Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini’s replacements at FIFA are just as bad

They’re all the same.

Phil Cole/Getty Images

Want Backheel Breakfast in your inbox? Sign up for the email version here.

The big names in the FIFA scandal have finally gone down. The organization announced on Wednesday that president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini had been provisionally suspended for 90 days. This means they can’t represent FIFA in any capacity during that time.

So our long international nightmare is over, right? Wrong! The guy replacing Blatter appears to be just as bad. African football chief Issa Hayatou has been warned by the IOC over bribery and has allegedly used some shady tactics to remain in his role. Ángel María Villar, Platini’s replacement, is also under FIFA investigation. And Chung Mong-joon, the guy who was threatening to sue Blatter, got suspended, too. There are no good guys here.

Of course, Blatter’s lawyers say they’ll make sure he’s cleared of any wrong-doing.

Goal of the day

Raul Lopez’s free kick for Mexico Under-23.

In the news

Sergio Aguero is wearing No. 10 for Argentina while Lionel Messi is hurt, and Messi’s giving him crap about it. (AS)

Paul Pogba is sitting out France’s games during this break. (Football Italia)

Robin van Persie is apparently struggling to adapt to life in Turkey. (Telegraph)

Chelsea have signed former Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia. (Sky Sports)

A Dinamo Zagreb player failed a drug test after their win over Arsenal. (Fox Sports)

You should be reading

Dustin Ward on the wild title race in Serie A. (Stats Bomb)

David Conn says FIFA needs outside intervention. (Guardian)

Richard Jolly on Chelsea’s stars all turning in poor individual performances. (ESPN FC)

Wednesday’s games

You can watch highlights of Wednesday night’s MLS games here. (MLS)

What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)

Euro qualifying: Eight games (from 12 p.m.) - Portugal vs. Denmark is the game to watch.

CONMEBOL qualifying: Five games (from 4 p.m.) - Yes, South America’s World Cup qualifying is starting already.

SIGN UP FOR OUR SOCCER NEWSLETTER

Get all kinds of stories, rumors, game coverage, and Vines of dudes getting hit in the beans in your inbox every day.

More in Soccer

Soccer
FIFA president aims to sell the World Cup to Trump family associatesFIFA president aims to sell the World Cup to Trump family associates
Soccer

This would completely change world soccer.

By James Dator
Soccer
The FIFA World Cup halftime show was so unhinged you need to see it to believe itThe FIFA World Cup halftime show was so unhinged you need to see it to believe it
Soccer
World Cup 2026: Golden Boot scenarios for Kylian Mbappé and Lionel MessiWorld Cup 2026: Golden Boot scenarios for Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi
Soccer

The race for the Golden Boot comes down to the World Cup Final

By Mark Schofield
Soccer
2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Most goals, standings2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Most goals, standings
Soccer

Tracking the top scorers in North America this summer looking to make history.

By Mark Schofield
Soccer
World Cup Final instant prediction for Spain vs. ArgentinaWorld Cup Final instant prediction for Spain vs. Argentina
Soccer

Preview and prediction for Argentina vs. Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

By James Dator and Mark Schofield