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UEFA has reaffirmed its boycott of FIFA tournaments, insisting that conditions for collaboration remain unmet despite Gianni Infantino withdrawing his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other events. The European body cited a lack of trust in Infantino's leadership as a lasting obstacle.
FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to consulting on plans to bring private capital into the World Cup and other tournaments, despite UEFA's unanimous vote to boycott and strong opposition from other regional confederations. The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) would be a $20 billion subsidiary with 20% external investment, led by a fund managed by Joshua Kushner.
Iranians in Los Angeles are deeply split as the national football team prepares for the World Cup, with some supporting the team and others viewing it as a proxy for the Tehran government, calling for a boycott. Protests are expected outside the stadium while many in the community simply want to enjoy the games.
Starbucks Korea has suffered a significant drop in sales following a firestorm of public criticism over a controversial 'Tank Day' marketing campaign that evoked memories of the bloody 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The local operator's parent company, Shinsegae Group, has issued public apologies and fired the CEO, as calls for a boycott gain traction among government officials and the public.
Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, with Israel placing second amid a record boycott over the Gaza war. Bulgarian singer Darina Yotova triumphed with “Bangaranga” at the Vienna final. The event saw the largest political boycott in Eurovision history, with five countries refusing to participate or broadcast.
Bulgaria's win at Eurovision 2025 has sparked fierce debate as a wave of boycotts against Israel grows. Many view the outcome as a sign of deep political divisions, with organizers facing pressure from social and political movements.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has defended his government's decision to boycott the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's participation, calling it a protest against Israeli policies toward Palestine. Israel criticized the move as political discrimination, while organizers say the show will go on.
Israel will compete in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna despite a boycott by five countries (Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland) and calls from over 1,000 artists to ban it. Critics accuse the EBU of double standards, citing its ban on Russia while allowing Israel amid the Gaza war that has killed over 72,740 Palestinians.
An unprecedented crisis has hit the Serbian men's water polo team, as head coach Uros Stevanovic resigned and 11 members of the European championship-winning squad boycotted the national team. The trigger was controversial remarks by new federation president Slobodan Soro, who was accused of belittling the team's achievements.
