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Deadspin | Anna Bondar upends Elina Svitolina in Madrid Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday. It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament. Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open. “I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.” Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set. Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match. “I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court. “It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.” Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes. No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes. Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anna #Bondar #upends #Elina #Svitolina #Madrid

Deadspin | Anna Bondar upends Elina Svitolina in Madrid
Deadspin | Anna Bondar upends Elina Svitolina in Madrid Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday. It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament. Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open. “I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.” Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set. Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match. “I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court. “It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.” Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes. No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes. Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3. Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anna #Bondar #upends #Elina #Svitolina #MadridAug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday.

It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament.

Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open.

“I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.”

Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set.

Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.


Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match.

“I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court.

“It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.”

Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes.

No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes.

Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3.

Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anna #Bondar #upends #Elina #Svitolina #Madrid

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Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Anna Bondar (HUN) hits a backhand against Elina Svitolina (UKR)(not pictured) on day two of the 2025 US Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Hungary’s Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday.

It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament.

Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she faced in the 87-minute win over Svitolina, finishing with 27 winners and just nine unforced errors. She was the first Hungarian woman to defeat a top-10 opponent since Timea Babos at the 2018 Australian Open.

“I knew I had to bring my ‘A’ game, which I think I did today,” Bondar said in her on-court interview. “I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well — I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today.”

Svitolina received treatment on her ankle during a medical timeout while trailing 3-2 in the second set.

Bondar’s next opponent, the 18-year-old Samson, became the first player born in 2008 or later to reach the third round at the WTA 1000 level or above. Samson defeated No. 28 seed Xinyu Wang of China 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Three-time Madrid champion and top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus advanced with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Peyton Stearns. Sabalenka converted four of 13 break points during 95-minute match.

“I’m just glad that I got the win,” Sabalenka said. “Maybe not that beautiful, but I felt by the end of the match, I felt much better on court.

“It wasn’t an easy one. I did my work before coming here, but altitude and these courts and her game, it wasn’t easy.”

Up next for Sabalenka, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is No. 29 seed Jacqueline Cristian of Romania. Cristian rallied for a 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in 3 hours and 6 minutes.

No. 4 seed Iga Swiatek of Poland, the 2024 Madrid champion, made quick work of Ukraine’s Daria Snigur with a 6-1, 6-2 victory in just 61 minutes.

Swiatek’s third-round opponent will be No. 31 seed Ann Li, who outlasted her American compatriot Alycia Parks 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3.

Also reaching the third round were No. 8 Jasmine Paolini of Italy, No. 9 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, No. 11 Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, No. 14 Naomi Osaka of Japan, No. 15 Iva Jovic, No. 18 Diana Shnaider of Russia, No. 24 Leylah Fernandez of Canada and No. 30 Hailey Baptiste.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: Indian talent come in ready to hit sixes, says RCB’s Tim David <div id="content-body-70898429" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Not many batters are synonymous with the way the art of willow-wielding has exploded this Indian Premier League (IPL) quite like Tim David.</p><p>The broad-chested Aussie of gigantic frame (6’5”) has been one of the best exponents of power-hitting, scoring his 173 runs this campaign at a whopping strike-rate of 203.52. He also has more sixes than fours (14 to 12), in line with his overall IPL career (74 to 66).</p><p>But the 30-year-old, who recently became the second fastest to score 1000 IPL runs (560 balls), also felt that the Indian domestic talent has stepped up dramatically to become bold and belligerent.</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-2026-match-today-rcb-vs-gt-preview-royal-challengers-bengaluru-vs-gujarat-titans-news/article70898031.ece" target="_blank">IPL 2026: GT’s top-heavy method to face full-throttle RCB test</a></b></p><p>“The first part is that you have the Impact subs… you get an extra player,” said David in the lead-up to Friday’s match against Gujarat Titans here. “It is also that the depth of the domestic talent in India has improved so much and these guys come into the IPL ready to hit sixes.</p><p>“Earlier, you would need specific overseas players to be power-hitters, like Chris Gayle. But you now look at all the Indian domestic players and the international Indian players, and they all hit sixes. That’s stepped up throughout the competition.”</p><p>However, despite totals routinely going north of 200, David opined – without saying in as many words – that it was still a cat-and-mouse contest between batters and bowlers.</p><p>“Bowlers have lots of weapons in their arsenal now and are definitely a lot smarter. You’ll see the summary on the TV, they talk about where the bowlers can target and they’ve obviously graphed out where batters score quickly and what they’re weak against.</p><p>“If the bowler lands a perfect yorker, it’s going to be difficult to score off. But they know that if I’m standing down and they’re going to miss, I’m going to try and hit them for a six.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 23, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Indian #talent #ready #hit #sixes #RCBs #Tim #David

