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Nick Ames

@nickames82.bsky.social
16K followers 468 following 484 posts

European sports correspondent, the Guardian

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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Finally breakthrough in Club World Cup solidarity saga - as Europe gets 50% cut of the £185m fund, with high achievers in Champions League/other continental comps getting more: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Europe’s top-flight clubs to get share of £185m from Club World Cup
Europe will share the money in a 50-50 split with the rest of the world and the decision is likely to be confirmed after a Fifa meeting in October
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Finally breakthrough in Club World Cup solidarity saga - as Europe gets 50% cut of the £185m fund, with high achievers in Champions League/other continental comps getting more: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Europe’s top-flight clubs to get share of £185m from Club World Cup
Europe will share the money in a 50-50 split with the rest of the world and the decision is likely to be confirmed after a Fifa meeting in October
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Wild and lively were what Klopp expected, and they’re what he got. Report from Amsterdam: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Gakpo denies Klopp perfect start as Xavi’s Netherlands rescue draw against Germany
The forward’s 92nd-minute equaliser secured the Netherlands a 1-1 Nations League draw against Germany in a clash of two new head coaches
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Must be nearing the time when Leif Davis finally gets an England call-up. Incredible athlete with a unique profile and just keeps getting better.
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Interview with Sabah head coach Valdas Dambrauskas before they face Man Utd. To Old Trafford from pub work & paper rounds in Muswell Hill, community sessions in Finsbury Pk, and the appearance on Lithuania's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" that fuelled his journey www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘That’s how it started’: Dambrauskas’ journey from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to Champions League
Valdas Dambrauskas takes Sabah to Manchester United after journeying from Lithuania and a game show win, via London pub work
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Interview with Sabah head coach Valdas Dambrauskas before they face Man Utd. To Old Trafford from pub work & paper rounds in Muswell Hill, community sessions in Finsbury Pk, and the appearance on Lithuania's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" that fuelled his journey www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘That’s how it started’: Dambrauskas’ journey from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to Champions League
Valdas Dambrauskas takes Sabah to Manchester United after journeying from Lithuania and a game show win, via London pub work
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Exclusive - Infantino installs loyalist Gelson Fernandes to oversee Caribbean nations for FIFA in effort to split CONCACAF alliance. One source calls it “administrative war” on Montagliani. Story (with Matt Hughes): www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Infantino installs loyalist to oversee Caribbean as he splits Fifa management
Fifa president’s move is widely regarded by his opponents as an attempt to split the Concacaf nations working with Uefa to remove him from office
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Exclusive - Infantino installs loyalist Gelson Fernandes to oversee Caribbean nations for FIFA in effort to split CONCACAF alliance. One source calls it “administrative war” on Montagliani. Story (with Matt Hughes): www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Infantino installs loyalist to oversee Caribbean as he splits Fifa management
Fifa president’s move is widely regarded by his opponents as an attempt to split the Concacaf nations working with Uefa to remove him from office
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Barney Ronay @barneyronay.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
I think Gianni is now done. You can do anything. But never go against the family www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa legal case may be beginning of the end for Infantino as Trump’s support evaporates | Barney Ronay
The order of discovery related to Fifa’s failed plan to sell the World Cup will worry the American president, a situation that tends to end badly for the culprit
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Very smart tool by the Union of European Clubs showing how clubs could benefit from distributing 5% of Uefa competition money to reward player development: uecplayerreward.eu
uecplayerreward.eu
See how much clubs would receive under the UEC's proposed Player Development Reward
UEFA has a unique opportunity to reshape the future of European football by creating incentives that reward the development of players and homegrown talent. That is why the UEC is calling on UEFA to a...
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Uefa are preparing to launch criminal proceedings against Gianni Infantino and have applied for release of documents related to FFE – more soon.
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Exclusive – Uefa poised to lift threat of boycott after Fifa provide concrete guarantees of no FFE repeat: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa poised to lift boycott threat after Fifa promises no World Cup sale repeat
Uefa is poised to drop its threatened boycott of Fifa competitions after receiving concrete guarantees that the global governing body will never attempt a repeat of Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell sta...
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Exclusive – Uefa poised to lift threat of boycott after Fifa provide concrete guarantees of no FFE repeat: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa poised to lift boycott threat after Fifa promises no World Cup sale repeat
Uefa is poised to drop its threatened boycott of Fifa competitions after receiving concrete guarantees that the global governing body will never attempt a repeat of Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell sta...
