Fifa president Gianni Infantino claims discussions are taking place that could allow Cristiano Ronaldo to play at the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
Ronaldo's Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr failed to qualify for Fifa's revamped flagship club tournament, which will feature 32 teams. Infantino, however, suggested the 40-year-old Portugal striker could sign for one of the teams that has. He did not elaborate whether this would mean a permanent move or a short-term loan, though it's worth noting Fifa has introduced an additional transfer window this summer before the tournament starts on June 14.
Speaking to YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, Infantino said: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup. There are discussions …
“Yeah. Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup, yeah. There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup … who knows, who knows.”
The clip quickly went viral, although, according to reports, Ronaldo and his representatives are unhappy about Infantino's indiscretion while talks with his current employers over a new contract are ongoing.
Fifa, football's governing body, has introduced an additional transfer window this summer, running from June 1 to June 10, to allow clubs competing in the Club World Cup to complete transfers in time for the tournament, which runs between June 14 and July 13 in the United States.
According to a report in Spanish newspaper Marca on Friday, Moroccan club Wydad are interested in signing the legendary forward.
The Spanish outlet revealed Wydad “are hoping to have the Portuguese player for the [2025 FIFA Club World Cup]” to not only increase their chances of making a deep run in the tournament, but also for the “social incentive” and exposure that Ronaldo brings.
Wydad qualified for the newly expanded tournament by winning the 2021/22 CAF Champions League. The Moroccan club are in Group G alongside Manchester City, Juventus and Al Ain.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season. His contract is due to expire this summer although reports had suggested he was close to agreeing new terms that will also see him take a minority stake in the club.
Despite Nassr missing out on a trophy, the former Real Madrid star has been in fine form this campaign with 34 goals in 40 appearances across competitions.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
No_One Ever Really Dies
N*E*R*D
(I Am Other/Columbia)
