding term sheet for up to $40m to rescue GST after opening meet in Kingston www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
NEW: 🎰 FIFA was in advanced talks with venues in Vegas to host World Cup draw 🫡 But Trump admin insisted on Kennedy Center in DC - a venue he is now chairing & shaping - & Infantino fell into line, despite numerous FIFA officials preferring Vegas option www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
Venues in Vegas received generic “thank you, but no thank you” email from FIFA on Friday, hours before announcement, as Infantino went to news briefing where Trump suggested Putin would like to come to the 2026 World Cup. FIFA declined to comment. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
Several US host cities unhappy with process by FIFA & venue - they were not consulted. Many preferred less political option of Vegas where they could entertain prospective sponsors for their cities, who are shouldering World Cup costs much more than FIFA www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
😳Vegas talks so advanced U.S. Soccer even planned a conference in Vegas for the week of the World Cup draw, securing event space and sending “save the date” messages. Now pivoting to DC 🏨 MGM in Vegas thousands of hotel rooms for FIFA until mid August www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
For those who haven’t followed takeover of Kennedy Center, Trump has removed Biden appointees from previously bipartisan board and installed his own loyalists, calling for an end to “drag shows, wokesters and anti-American propaganda”. www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
NEW: 🎰 FIFA was in advanced talks with venues in Vegas to host World Cup draw 🫡 But Trump admin insisted on Kennedy Center in DC - a venue he is now chairing & shaping - & Infantino fell into line, despite numerous FIFA officials preferring Vegas option www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...
NEW @theathletic.com : Chelsea & the club’s players have decided to give an equal portion of club’s $15.5m Club World Cup bonus fund (around $500k per player) to family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva following tragic death of the two brothers this summer. www.nytimes.com/athletic/655...
NEW: La Liga want to play Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami in December. To be discussed at Spanish FA meeting on Monday. US Soccer will not oppose following settlement with (promoter) Relevent this year. www.nytimes.com/athletic/654...
"In May, Infantino said everyone would be welcome in America: 'Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans.' Within a couple of weeks, the administration had implemented the travel bans." (@adamcrafton.bsky.social) www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
UEFA initially said to The Athletic this was because of his commitment to women’s Euros but we have since learned he has attended just one game at the tournament in Switzerland. www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
NEW UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has snubbed attending the entirety of FIFA Club World Cup amid ongoing tensions with FIFA about incursions into the club game. www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...
Surprised. But also not surprised. What a time. 🫨 www.ft.com/content/0b1b...
United’s execs were supportive of the documentary idea but in the end came to unified decision following Amorim’s feedback. Were some commercial reasons which impacted eventual withdrawal from talks but Amorim buy-in was crucial for it to work. www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
Exclusive Man United held secret talks with Amazon for record-breaking behind scenes documentary. Plug pulled amid concerns by Ruben Amorim as to whether timing was appropriate for first team amid team’s struggles in recent years www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
NEW: Latest twist of FIFA Club World Cup pricing strategy. 72 hours ago, standard admission ticket for first semi-final (Chelsea v Fluminense) at $473.90. By yesterday, $44.60. Now $13.40. Those who bought on Wednesday paid a 35x multiple of price today www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
FIFA also offered their thousands of volunteers four complimentary tickets each to help fill venues for quarter finals, in addition to dropping prices. A gesture gratefully received but very much not part of the original plan. www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
On one hand, FIFA doing everything to increase access and attendances. On the other, those who bought tickets in good faith have paid an extortionate price compared to those buying three days later. FIFA not commenting on whether fans will get any refund. www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
NEW: Latest twist of FIFA Club World Cup pricing strategy. 72 hours ago, standard admission ticket for first semi-final (Chelsea v Fluminense) at $473.90. By yesterday, $44.60. Now $13.40. Those who bought on Wednesday paid a 35x multiple of price today www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
Hey I presume you mean the 18th when Juve played there. This was a one day activation a day after the human rights rights groups criticized fifa for not doing so. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
NEW: Updated story as the House passes Trump domestic policy bill. U.S. host cities have secured full ask of $625m federal funding to assist security costs for 2026 World Cup. Hosting agreement with FIFA insists cities cover almost all security costs www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
NEW: Standard admission tickets for Club World Cup 1/4 final been slashed for several games; $11.15 for Fluminense v Al-Hilal $22.30 for Chelsea v Palmeiras $44.60 for PSG v Bayern Huge drop from original pricing. FIFA prioritizing access at last? www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
Not true tbh. Rental fees for stadiums and training bases. Huge logistical costs
No worries, I’ve become far too familiar and au fait with the app!!