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The comeback win over the Rajasthan Royals has breathed some life back into the Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign after a winless start to IPL 2026.

A spirited bowling performance, led by spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, followed by a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy, helped the side jump off bottom place in the standings temporarily.

Victory at the Eden Gardens was only a small relief from the disappointing beginning to the season endured by the three-time champion. Injuries have played a major part in handicapping the side’s bowling arsenal, with India internationals Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out with injury ahead of the tournament. Big money signing Matheesha Pathirana has just joined the team after recovering from an injury during the T20 World Cup.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar attributed KKR’s poor start to their auction strategy and their decision to hand the leadership to Ajinkya Rahane.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]

“KKR let go of Shreyas Iyer for whatever reason after a successful season and then picked a guy who didn’t get picked in the first round of bidding and made him captain. Captaincy in T20 cricket is huge and has a massive impact on the results,” Manjrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.

“Ajinkya Rahane, the player, has also diminished. He’s lost his place on the Indian team. He’s not a natural T20 player. CSK got the best out of Rahane in the first six overs, but he was struggling post-six overs when the field spread out. He’s just not firing at the top of the order and can’t bat down as well. But he might as well bat down to accommodate the destructive T20 batters [Finn Allen and Tim Seifert],” he reasoned.

Manjrekar also explained that the KKR leadership has not utilised Australian all-rounder Cameron Green properly so far in the tournament, after bagging him for a whopping INR 25.20 crore.

“I just feel tall bowlers who hit the deck [like Green] are always going to be a risky option in India. I would use Green the batter a lot more. He’s also gone up and down the order a lot, so if you want to back a certain player, then you’ve got to stick with that player at a certain position,” he opined.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Kolkata #Knight #Riders #IPL #issues #stem #poor #auction #captaincy #choice #Sanjay #Manjrekar">Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 issues stem from poor auction and captaincy choice, says Sanjay Manjrekar The comeback win over the Rajasthan Royals has breathed some life back into the Kolkata Knight Riders’ campaign after a winless start to IPL 2026.A spirited bowling performance, led by spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, followed by a crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Rinku Singh and Anukul Roy, helped the side jump off bottom place in the standings temporarily.Victory at the Eden Gardens was only a small relief from the disappointing beginning to the season endured by the three-time champion. Injuries have played a major part in handicapping the side’s bowling arsenal, with India internationals Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out with injury ahead of the tournament. Big money signing Matheesha Pathirana has just joined the team after recovering from an injury during the T20 World Cup.Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar attributed KKR’s poor start to their auction strategy and their decision to hand the leadership to Ajinkya Rahane.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]“KKR let go of Shreyas Iyer for whatever reason after a successful season and then picked a guy who didn’t get picked in the first round of bidding and made him captain. Captaincy in T20 cricket is huge and has a massive impact on the results,” Manjrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.“Ajinkya Rahane, the player, has also diminished. He’s lost his place on the Indian team. He’s not a natural T20 player. CSK got the best out of Rahane in the first six overs, but he was struggling post-six overs when the field spread out. He’s just not firing at the top of the order and can’t bat down as well. But he might as well bat down to accommodate the destructive T20 batters [Finn Allen and Tim Seifert],” he reasoned.Manjrekar also explained that the KKR leadership has not utilised Australian all-rounder Cameron Green properly so far in the tournament, after bagging him for a whopping INR 25.20 crore.“I just feel tall bowlers who hit the deck [like Green] are always going to be a risky option in India. I would use Green the batter a lot more. He’s also gone up and down the order a lot, so if you want to back a certain player, then you’ve got to stick with that player at a certain position,” he opined.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #Kolkata #Knight #Riders #IPL #issues #stem #poor #auction #captaincy #choice #Sanjay #Manjrekar

