Latest news with #FIFA2026WorldCup
Global News
2 days ago
- Business
- Global News
FIFA's Vancouver contract could shut out businesses near BC Place
While the FIFA 2026 World Cup is being touted as an economic boon for the City of Vancouver, it may not work out that way for some businesses close to the marquee venue. That's according to a clause in the Host City Agreement, recently obtained and published by independent journalist Bob Mackin of The Breaker News after a three-year battle. The contract requires the city to establish a 'controlled area' located 'directly adjacent to the outer stadium perimeter and in which certain commercial and other activities are prohibited on match days and the days prior to match days.' The contract requires signage in the controlled area to be removed or covered, and restricts the public sale of food and beverages along with souvenirs, in order to protect the rights of FIFA's corporate partners. That's potentially bad news for business owners like Ismet Yetisen, who runs the Boston Pizza on Beaty Street, right next door to BC Place. Story continues below advertisement Yetisen told Global News he'd been banking on the World Cup as a big opportunity for his restaurant. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'We want to make sure that we are opening every single day until 2 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 3 a.m. Not only for our guests that go in, but the guests that come out,' he said. 'My business is right next to one of the biggest stadiums in Canada. And obviously it brings a lot of income to me, but at the same time it brings lots of friends, and it brings out the people that eventually want to come back.' Details about the size and scope of the controlled area remain unclear; the Host City Agreement calls for details about the area to be hammered out for each participating stadium individually. But options will likely be limited in Vancouver's case, given the fact that BC Place is nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver, rather than surrounded by large parking lots like some other North American venues. 'It makes sense to have an exclusionary zone, we are talking about a high-profile event. We have even learned in the City of Vancouver recently why security really matters, so that is really a no-brainer,' said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, referring to the recent Lapu Lapu Day festival vehicle ramming attack. 'We are very attuned to the fact that it will have some impact on businesses, and we get the opportunity to look ahead and work with the local businesses to turn this into an opportunity for them as well, but those conversations are going to be ongoing, and we are going to work through it.' Story continues below advertisement Other clauses in the agreement call for significant road closures in the area around BC Place, and for 'host city beautification,' particularly near the stadium and the fan fest zone. Yetisen, meanwhile, remains hopeful the city can come to an agreement with FIFA that won't see him and other nearby businesses shut out of what could be a golden opportunity. 'Hopefully it won't happen, because if it does happen, obviously it's not good,' he said.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
No more second chances in Football! 134-year-old rule to be changed?
A fundamental shift in football's penalty-taking tradition may be on the horizon. For over 130 years, penalty kicks have offered more than a single opportunity, the chance for follow-ups and rebounds has often provided dramatic moments, unforgettable goals, and heartbreak alike in the world of football. But if proposed changes are accepted by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), scoring from rebounds off a missed penalty could soon become a thing of the past. The suggested revision would mean that once a penalty is taken, the ball is no longer 'live'. If the kicker misses or the goalkeeper saves, play would immediately restart with a goal-kick or another designated dead-ball scenario, eliminating the possibility of follow-up attempts. Think of it as football's version of hockey's penalty stroke: one chance, no second act. The logic behind the proposal is to reduce unfair advantages that attackers currently enjoy. Critics argue that the punishment for defensive fouls inside the box, often marginal handballs or soft contact, disproportionately benefits the attacking team. Rebounds, they say, create an extra chance that the original foul did not warrant. With goalkeepers already restricted by rules like keeping one foot on the line, defenders are increasingly under pressure in penalty situations. Football to be hampered with over-tinkering of laws? However, not everyone is on board. Many believe this is yet another example of over-tinkering with the laws of the game. Football, they argue, thrives on unpredictability and drama, qualities that rebound goals often deliver in abundance. Erasing them might make the game more sterile. At the heart of the debate is the growing influence of VAR. The video assistant referee system, while designed to eliminate clear and obvious errors, is increasingly being used to micro-manage games, from offside calls down to marginal touches. Now, IFAB is considering expanding VAR's reach even further, allowing it to check for second yellow cards, reverse corner decisions, and enforce the proposed penalty rule. No second chances in FIFA 2026 World Cup? If adopted, the law change would be in place by the 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams. Discussions are ongoing at the highest levels, with support reportedly coming from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. It's part of a broader effort to make the game more efficient and fair, with fewer stoppages and controversial decisions. Some trials have already been conducted, including at youth tournaments and the Under-21 European Championship. These trials have included additional timing mechanisms, such as a five-second countdown for goalkeepers to release the ball. While the intentions may be rooted in fairness, the shift could alter the very soul of spot-kicks. Penalties have always been moments of tension and high drama, and rebounds, love them or hate them, are part of that heritage.