The piece says real prices holding firm
Completely agree
In January FIFA were targeting $500 for lower bowl in quarter-finals, but Chelsea v Palmeiras in lower bowl now just $22. Despite these cuts, remaining standard admission for the semi final between Real/Dortmund v Bayern/PSG currently a staggering $978 www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
NEW: Standard admission tickets for Club World Cup 1/4 final been slashed for several games; $11.15 for Fluminense v Al-Hilal $22.30 for Chelsea v Palmeiras $44.60 for PSG v Bayern Huge drop from original pricing. FIFA prioritizing access at last? www.nytimes.com/athletic/647...
Tim Howard warns reform needed to “ostracizing” pay-to-play system in U.S. or country risk losing out on talent. “When I see some families & the list of priorities on bills that need to be paid, youth soccer is not one of them,so kids are gonna miss out” www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Howard continued: “If you have a campaign that’s important, that should be important everywhere and always.” In wide ranging interview, he also calls out the pay to play model in US youth soccer as “ostracizing people on a socioeconomic level” www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
In an interview with The Athletic, Tim Howard urges FIFA not to dilute anti-racism campaigns as they have during Club World Cup. “When it comes to racism in the game & in America…it is alive and well. “There’s never a time we shouldn’t amplify the message” www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Explained here www.nytimes.com/athletic/643... President Trump urged to protect 2026 World Cup host cities from threat of drones
The bill contains $500m that members of congress had sought to protect the skies in World Cup cities at stadiums & fan fests from the threat of drones. Overall a potential big win for US Soccer + FIFA who supported the cities in lobbying US govt. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
NEW Boost for US World Cup host cities as major bill passed through senate *included* $625m federal security funding request. Major spend on lobbyists looks to have paid off. Also includes $1bn towards planning & security for LA28. House must now approve www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Letter sent this morning to Infantino, FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro, COO Kevin Lamour, World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi, director of govt relations Alex Sopko, chief strategy officer Amy Hopfinger. Also copied in Matthew Mullen, World Cup human rights manager www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
The letter is co-signed by groups including Fair Square, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and NAACP, an American civil rights organization founded in 1909, as well as the 105-year-old American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
The letter goes on to claim that if FIFA remain silent, then “the FIFA brand will be used as a public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Exclusive Over 90 U.S. civil society groups & unions write to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to use “leverage” of FIFA’s relationship with Trump to urge White House to reverse policies it claims pose risks to World Cup attendees & migrant communities www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
The responses to Zohran Mamdani’s showing in the New York City mayoral primary were the latest examples of how some Republican lawmakers have grown more overt in using bigoted language and tropes.
Spoke to Trent Alexander-Arnold: 🥰 why he’s impressed by Real Madrid dressing room 🇪🇸Alonso 1-on-1 attention aiding language barrier 🔝DNA of "Real: “winning trophies is what we do” 🥵 “Ridiculously hot” afternoon games making it hard to “think straight” on the pitch www.nytimes.com/athletic/645...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/h...
NEW: FIFA are throwing a gala to “celebrate” the Club World Cup in New York City and attendees being charged between $1,000 and $3,000 per person to party with Gianni Infantino + “World Cup stars” + watch Rita Ora sing. www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
The latest from “the most inclusive competition in FIFA's history ...” (according to themselves)
Co-hosted by “Big Art”, whose sales rep said it “is a rare opportunity to align your brand with FIFA & engage directly with global decision-makers.” FIFA say they won’t receive revenues but didn’t comment as to whether access to FIFA should be paid-for. www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
NEW: FIFA are throwing a gala to “celebrate” the Club World Cup in New York City and attendees being charged between $1,000 and $3,000 per person to party with Gianni Infantino + “World Cup stars” + watch Rita Ora sing. www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...