Deadspin | Report: Kelsey Mitchell still committed to upstart Project B Sep 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrates after making a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game five of the second round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Kelsey Mitchell might be wavering on an overseas commitment due to the major improvement in the WNBA salary structure. But the upstart Project B told Front Office Sports on Thursday that the Indiana Fever star is still committed to the global touring league that will begin play in December. Mitchell signed a one year, .4 million deal with Indiana earlier this month. On Wednesday, she told reporters at the Fever’s media day that it would take a “drastic, unique situation” for her to play overseas during the WNBA offseason. “Where I’m at in my career now, I’d rather play it smart,” Mitchell said. “Make sure my body is what it needs to be. And then also, respecting my craft. I feel like sometimes when you go overseas, you lose sight on some of the perfecting of the skills that you miss out on just because you’re going to try to make a couple dollars. “I got a soul so I’d rather make sure that I’m right before I want to keep going overseas and missing out on a lot.” Mitchell, 30, is entering her ninth WNBA season. She is a three-time All-Star and averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season and finished fifth in the MVP balloting. Mitchell has routinely played overseas during her stellar career. But last season, she stayed in the United States and played for Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. “That was good basketball, and it’s in the United States, so I can’t really complain,” Mitchell said. She is one of 13 players who were announced as players for Project B, which will play in various countries. The last stop is slated to be Tokyo from March 26-April 4. Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas and Sophie Cunningham are among the other WNBA players who have pledged to play in the league. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Kelsey #Mitchell #committed #upstart #ProjectSep 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrates after making a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game five of the second round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Kelsey Mitchell might be wavering on an overseas commitment due to the major improvement in the WNBA salary structure.

But the upstart Project B told Front Office Sports on Thursday that the Indiana Fever star is still committed to the global touring league that will begin play in December.

Mitchell signed a one year, $1.4 million deal with Indiana earlier this month. On Wednesday, she told reporters at the Fever’s media day that it would take a “drastic, unique situation” for her to play overseas during the WNBA offseason.

“Where I’m at in my career now, I’d rather play it smart,” Mitchell said. “Make sure my body is what it needs to be. And then also, respecting my craft. I feel like sometimes when you go overseas, you lose sight on some of the perfecting of the skills that you miss out on just because you’re going to try to make a couple dollars.

“I got a soul so I’d rather make sure that I’m right before I want to keep going overseas and missing out on a lot.”


Mitchell, 30, is entering her ninth WNBA season. She is a three-time All-Star and averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season and finished fifth in the MVP balloting.

Mitchell has routinely played overseas during her stellar career. But last season, she stayed in the United States and played for Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.

“That was good basketball, and it’s in the United States, so I can’t really complain,” Mitchell said.

She is one of 13 players who were announced as players for Project B, which will play in various countries. The last stop is slated to be Tokyo from March 26-April 4.

Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas and Sophie Cunningham are among the other WNBA players who have pledged to play in the league.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #Kelsey #Mitchell #committed #upstart #Project">Deadspin | Report: Kelsey Mitchell still committed to upstart Project B Sep 30, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrates after making a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game five of the second round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Kelsey Mitchell might be wavering on an overseas commitment due to the major improvement in the WNBA salary structure. But the upstart Project B told Front Office Sports on Thursday that the Indiana Fever star is still committed to the global touring league that will begin play in December. Mitchell signed a one year, .4 million deal with Indiana earlier this month. On Wednesday, she told reporters at the Fever’s media day that it would take a “drastic, unique situation” for her to play overseas during the WNBA offseason. “Where I’m at in my career now, I’d rather play it smart,” Mitchell said. “Make sure my body is what it needs to be. And then also, respecting my craft. I feel like sometimes when you go overseas, you lose sight on some of the perfecting of the skills that you miss out on just because you’re going to try to make a couple dollars. “I got a soul so I’d rather make sure that I’m right before I want to keep going overseas and missing out on a lot.” Mitchell, 30, is entering her ninth WNBA season. She is a three-time All-Star and averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season and finished fifth in the MVP balloting. Mitchell has routinely played overseas during her stellar career. But last season, she stayed in the United States and played for Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. “That was good basketball, and it’s in the United States, so I can’t really complain,” Mitchell said. She is one of 13 players who were announced as players for Project B, which will play in various countries. The last stop is slated to be Tokyo from March 26-April 4. Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas and Sophie Cunningham are among the other WNBA players who have pledged to play in the league. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #Kelsey #Mitchell #committed #upstart #Project

