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FIFA rejects Zelensky’s request for peace message at World Cup final

DUBAI: FIFA has reportedly rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to deliver a peace message ahead of the World Cup final in Qatar on Sunday. Zelensky’s office was said to have offered for him to appear in a video link to fans in the stadium ahead of the match, but was surprised by the negative response, a source told CNN. No clarifications were made as to whether Zelensky’s message would be live or taped.

In Messi's hometown, hope builds ahead of World Cup final

ROSARIO, Argentina: In Rosario, the Argentine city where Lionel Messi grew up, hope and excitement are rising that their hometown star can guide the country to a first World Cup since 1986, repeating a trick by one Diego Maradona 36 years ago.

Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup duly delivered

A World Cup that has defied all expectations reaches its climax on Sunday when Lionel Messi could join Diego Maradona in Argentine immortality by taking the south Americans to the title or France could become the first nation to retain it since 1962.

After heart illness, referee Marciniak all smiles ahead of World Cup final

DOHA : Szymon Marciniak will be the first referee from Poland to officiate a World Cup final when France take on Argentina on Sunday, a dream come true for the Pole who was forced to step away from his duties a year ago due to a heart illness.

FIFA chief announces plans for 32-team Club World Cup

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino announced plans on Friday for a 32-team Club World Cup from 2025, despite reported opposition from Europe's biggest clubs.