Tbh it sounds pretty sensible what is being suggested
Rep. Darin LaHood, chair of the congressional soccer caucus, has urged President Trump to enact executive order which would enable trained state/local law enforcement to protect the skies from drones at 2026 World Cup. Currently only federal forces allowed to do so. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Exclusive @theathletic.bsky.social Two-time NBA Champion Kevin Durant expands relationship with PSG, investing directly into European Champions while he will consult with French team over “potential plans” to expand into basketball as Qatar eye NBA Europe franchise www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
Personally thought fair to ask given Juve owner, players & execs were at White House on game day along with FIFA President. Timmy Weah did answer in mixed zone. “It was all a surprise to me, honestly — they told us we have to go and I had no choice” www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
FIFA suit last night blocked my question to Juve coach Igor Tudor about how it felt to be in Oval Office on gameday when the U.S. President talking major world issues like Iran. Questions have to be about the game, they said. A piece on the latest peculiar episode. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Cheapest beer tonight at Juventus v Al Ain at Audi Field in DC appears to be $15.49 and the cheapest bottle of water I have seen is $6.29.
This evening in political neutrality by FIFA
BREAKING: The FDA has approved a twice-yearly injection that provided a near-perfect shield against H.I.V. infection in clinical trials. But the Trump administration has gutted the programs that might have paid for it in low-income countries (Gift article) www.nytimes.com/2025/06/18/h...
Unclear whether this activation was pre-planned or a result of backlash against their rollback of anti-racism messaging in the US. FIFA certainly didn’t mention it was scheduled in any response they sent to me while reporting on the issue earlier in week www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
NEW: After backlash by anti discrimination and human rights campaigners - FIFA has restored messaging for its “No Racism” campaign in CWC venues - but FIFA sources say it is for *one* day only to mark International Day for Countering Hate Speech. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Infantino using his insta-megaphone to celebrate the “multicultural atmosphere” at the Club World Cup, while at the same time quietly dispensing with planned anti-racism messaging for the tournament as reported by @adamcrafton.bsky.social earlier this week.
Exclusive FIFA has decided not to show videos or signage which explicitly mention challenging racism or discrimination in US Club World Cup venues FIFA point to statutes - "politically neutral" - when asked if US political climate played part in decision www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
NEW: Kick It Out the latest group to criticize FIFA’s rollback of anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup in USA. They call it “concerning”, “urge Fifa to reverse its decision” and say they “hope this is not a sign of things to come at the World Cup” www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Also: FIFA did not consult the European Clubs Association, who partnered with FIFA to commercialize the Club World Cup, on their campaigns for the tournament & FIFPro (who represent players) were not informed of changes. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
NEW: FIFA has been criticized by multiple anti-discrimination campaigners after deciding to roll back its anti-racism messaging during Club World Cup in US. “This looks like FIFA ditching its principles in an effort to keep President Trump onside.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
FIFA are the latest sports organization to alter their approach in the U.S. since the change of administration in the White House…. after the NFL altered their slogan at the Super Bowl end zone from “End Racism” to “Choose Love”. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
It’s significant because FIFA has used slogans promoting inclusion, and challenging discrimination at previous tournaments. FIFA haven’t responded when asked if anti discrimination and anti racism messaging will return for 2026 World Cup. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
FIFA, we have been told, did prepare promotional materials for the tournament for “no racism” campaign but they have not been used. Instead they are using the much more vague “football unites the world.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
FIFA are the latest sports organization to alter their approach in the U.S. since the change of administration in the White House…. after the NFL altered their slogan at the Super Bowl end zone from “End Racism” to “Choose Love”. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
It’s significant because FIFA has used slogans promoting inclusion, and challenging discrimination at previous tournaments. FIFA haven’t responded when asked if anti discrimination and anti racism messaging will return for 2026 World Cup. www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
FIFA, we have been told, did prepare promotional materials for the tournament for “no racism” campaign but they have not been used. Instead they are using the much more vague “football unites the world.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Exclusive FIFA has decided not to show videos or signage which explicitly mention challenging racism or discrimination in US Club World Cup venues FIFA point to statutes - "politically neutral" - when asked if US political climate played part in decision www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Exclusive: FIFA has spent over $50 million on marketing to promote this summer’s Club World Cup tournament in the United States, including increasing original budget by millions in past month as they sought to drive attendances for the tournament www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
The head coaches of both FC Porto and Palmeiras, as well as the Brazilian wonderkid Estevao, criticised the turf at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey following the draw between the two teams in the Club World Cup. 🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
Most MLS venues are under 35k. It’s quite obvious what is meant
As Club World Cup vies with attendance struggles, @theathleticfc.bsky.social learns US members of FIFA team warned using more MLS stadia would be necessary to sell out but European staff, led by Infantino, insisted on biggest & best (8 stadiums of the 12 are 60,000+) www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
I think it’s hard to quantify for this specific tournament. But next year for the World Cup will be much easier to quantify
The thing is, attendances at these games would be decent in any country, but Infantino set expectations so wildly outta kilter it will resemble failure to not sell out & FIFA original pricing sought to exploit market rather than grow still emerging sport www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
NEW: Why any perceived low attendances at the Club World Cup should be attributed to FIFA’s strategy and tone when organizing, promoting and marketing this event, rather than the latest judgment on the appetite of Americans for watching football www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
Exclusive US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have removed a controversial Facebook post highlighting their role at the Club World Cup after senior personnel from FIFA directly expressed concerns to CBP about the reaction and worry it had provoked. www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
Oh god sorry, thanks for flagging! Doh!!!!