Global News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
FIFA 2026 impacts to shutter Lower Mainland courts for nearly a month
When the biggest event in world soccer touches down in Vancouver next year, it will also create a big headache for the province's court system. The chief justice of the B.C. Supreme Court is warning that the FIFA 2026 World Cup will have 'very significant impacts' on court operations. 'The important priorities of public safety and traffic and crowd management during the event will draw heavily on police resources in the Lower Mainland and potentially elsewhere in the province,' Justice Ron Skolrood wrote in a recent notice. 4:06 Cost to host 2026 FIFA World Cup keeps going up 'For similar reasons, the BC Sheriff Service may have difficulty providing its usual level of support for court operations, including for the transport to court of accused persons in custody, for jury management, and for courthouse security.' Story continues below advertisement Skolrood added that anticipated traffic disruptions, the unavailability of hotel rooms for witnesses and deliberating juries and uncertain availability of police officers are also expected to affect the courts. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy As a result, the Vancouver, New Westminster, Abbotsford and Chilliwack law courts will be virtually shut down between June 12 and July 8, 2026. 'The Court is committed to ensuring that the Court maintains sufficient capacity to handle urgent matters and emergency hearings during the events and to protecting the safety and security of court participants, court proceedings and courthouses,' the chief justice said. All criminal trials by either judge or jury set for that period will need to be rescheduled, as will any jury selections. Civil jury trials scheduled during the FIFA period will also need to be postponed. 2:08 Provincial, municipal and First Nations governments sign FIFA memorandum of understanding The court will continue to schedule chambers applications during the period, but Skolrood said they could still see disruptions. Story continues below advertisement B.C. Premier David Eby said the World Cup will be the 'largest sporting event ever in the history of our province, and that as during the 2010 Olympics, British Columbians will need to put up with some disruptions. However, he said the province would work with the courts to ensure people's right to a trial is not unduly affected. 'This can be a very sensitive area for disruption; people have a right to a trial in a certain, fixed amount of time — we have to hit those targets. In fact, we are best in Canada for hitting those targets,' Eby said. 'But we have more work to do to ensure every single trial gets to court on time, and we will work with the court to make sure we address any concerns they may have.' Vancouver is scheduled to host seven games during the tournament, starting on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
News18
11-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
Watch: Luis Diaz's Solo Goal Shines In Colombia's Draw Against Argentina
Last Updated: The 28-year-old Diaz dribbled past multiple Argentine defenders finding the back of the net in the 24th minute of the game between the South American sides. Luis Diaz valiantly dribbled past multiple defenders and scored a stunning goal in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Argentina on Tuesday, June 10. The Columbia left winger scored the first goal for his team in the 24th minute, helping them draw the action-packed contest 1-1 versus the hosts at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At his dazzling best, Diaz pierced through the Argentine defence line and produced a memorable kick that ended with the ball jamming into the back of the net. The 28-year-old's brilliant strike gave the Colombians a 1-0 lead, setting them up for a potential victory until Thiago Almada pulled Argentina back and salvaged a draw for his team. Notably, it was Diaz's seventh goal in Colombia's highly intense qualification campaign for next year's World Cup and further raised calls for him to be appointed captain instead of skipper James Rodriguez. Even though Rodriguez played his part impressively in Colombia's Argentine bout, Diaz hogged the limelight with his magnificent goal. Diaz's spectacular opening goal sparked animated celebrations from him and his teammates, leaving even coach Nestor Lorenzo pumped up. Diaz also caught the attention of one of South America's most respected sports narrators, Victor Hugo Morales. A renowned commentator from Uruguay, who was on broadcast duties for AM 750, reserved high praise for the Colombian striker. 