The global TV images of US federal troops rounding up alleged illegal immigrants in Washington and potentially other cities, is not a good look ahead of international fans and families making their travel arrangements for next year’s FIFA World Cup.Â
Expect a strong push soon from US host cities, such as Dallas and Miami, and non-host cities to reassure the world’s fans of their safety and the amazing experiences that lie ahead.
The images of the US immigration crackdown may worry supporters ahead of the World Cup
Host cities are likely to reassure those travelling over their safety (pictured: FIFA president Gianni Infantino after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House)
Taste of successÂ
While Celtic fans may disagree, it was refreshing to see the delighted delegation from Kairat Almaty getting well and truly stuck in at UEFA’s glitzy Champions League kick-off party at Monaco’s Salle Des Etoiles on Thursday night.Â
The Kazakhs, who stunned Brendan Rodgers‘ underspending Celts in the qualifying round to ensure their own passage, ensured a regular supply of cocktails – and vodka – made its way to their table amid raucous scenes.
The delighted delegation from Kairat Almaty got stuck in at the Champions League draw
The minnows, who beat Celtic on penalties, enjoyed cocktails and vodka in Monaco
Club World Cup snubÂ
Chelsea were given a special award in Monaco for becoming the first (and last) team to win all six of UEFA’s trophies, including the defunct Cup Winners’ Cup.Â
It was interesting, however, to note that UEFA host Pedro Pinto did not mention once during his interview with club official Jason Gannon their recent victory at the Club World Cup, which just happens to be run by rivals FIFA.
Chelsea were given a special award for becoming the first team to win all six UEFA trophies
Marinakis dodges awkward questionÂ
Also conspicuous by its absence was any question on how Nottingham Forest ended up in the Europa League and not the Conference League in owner Evangelos Marinakis’ post-draw, four-minute interview with TNT Sports.Â
Marinakis, who was seated two rows in front of Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, had earlier walked out of the auditorium before the Conference League draw – which Forest would have been in had it not been for Palace’s demotion for breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules.Â
Marinakis was also present for Thursday’s Champions League draw, to see whom his Olympiakos side would be up against. Marinakis did at least speak of his ‘solid’ relationship with manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Evangelos Marinakis avoided awkward questions over Crystal Palace’s European demotion
Silence speaks volumesÂ
It will be interesting to note the reception handed to Alejandro Garnacho by Manchester United supporters should he play at Old Trafford when they face his new club Chelsea on September 20.Â
Eyebrows have been raised at his unveiling, in which Chelsea recreated the famous picture of the winger celebrating a goal by sitting on an advertisement board alongside Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo in February 2024, which United had hoped would signpost a new era.Â
As of Sunday afternoon, the lack of a farewell message to the fans whose club he had been at for five years was also notable by its absence.
Alejandro Garnacho could be set for a mixed reception when he returns to Old Trafford
PSG’s savvy moveÂ
A familiar face at the Champions League draw in the shape of former Paris 2024 executive director of communications Anne Descamps, who is now the chief communications officer at competition holders Paris Saint-Germain.Â
Descamps will focus on all operations including the new stadium project, training ground upgrade and potential NBA franchise.Â
The hire would appear to be a smart move from PSG’s Qatar owners. Descamps fronted up and spoke to the media every morning in the French capital with no issue – including safety concerns over the safety of the River Seine – off the table.