A new international group representing football players launched on Thursday as a rival to the long-established global union FIFPRO, which has been in dispute with FIFA.

The Association of International Footballers (AIF) was founded in Madrid by David Aganzo, president of the new group that claims it will represent nearly 30,000 players. Aganzo also leads the players’ association in Spain (AFE) and was ousted as FIFPRO president in 2024.

Aganzo and other officials twice last year met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in what was widely seen as a challenge by the world football body to Netherlands-based FIFPRO’s mandate to represent players worldwide.

FIFA is the subject of a formal complaint made 18 months ago to the European Commission in Brussels by FIFPRO’s European division and the European Leagues group. The filing challenges the quality of FIFA’s governance and consultation with stakeholders.

FIFA said on Thursday it was made aware of the creation of AIF and remained “committed to open and constructive engagement with football stakeholders that uphold core principles, including representativeness.”

FIFPRO criticized the new group.

“FIFPRO recognises the strong work over several decades of AFE for men’s football players in Spain,” it said in a statement.

“However, the concept announced in Madrid by its current president appears nothing more than a speculative attempt to boost his own standing through a group which lacks the fundamental legitimacy to represent professional footballers globally,” it added.

ALSO READ | Broken blueprints: How Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFPRO said the new concept was “driven by personal motives rather than a mandate from players around the world.”

Aganzo said the new model for a players’ union was needed in part because players’ voices were not being heard through FIFPRO. The new group said women’s players also needed stronger representation.

“Football players need a stronger voice. They don’t have the possibility to make decisions. AIF has been created to fight for them,” Aganzo said.

FIFPRO said Aganzo “has engaged with groups that fail to meet basic standards of player representation,” which it said must “be responsible and sustainable, built from the players up, through collective structures that ensure independence, legitimacy and accountability.”

“Such an approach to player representation is not in the best interests of professional footballers,” FIFPRO added.

FIFPRO claims its role is based on a mandate from 70 national player associations representing more than 60,000 footballers and is formally recognised by the European Union and international football governing bodies and stakeholders.

AIF will be governed by members from unions in Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#football #players #group #AIF #launches #challenge #FIFPROs #global #union #role">New football players’ group, AIF, launches to try to challenge FIFPRO’s global union role A new international group representing football players launched on Thursday as a rival to the long-established global union FIFPRO, which has been in dispute with FIFA.The Association of International Footballers (AIF) was founded in Madrid by David Aganzo, president of the new group that claims it will represent nearly 30,000 players. Aganzo also leads the players’ association in Spain (AFE) and was ousted as FIFPRO president in 2024.Aganzo and other officials twice last year met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in what was widely seen as a challenge by the world football body to Netherlands-based FIFPRO’s mandate to represent players worldwide.FIFA is the subject of a formal complaint made 18 months ago to the European Commission in Brussels by FIFPRO’s European division and the European Leagues group. The filing challenges the quality of FIFA’s governance and consultation with stakeholders.FIFA said on Thursday it was made aware of the creation of AIF and remained “committed to open and constructive engagement with football stakeholders that uphold core principles, including representativeness.”FIFPRO criticized the new group.“FIFPRO recognises the strong work over several decades of AFE for men’s football players in Spain,” it said in a statement.“However, the concept announced in Madrid by its current president appears nothing more than a speculative attempt to boost his own standing through a group which lacks the fundamental legitimacy to represent professional footballers globally,” it added.ALSO READ | Broken blueprints: How Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World CupFIFPRO said the new concept was “driven by personal motives rather than a mandate from players around the world.”Aganzo said the new model for a players’ union was needed in part because players’ voices were not being heard through FIFPRO. The new group said women’s players also needed stronger representation.“Football players need a stronger voice. They don’t have the possibility to make decisions. AIF has been created to fight for them,” Aganzo said.FIFPRO said Aganzo “has engaged with groups that fail to meet basic standards of player representation,” which it said must “be responsible and sustainable, built from the players up, through collective structures that ensure independence, legitimacy and accountability.”“Such an approach to player representation is not in the best interests of professional footballers,” FIFPRO added.FIFPRO claims its role is based on a mandate from 70 national player associations representing more than 60,000 footballers and is formally recognised by the European Union and international football governing bodies and stakeholders.AIF will be governed by members from unions in Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #football #players #group #AIF #launches #challenge #FIFPROs #global #union #role

