The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed solidarity with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), supporting their concerns regarding FIFA's proposal to introduce private investment into its major international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
In a statement published on July 31 in Kuala Lumpur, AFC noted that it is closely monitoring developments related to the proposed creation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) with deep concern. The Confederation emphasized that the mere fact of publicly discussing the possibility of boycotting the World Cup indicates the seriousness of the current crisis and raises questions about the future of world football.
AFC believes that, given the clear positions of UEFA and CONCACAF, as well as the disagreements arising within the football community, the FFE proposal is unlikely to gain the necessary broad support for implementation. The Confederation insisted that the value of the FIFA World Cup is based on the participation of all confederations and leading football nations, and any initiative that could undermine the unity of the tournament must be reconsidered.
According to AFC, the issue goes beyond the FFE project and reveals shortcomings in FIFA's existing decision-making and consultation processes. The Confederation stated that despite the explanations provided by FIFA, concerns regarding corporate governance, institutional procedures, and meaningful engagement with the wider football community remain unresolved.
AFC stressed that initiatives that could affect the commercial, sporting, and strategic future of world football must be developed through transparent procedures involving confederations, national associations, and FIFA governing bodies, including the FIFA Council. It was added that consultations conducted only after proposals are developed cannot replace substantive involvement at early stages.
Furthermore, the confederation called on FIFA to review its governance and decision-making system to ensure that future global initiatives are based on timely consultations, broad stakeholder participation, and effective oversight by established FIFA bodies. In conclusion, AFC emphasized that the FIFA World Cup and world football belong to the entire football community, and their future should be determined collectively through institutions representing all confederations and national football associations.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie spoke with the press in Cape Town on Friday, where the New Zealand team was warmly welcomed by hundreds of local fans.
The All Blacks are aware of the huge challenge awaiting them in the greatest rugby rivalry against the Springboks, but they are ready for the test posed by the world champions and the United Rugby Championship franchise.
Following a heroic reception in Cape Town on Friday, the New Zealanders are preparing for their first clash with the Stormers next week at the DHL Stadium in the Mother City.
Head coach Dave Rennie confirmed on Friday that due to the war in the Middle East, the team had to use various routes to arrive in the country. However, all players, except for team captain Ardie Savea, who is on an extended leave, are already in Cape Town before the tournament starts.
According to the All Blacks coach, some athletes had to fly through Hong Kong, Perth, and Singapore. Rennie stated on Friday: 'Everyone is here except Ardie; the last group arrived this morning.' He added: 'Yes, look, we were supposed to fly through Dubai, but obviously, because of what is happening in the Persian Gulf, we had to make later changes—maybe two or three weeks ago. We managed it. One group was supposed to fly through Hong Kong, one through Singapore, and one through Perth. Ardie will arrive right after the game against the Sharks.'
He continued: 'Our first game here in Cape Town, so we will be based here until then. But once we start playing other matches, we will travel as one team. We will not leave a group here (in Cape Town) nor send another group forward. We will be in the city and supporting each other in the stands at every match.'
Since Ardie Savea has not yet arrived in South Africa, All Blacks tour captain Cody Taylor was popular among Cape Town residents. Hundreds of people welcomed New Zealand to the Mother City before the Great Rugby Rivalry against the Springboks began.
The All Blacks will first play three matches against South African franchises, starting with the Stormers, followed by encounters with the Sharks and Bulls. The first match will take place at Ellis Park (August 22), the second at the DHL Stadium (August 29), and the third at the FNB Stadium in Soweto (September 5). Their arch-rivals will play the fourth match in Baltimore, USA.
In Rennie's opinion, the team continues to develop. Nevertheless, like the Boks, they remain undefeated in 2026, which should give them a lot of confidence before the tour.
He noted: 'We are building a team and are still a new side with a lot of new staff and young players. So we are learning a lot. But we are well aware of how difficult this challenge is; they are two-time world champions, and Erasmus did a phenomenal job here.'
Orlando Pirates, the reigning Betway Premiership champions, are preparing to start the season by hosting recently promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The team enters the new season under significant pressure after waiting 14 years for a title last year.
Head coach Abdelsalam Waddu must now ensure that last season's success becomes a foundation, not a peak of achievement. Despite mixed results in the pre-season campaign, the Moroccan coach constantly emphasizes the importance of maintaining the standards set during the championship season, rather than focusing on friendly match results.
The Soweto-based team has also undergone changes following the departure of Relobokhile Mofokeng to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. However, Waddu believes that the entire team should provide cover for the current PSL Player of the Year. The arrival of Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen, nicknamed 'Baby Haaland' by South African fans, is expected to be a factor that adds much-needed clinical sharpness, even though Pirates created more chances than any other team on the continent last season.
Captain Nkosinat Sibisi has called on his teammates to turn Orlando Stadium into an impregnable fortress if they want to successfully defend their title. Pirates are again relying on players like Osim Apollos, Tshepang Moremi, and goalkeeper Sipho Chane to ensure a perfect start to another intense season, which includes both domestic and continental ambitions.
Most of Pirates' attacking threat is expected to come from Apollos. The winger from Bafana Bafana possesses the speed, creativity, and directness necessary to trouble any defense, making him one of the league's standout attackers. Consequently, Milford's defense will face an immediate test trying to stop one of South Africa's most dangerous forwards.
For Milford, this Saturday marks the most important event in the club's history. After promotion to the Premiership, the KwaZulu-Natal side will make its long-awaited debut in the top division, hoping to spoil the champions' celebration.
Coach Hanti Pupuma has brought the club into uncharted territory and is expected to employ a disciplined and compact approach against Pirates, who are likely to dominate possession. Milford's ability to maintain an organized defense while looking to exploit counter-attacks could determine whether they leave Soweto with a memorable result.
For Pirates, this match is important not only for securing three points; it is an opportunity to send an early message to the entire league that last season's triumph was not an isolated incident, and that they remain a team to be beaten in South African football. Milford, meanwhile, comes with low expectations and everything to gain, and even a draw against the defending champions would be a great start for the newcomers and give them huge confidence for the weeks ahead.