'What a goal by Colombia. Luis Diaz is a genius, a phenomenon, a player from another dimension. Extraordinary. He points to the stands with his fingers, but the heart is yours—yours for playing such extraordinary football," Morales said on air. 'A brilliant play by Luis Diaz, one of the greats in the world for Colombia. A truly magnificent goal. Thank you, Colombia, for this beautiful football and for elevating this match against the world champions. Luis Diaz wears the crown as Colombia's great player." Morales used Diaz's goal to highlight Colombia's ability to challenge the top South American sides. With his strike against Argentina, Diaz took his international tally for Colombia to 18 goals in 63 appearances. First Published: June 11, 2025, 15:37 IST
The Star
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
SAFA may dodge sanctions despite Bafana Bafana's player suspension oversight
In a significant development that arose this week after all the airtime arising from their engagement with the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association (SAFA) is on the verge of evading sanctions for a serious oversight. At the heart of the discussions was an incident involving Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, whose suspension oversight could lead to severe repercussions for the association and their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying aspirations. However, indications suggest that SAFA is likely to sidestep any penalties. This came after the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was fielded in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho even though he was suspended. He picked up two yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin and Zimbabwe and was not eligible to play against Lesotho. Bafana, who defeated Lesotho 2-0 in that game, lead Group C with a five-point gap over second-placed rivals Rwanda and Benin. The other group teams are Nigeria (seven points), Lesotho (six) and Zimbabwe (four). CAF's secretariat plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of its tournaments, including the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. They ensure match officials are well-informed about suspended players in meetings with match and team officials before the start of matches. This structured approach allows designated match commissioners and referees to be aware of any players who are barred from participating, thus upholding fairness in competition. In the case of the SA versus Lesotho match, this was not done, and it was not known that Mokoena had incurred an automatic suspension. Members of parliament deplored this disturbing display of administrative oversight and Bafana's management was put through the wringer for failing to execute basic organisational duties. This significant error went unnoticed by both the team and opponents, Lesotho. Two days after this match, the Nigerian Football Federation reportedly alerted Lesotho officials to this critical oversight. Lesotho and Nigeria have not formally announced protests to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding this contentious match. Despite the absence of an official filing, both nations are holding onto a flicker of hope that FIFA might intervene against the South Africans, sparking a potential firestorm in regional football politics. The window for protest submission has closed, as protests filed beyond the stipulated time frame are unlikely to be upheld, however, optimism lingers in both nations. The unresolved issues surrounding recent matches have left stakeholders in Lesotho and Nigeria questioning the integrity of competition and fairness within the African football sphere. A Nigerian-based football website has raised the Mokoena saga with monotonous regularity in the hope that CAF and FIFA will be strung into action. This has ignited fervent discussions in the football community across Africa. If CAF or FIFA intervened, it would affect the log positions of Nigeria, Lesotho, and South Africa. With only four rounds left in the qualifying matches, the possibility of FIFA's intervention has raised eyebrows as teams vie for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. Changes in Nigeria and Lesotho's positions could emerge if SAFA is punished and this potential turn of events could drastically alter the landscape of the Group C World Cup qualifying rounds. Historically, FIFA has not shied away from taking stringent measures against teams that breach its rules, even in cases where there has not been an official complaint or protest lodged.