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Infantino angers Caribbean FAs with behaviour when hijacking meeting in Dominican Republic - latest: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Gianni Infantino angers Concacaf nations by hijacking Caribbean Football Union meeting
Gianni Infantino has angered many of the Concacaf nations, whose support he is seeking in his re-election campaign, by hijacking a meeting of the Caribbean Football Union
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Infantino angers Caribbean FAs with behaviour when hijacking meeting in Dominican Republic - latest: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Gianni Infantino angers Concacaf nations by hijacking Caribbean Football Union meeting
Gianni Infantino has angered many of the Concacaf nations, whose support he is seeking in his re-election campaign, by hijacking a meeting of the Caribbean Football Union
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Infantino plans to court crucial support from Caribbean islands in visit to Dominican Republic this weekend - aiming to fracture Uefa/Concacaf coalition. Story with Matt Hughes: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Gianni Infantino eyes junior tournament in Dominican Republic as potential route out of crisis
Fifa’s president Gianni Infantino may target meetings around the tournament as a chance to lobby for votes
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Infantino plans to court crucial support from Caribbean islands in visit to Dominican Republic this weekend - aiming to fracture Uefa/Concacaf coalition. Story with Matt Hughes: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Gianni Infantino eyes junior tournament in Dominican Republic as potential route out of crisis
Fifa’s president Gianni Infantino may target meetings around the tournament as a chance to lobby for votes
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Exclusive - Europe’s top clubs threatened not to participate in future Club World Cups in incendiary letter sent to FIFA just before FFE collapsed. Tone & demands show increased weight and leverage of EFC: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Europe’s top clubs threatened Club World Cup boycott before Fifa plan collapsed
Europe’s leading clubs threatened not to participate in future Club World Cups unless Gianni Infantino withdrew his Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, issuing their ultimatum hours before the plan was sc...
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Exclusive - Europe’s top clubs threatened not to participate in future Club World Cups in incendiary letter sent to FIFA just before FFE collapsed. Tone & demands show increased weight and leverage of EFC: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Europe’s top clubs threatened Club World Cup boycott before Fifa plan collapsed
Europe’s leading clubs threatened not to participate in future Club World Cups unless Gianni Infantino withdrew his Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, issuing their ultimatum hours before the plan was sc...
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
As European football's power brokers discussed the Infantino/FFE crisis in Salzburg, Kvaratskhelia and Madjo supplied reminders that it doesn't have to be this way: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Kvaratskhelia and Madjo show that beautiful game can wash away Infantino’s stain | Nick Ames
Uefa showed off some its crown jewels through European champions PSG but the turmoil engulfing Fifa is still the main topic on the menu
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
As European football's power brokers discussed the Infantino/FFE crisis in Salzburg, Kvaratskhelia and Madjo supplied reminders that it doesn't have to be this way: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Kvaratskhelia and Madjo show that beautiful game can wash away Infantino’s stain | Nick Ames
Uefa showed off some its crown jewels through European champions PSG but the turmoil engulfing Fifa is still the main topic on the menu
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
New – Norwegian FA to formally demand Infantino's resignation: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Norway’s Klaveness tells Fifa president Infantino to resign: ‘There is no trust now’
‘There is no way back for him’ says the NFF president as Infantino battles for support around the world
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
New – Norwegian FA to formally demand Infantino's resignation: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Norway’s Klaveness tells Fifa president Infantino to resign: ‘There is no trust now’
‘There is no way back for him’ says the NFF president as Infantino battles for support around the world
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"FIFA Super League" – that's what Gianni Infantino and FIFA discussed calling the doomed breakaway before stepping back from involvement late on. Exclusive: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘Fifa Super League’: Infantino discussed having governing body’s name on European breakaway
A document has shown how Fifa staff were involved in the European breakaway and that the global governing body was prepared to sideline member associations
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Exclusive - Infantino and FIFA were so deep into breakaway plans in late 2020 that the name “FIFA Super League” was discussed. Member assocs also to be sidelined with international calendar slashed. FIFA eventually stepped back from doomed scheme late on.: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘Fifa Super League’: Infantino discussed having governing body’s name on European breakaway
A document has shown how Fifa staff were involved in the European breakaway and that the global governing body was prepared to sideline member associations
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Exclusive - Infantino and FIFA were so deep into breakaway plans in late 2020 that the name “FIFA Super League” was discussed. Member assocs also to be sidelined with international calendar slashed. FIFA eventually stepped back from doomed scheme late on.: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘Fifa Super League’: Infantino discussed having governing body’s name on European breakaway
A document has shown how Fifa staff were involved in the European breakaway and that the global governing body was prepared to sideline member associations
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Greece the latest European country to withdraw support for Infantino.
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Concacaf countries seriously considering withdrawing support for Infantino too – piece with Matt Hughes: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Concacaf countries considering withdrawing support for under-fire Gianni Infantino
The confederation which represents North America, Central America and the Caribbean is pondering its position
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
English FA also to send a letter withdrawing support for Infantino.
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
As reported, this is now happening. Wales the first to move and others are a matter of time.