Sorry what do you mean
NEW: FIFA’s latest attempts to fill Hard Rock for Club World Cup opening match between Messi’s Inter Miami & Al-Ahly involve offering students at an affiliated local college a single ticket for $20 — with the promise of up to 4 complimentary tickets www.nytimes.com/athletic/641...
How can a chief tournament officer not be prepared for questions about ticket sales or team base camp arrangements?
NEW: FIFA’s latest attempts to fill Hard Rock for Club World Cup opening match between Messi’s Inter Miami & Al-Ahly involve offering students at an affiliated local college a single ticket for $20 — with the promise of up to 4 complimentary tickets www.nytimes.com/athletic/641...
So while nationals from certain countries are blocked from entry, their compatriots helping USA to win Olympic medals have exemptions… www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
NEW: The Athletic learns U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee emailed all national governing sporting bodies late last night following Trump’s travel ban to attempt to reassure them that exemptions are included for support staff and coaches on Team USA… www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
U.S. State Dept spokesman seeks to justify travel ban that leaves fans at risk of being blocked from entering US for World Cup or the Olympic Games, saying that addressing security concerns “part of what it means to host an event.” Story @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
NEW: White House spokesperson tells The Athletic the WH consider both Club World Cup & Gold Cup “major sporting events”. So Haiti should be Ok for Gold Cup & players from banned countries in CWC teams can enter US. But problems remain for fans from banned countries www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
NEW: Trump travel ban raises fresh questions for FIFA & CONCACAF; - players from Sudan, Iran & Venezuela impacted at Club World Cup? - Can Haiti play/fans travel to Gold Cup? - Fans banned from WC 26 (Iran already qualified)? - Why did Infantino claim all welcome? www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
Infantino in 2017 btw: “It’s obvious when it comes to FIFA competitions, any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
NEW: Trump travel ban raises fresh questions for FIFA & CONCACAF; - players from Sudan, Iran & Venezuela impacted at Club World Cup? - Can Haiti play/fans travel to Gold Cup? - Fans banned from WC 26 (Iran already qualified)? - Why did Infantino claim all welcome? www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
Exclusive: FIFA slash prices again amid fears Club World Cup attendances will underwhelm as launch night game featuring Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against Al-Ahly sees tens of thousands of seats unsold www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
Inter Miami’s game against Al-Ahly dropped to $55. This is half of what they were available for in May, while tickets were $230 for the cheapest seat in January and $349 after the draw in December. Big climb down from expectations for FIFA. www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
Exclusive: FIFA slash prices again amid fears Club World Cup attendances will underwhelm as launch night game featuring Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against Al-Ahly sees tens of thousands of seats unsold www.nytimes.com/athletic/640...
Talking PSG Inter fallout with @adamcrafton.bsky.social @jameshorncastle.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social including tactics, emotions, fairytale-ish v state ownership debate & the future for the French giants with the young stars. Listen here 👇 @theathleticfc.bsky.social pod.fo/e/2de3b1
Breaking; Ruben Amorim has told Alejandro Garnacho to find a new club in a meeting with Manchester United players. Remarkable story by David Ornstein here www.nytimes.com/athletic/637...