Broken blueprints: How Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFPRO said the new concept was “driven by personal motives rather than a mandate from players around the world.”

Aganzo said the new model for a players’ union was needed in part because players’ voices were not being heard through FIFPRO. The new group said women’s players also needed stronger representation.

“Football players need a stronger voice. They don’t have the possibility to make decisions. AIF has been created to fight for them,” Aganzo said.

FIFPRO said Aganzo “has engaged with groups that fail to meet basic standards of player representation,” which it said must “be responsible and sustainable, built from the players up, through collective structures that ensure independence, legitimacy and accountability.”

“Such an approach to player representation is not in the best interests of professional footballers,” FIFPRO added.

FIFPRO claims its role is based on a mandate from 70 national player associations representing more than 60,000 footballers and is formally recognised by the European Union and international football governing bodies and stakeholders.

AIF will be governed by members from unions in Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#football #players #group #AIF #launches #challenge #FIFPROs #global #union #role">New football players’ group, AIF, launches to try to challenge FIFPRO’s global union role

A new international group representing football players launched on Thursday as a rival to the long-established global union FIFPRO, which has been in dispute with FIFA.

The Association of International Footballers (AIF) was founded in Madrid by David Aganzo, president of the new group that claims it will represent nearly 30,000 players. Aganzo also leads the players’ association in Spain (AFE) and was ousted as FIFPRO president in 2024.

Aganzo and other officials twice last year met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in what was widely seen as a challenge by the world football body to Netherlands-based FIFPRO’s mandate to represent players worldwide.

FIFA is the subject of a formal complaint made 18 months ago to the European Commission in Brussels by FIFPRO’s European division and the European Leagues group. The filing challenges the quality of FIFA’s governance and consultation with stakeholders.

FIFA said on Thursday it was made aware of the creation of AIF and remained “committed to open and constructive engagement with football stakeholders that uphold core principles, including representativeness.”

FIFPRO criticized the new group.

“FIFPRO recognises the strong work over several decades of AFE for men’s football players in Spain,” it said in a statement.

“However, the concept announced in Madrid by its current president appears nothing more than a speculative attempt to boost his own standing through a group which lacks the fundamental legitimacy to represent professional footballers globally,” it added.

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FIFPRO said the new concept was “driven by personal motives rather than a mandate from players around the world.”

Aganzo said the new model for a players’ union was needed in part because players’ voices were not being heard through FIFPRO. The new group said women’s players also needed stronger representation.

“Football players need a stronger voice. They don’t have the possibility to make decisions. AIF has been created to fight for them,” Aganzo said.

FIFPRO said Aganzo “has engaged with groups that fail to meet basic standards of player representation,” which it said must “be responsible and sustainable, built from the players up, through collective structures that ensure independence, legitimacy and accountability.”

“Such an approach to player representation is not in the best interests of professional footballers,” FIFPRO added.

FIFPRO claims its role is based on a mandate from 70 national player associations representing more than 60,000 footballers and is formally recognised by the European Union and international football governing bodies and stakeholders.

AIF will be governed by members from unions in Spain, Brazil, Mexico and Switzerland.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#football #players #group #AIF #launches #challenge #FIFPROs #global #union #role

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