Politics

European soccer leaders make plans to take Belgium’s side against FIFA

Published

46 minutes ago

July 5, 2026

FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban has sparked anger inside European soccer, with both continental confederation UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association discussing possible next steps, according to a high-ranking UEFA official. The official, who was granted anonymity to discuss ongoing deliberations, said no final decision had been taken.

As of Sunday evening, UEFA’s plan was to release a statement on Monday in response to FIFA’s ruling, according to a person familiar with the matter. The statement is expected to support the Belgian association, which was directly affected after Balogun was permitted to play against Belgium despite having been sent off in the previous match. Belgium is a member of UEFA.

“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the Belgian association said in a statement released after FIFA’s ruling.

FIFA’s ruling has also prompted criticism from inside soccer’s global governing body. One of the organization’s vice presidents, asked by Blue Light News for his view of the Balogun case, described it in a WhatsApp message as an “utter disgrace.” The vice president was granted anonymity to speak candidly about the matter.

Politics

The other US-Belgian spat

Published

16 minutes ago

July 6, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

BRUSSELS — Even before they face off tomorrow night in Seattle, Belgium and the the United States are already at loggerheads over America’s birthday celebrations.

U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White insisted that Brussels’ historic Parc du Cinquantenaire was left spotless after his lavish festivities marking 250 years of American independence, as Belgian authorities probe whether fireworks damaged one of the capital’s historic buildings.

“We are in immediate contact with the Belgian company that was hired to coordinate all event logistics, including the fireworks company,” White wrote on X on Friday. He said the contractor would “remediate where it is required” and insisted that “Cinquantenaire has never looked any cleaner than it was the day after we cleaned up after our event,” posting photographs of the park looking immaculate.

More than 8,800 invited guests attended the June 28 celebration — one of the biggest diplomatic receptions ever staged in Brussels — organized by White, featuring a large fireworks display beneath the triumphal arch and a gala held in Cinquantenaire’s Royal Museum of Art and History building.

The ambassador’s response came after Flemish newspapers De Standaard and Het Nieuwsblad reported that Belgium’s Buildings Agency had opened an investigation into possible damage to the museum.

The Building Authority confirmed that “fireworks debris was found on the roof, and certain limited areas of the roof appear blackened” in a statement to Blue Light News, adding that “analyses are still ongoing” before being able to comment on the scope of any repair work.

Belgian Buildings Minister Vanessa Matz has urged caution, saying investigators must first determine whether any damage was caused by the fireworks display or by the severe thunderstorm that swept across Brussels the previous night.The celebration reportedly cost around €5 million, with White raising the money from roughly 220 Belgian and American companies.

Politics

Starmer, Burnham to skip pubs

Published

46 minutes ago

July 5, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

LONDON — The U.K.’s current and next prime minister will both skip the pub to watch England’s match against Mexico at their homes, advisers confirmed.

Keir Starmer — the outgoing PM who promoted his move to let English pubs stay open till 5 a.m. for the late-night kickoff — will watch with his family in London. Andy Burnham, who is set to succeed Starmer in two weeks, will watch with his family in Greater Manchester.

But the question is whether both make it to the bitter end — particularly after the game was delayed an hour due to adverse weather, moving kickoff to 2 a.m. local time. That would appear to pose a particular sleep-related challenge for Burnham, who is due in Westminster on Monday for access talks with senior officials as he prepares to take charge of the government.

Politics

The connection between Oasis, England and Andy Burnham

Published

46 minutes ago

July 5, 2026

Blue Light Newsroom

Watching the World Cup or scrolling on social media, you may have noticed England fans serenading the players with renditions of “Wonderwall” at the end of their matches.

Fans of “Sweet Caroline” may feel aggrieved that the Oasis classic has taken top spot for England sing-alongs at this World Cup. But it is hard to imagine lyrics more apt for the ears of star striker Harry Kane than: “You’re going to be the one that saves me” … given England’s captain has, at times, appeared to drag his team through this tournament almost single-handed.

“Wonderwall” remains Oasis’ best-known anthem — arguably transcending the band itself, much to singer Liam Gallagher’s occasional irritation.

But it is not the first time the now-reunited Gallagher brothers have featured in an unexpected setting this summer.

Andy Burnham, Britain’s prime minister-in-waiting, is always keen to lean heavily into his Manchester roots. Earlier this year, he secured permission from the Gallagher brothers to use Oasis’ “Some Might Say” in his online campaigning for the Makerfield by-election.

Burnham is due to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister on July 20 — one day after the World Cup final.

He will be hoping to arrive in Number 10 riding a wave of national euphoria, with England world champions and the words of his fellow Mancunians ringing in his ears.

Including one lyric that might feel less like inspiration and more like a warning. “By now, you should’ve somehow realized what you’ve got to do.”