FIFA President Infantino to address media amid World Cup controversies
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to hold a press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the World Cup, where he is expected to face questions regarding high ticket prices and US immigration policies. The 2026 men’s World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A notable incident involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the US, preventing him from officiating at the tournament. Artan, named the 2025 men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, stated he had the necessary documentation, an assertion confirmed by a Somali government advisor. A US State Department official, however, alleged Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations." Artan expressed deep disappointment but vowed to participate in the 2030 tournament. Meanwhile, concerns have arisen about potential social unrest disrupting the opening match in Mexico City, with protesters blocking an avenue near the Estadio Azteca. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has guaranteed the opening match will proceed. On the field, Lionel Messi scored in Argentina's final warm-up game against Iceland, helping the reigning champions secure a 3-0 victory after recovering from a hamstring injury. Argentina is set to begin its title defense on June 16 against Algeria.
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Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa retd., Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, has called on traditional rulers and community leaders to thoroughly vet individuals acquiring farmlands in rural areas. This appeal follows the discovery of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, allegedly operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel, in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states. Marwa made these remarks at the 10th Akinale Day celebration and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran. He emphasized the need for close attention to strangers' activities, particularly in the South-West, to prevent criminal elements from using isolated locations for illicit drug production. Marwa also urged traditional institutions, parents, and community leaders nationwide to partner with the NDLEA in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, highlighting that drug abuse affects all social classes. He advised youths to avoid illicit drugs and called for community-based advocacy networks to deter drug traffickers and support those with substance dependence. Marwa stressed that traditional institutions are crucial in the fight against illicit drugs due to their influence at the grassroots level.
The newly commissioned Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market in Kano is projected to generate ₦50 billion in revenue and create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited. Developed under a Public-Private Partnership with the Kano State Government and ZOEC Construction, the market was inaugurated at the former Luxurious Bus Park. Abdussalam described it as one of West Africa's largest electrical and electronics markets, aiming to establish Kano as a major commercial and distribution hub. The facility will house over 1,500 shops, providing modern infrastructure for trade and investment. The project, valued between ₦25 billion and ₦30 billion, has attracted international partners from Egypt and China. Approximately 60 to 65 percent of the shops have already been sold. The market includes basement parking for 700 vehicles, underground storage for more than 30 forty-foot containers, a central firefighting system, and sprinkler installations. During construction, over 1,000 people were employed daily, with more than 8,000 benefiting from the project when suppliers are included. The Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, represented by his Special Assistant Technical, Kabir Dutse, stated that the Federal Government has streamlined Public-Private Partnership arrangements to encourage private sector participation in infrastructure development. Ata highlighted the market as a refl
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Presidency for using China's legal system to defend President Bola Tinubu, arguing that this comparison has drawn more attention to past allegations against the President. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, stated that the Presidency's reference to China, known for its severe penalties for drug trafficking, was a "monumental own goal." His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued a statement on Saturday, asserting that the Presidency's attempt to score political points had instead subjected Tinubu to greater public scrutiny. Atiku maintained that he has never been indicted or convicted of corruption, drug-related offenses, or any criminal offense in Nigeria or abroad. He argued that if the Tinubu administration intends to use China as a benchmark for accountability, Nigerians are entitled to question how Chinese authorities would handle a case involving $460,000 forfeited to the United States Government in a civil forfeiture proceeding related to alleged narcotics trafficking and money laundering. Atiku also extended the comparison to corruption, claiming that under China's system, allegations of budget padding, abuse of office, and the creation of a fake government agency would have prompted swift official action. He further criticized the Presidency for presenting a recent response from the United States Government to Nigeria's dipl