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
European countries prepare to formally withdraw support for Infantino’s re-election with announcements likely soon. Pressure tightening. Story: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Pressure on Gianni Infantino increases as Uefa members prepare to oppose re-election
European nations are to withdraw letters of support for Gianni Infantino, with an appetite to ensure the Fifa president is quickly removed from his post
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
European countries prepare to formally withdraw support for Infantino’s re-election with announcements likely soon. Pressure tightening. Story: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Pressure on Gianni Infantino increases as Uefa members prepare to oppose re-election
European nations are to withdraw letters of support for Gianni Infantino, with an appetite to ensure the Fifa president is quickly removed from his post
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
There can be no let-up now. Infantino must stand down or be removed: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
There can be no letup. Humiliated Infantino must stand down at Fifa or be removed | Nick Ames
Uefa’s decisive call for a boycott and declaration of no confidence must be the opening salvos in a concerted push to dethrone the game’s global leader
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
There can be no let-up now. Infantino must stand down or be removed: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
There can be no letup. Humiliated Infantino must stand down at Fifa or be removed | Nick Ames
Uefa’s decisive call for a boycott and declaration of no confidence must be the opening salvos in a concerted push to dethrone the game’s global leader
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
It’s over (for now): www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Fifa scraps proposal to sell off stakes in World Cup after widespread backlash
Gianni ⁠Infantino has said Fifa ​has scrapped plans to ⁠sell a stake in the World ⁠Cup to private ​investors ‌after widespread ‌backlash
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
"The game has started now," says one influential FA chief from Europe. But the new united front has to hold – it is essential Uefa and their allies keep moving at speed. Analysis: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa have formed a rare but fragile united front against Fifa in battle for football’s future | Nick Ames and Matt Hughes
Emerging from this week with unity over Fifa’s World Cup sell off was quite an acheivement but Europe cannot rest on its laurels
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
"The game has started now," says one influential FA chief from Europe. But the new united front has to hold – it is essential Uefa and their allies keep moving at speed. Analysis: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa have formed a rare but fragile united front against Fifa in battle for football’s future | Nick Ames and Matt Hughes
Emerging from this week with unity over Fifa’s World Cup sell off was quite an acheivement but Europe cannot rest on its laurels
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Let's see what Fifa come back with now but this is a stunning move from Uefa. Plenty of concerns that smaller countries would choose Infantino's $$ but he has taken a massive blow here. Feeling this is only the start of the story: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa agrees to boycott Fifa competitions if World Cup sell-off plans proceed
Uefa nations have agreed to boycott all Fifa tournaments if the global governing body continues with its plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Enough statements, enough words, enough "careful consideration", enough private disgust. It's time for UEFA and Europe to take action against what FIFA and Infantino are doing to football: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa has to show backbone: concrete action can make Fifa’s World Cup plans untenable | Nick Ames
European football has shown an increased willingness to talk tough with Fifa but words can only be wielded so many times
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Enough statements, enough words, enough "careful consideration", enough private disgust. It's time for UEFA and Europe to take action against what FIFA and Infantino are doing to football: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Uefa has to show backbone: concrete action can make Fifa’s World Cup plans untenable | Nick Ames
European football has shown an increased willingness to talk tough with Fifa but words can only be wielded so many times
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Some European FAs already saying they will carefully consider the substance of FIFA proposal etc etc etc. Given FIFA has given them until 19 Sep to sign up, at least for the initial $20m, we’re going to need better than this kind of beige slop. There’s never been a more urgent time for action.
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
LNZ Cherkasy make their European debut today after a stunning rise from the amateur leagues. A visit to Ukrainian football's biggest wartime success story: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
How LNZ Cherkasy become a wartime success story with few modern parallels
Ukrainian club were in fourth tier in 2021 but, despite war with Russia, will contest European qualifiers for first time
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
LNZ Cherkasy make their European debut today after a stunning rise from the amateur leagues. A visit to Ukrainian football's biggest wartime success story: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
How LNZ Cherkasy become a wartime success story with few modern parallels
Ukrainian club were in fourth tier in 2021 but, despite war with Russia, will contest European qualifiers for first time
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Your Guardian football team are home from the World Cup and the verdicts are in: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
World Cup 2026 awards: the Guardian team give their final tournament verdicts
The best games, goals and personal highlights – from a magical Azteca to Erling Haaland breaking America
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Not really sure what I just attended. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Trump show offers fitting fever-dream end to a World Cup of excess and damage
Football appeared a sideshow for much of the last afternoon of a tournament nurtured to indulge the cult of the individual
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Not really sure what I just attended. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Trump show offers fitting fever-dream end to a World Cup of excess and damage
Football appeared a sideshow for much of the last afternoon of a tournament nurtured to indulge the cult of the individual
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Pitch here is absolutely shocking.
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
End of the road at a strange, intoxicating and often very warm/welcoming tournament. Big privilege to be at a fourth World Cup final.
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Reposted by Nick Ames
Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Exclusive – Fifa smash revenue projections with $15bn haul from World Cup, largely down to secondary ticket/hospitality markets: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Fifa to announce record $15bn World Cup revenue, smashing expectations
Hospitality and ticketing, especially through the steeply priced secondary market, are understood to account for a significant amount of the increase
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Nick Ames @nickames82.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Exclusive – Fifa smash revenue projections with $15bn haul from World Cup, largely down to secondary ticket/hospitality markets: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Fifa to announce record $15bn World Cup revenue, smashing expectations
Hospitality and ticketing, especially through the steeply priced secondary market, are understood to account for a significant amount of the increase
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