Sports Express | August 6, 2026 FIFA President Infantino Survives Crisis Meeting, Gets Full Backing

1. FIFA President Infantino Survives Crisis Meeting, Gets 'Full Support' — Canada PM Carney Says 'No Confidence'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino survived an emergency meeting on Wednesday, receiving "full support" from FIFA's leadership council after a tumultuous period. The crisis was triggered by Infantino's secret plan to sell World Cup commercial stakes to private investors, a proposal he had not disclosed to FIFA's top advisers — sparking a global backlash.

Infantino apologized for "errors" during the meeting, but criticism continued to mount. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly stated, "I don't have confidence in Infantino," adding that the undisclosed plan "should be fatal" to his position. Portuguese legend Luís Figo also called for Infantino to resign, saying the FIFA president "must go" to save football.

As a co-host nation leader for the 2026 World Cup, Carney's strong stance carries significant political weight. The controversy has raised concerns about FIFA's governance ahead of the tournament, with European soccer leagues also adding pressure on Infantino.

2. MLB Trade Deadline Recap: Rutschman Blockbuster Headlines Biggest Surprises

The 2026 MLB Trade Deadline delivered one of the most shocking moves in recent memory: the Baltimore Orioles sent All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox for a haul of three top-10 prospects, headlined by right-hander Anthony Eyanson (No. 49 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100). Boston's willingness to part with premium prospects for Rutschman marked a dramatic shift from their recent approach.

The Seattle Mariners pulled off another surprise, trading Luis Castillo without eating a single dollar of his remaining contract — approximately $48 million through 2028 — despite his career-worst 5.06 ERA this season. Freddy Peralta landed with the Tampa Bay Rays and Kevin Gausman joined the Chicago Cubs, with both deals reshaping the playoff landscape.

The Dodgers, Orioles, and Phillies emerged as the biggest winners at the deadline, while some middle-tier teams that stood pat may find themselves at a disadvantage come October.

3. Aaron Donald Logs Official Workout With Rams as Comeback Nears

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald took another step toward a potential NFL return, officially working out for the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday. The workout, labeled a "tryout" on the league's transaction wire, saw Donald use the Rams' equipment and wear a helmet — though not full pads, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rams head coach Sean McVay responded with characteristic humor: "Best tryout we've ever had. I think he could make the team." Donald, who last played in the 2023 season, is widely considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. His potential return would immediately transform the Rams' defensive front back into a championship-caliber unit.

While no contract has been signed, the formal workout signals that both sides are seriously exploring a reunion. The NFL world is watching closely.

4. Stefon Diggs Signs With Commanders on One-Year, $12 Million Deal

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs has found a new home, signing a one-year contract worth up to $12 million with the Washington Commanders. Diggs, who had expressed interest in playing with rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels, now gets that opportunity in the nation's capital.

The veteran receiver joins Terry McLaurin to form a formidable one-two punch in Washington's receiving corps. Diggs' arrival provides Daniels with another proven weapon as the Commanders look to build on their offensive momentum heading into the 2026 season.

From a fantasy football perspective, Diggs' value in Washington presents an intriguing case. While he'll benefit from Daniels' high-level quarterback play, sharing targets with McLaurin could cap his individual production compared to his peak seasons.

5. Bijan Robinson Signs Record 3-Year, $75 Million Extension With Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have locked up their franchise running back, agreeing with Bijan Robinson on a three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million. The deal, with a base value of $66.75 million, makes the two-time Pro Bowler the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

"This is one of my dreams, to stay with one team," Robinson said upon signing. "Guys like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, they all stayed on their one team. I think that is such a cool legacy thing." Robinson had been staging a hold-in — attending but not practicing — while awaiting the new deal.

The extension resets the running back market and sets a new benchmark for other star backs seeking new contracts, including Detroit's Jahmyr Gibbs, who is currently in a hold-in of his own.

6. Lions GM Brad Holmes Addresses Jahmyr Gibbs' Contract Hold-In

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in has entered its second week as he awaits a new contract. With Bijan Robinson setting a new market ceiling at $75 million, all eyes are now on Detroit to see how they'll handle their own star back.

General Manager Brad Holmes offered a brief update on SiriusXM radio Wednesday: "Look, obviously we love Jahmyr. Me and Dan Campbell have always been believers in that one-two punch." Holmes didn't provide a concrete timeline but confirmed ongoing dialogue. Gibbs himself said "only time will tell" when he'll return to practice.

Gibbs and David Montgomery formed one of the NFL's most lethal backfield duos last season, leading the league in combined rushing yards. Locking up Gibbs long-term is a critical priority for a Lions team with Super Bowl aspirations.

7. Leylah Fernandez Cruises Into Third Round at National Bank Open

Canada's Leylah Fernandez delivered for the home crowd Wednesday night in Toronto, dispatching Mexico's Renata Zarazúa 6-2, 6-2 in just 1 hour and 22 minutes to advance to the third round of the National Bank Open. The Laval native is now the lone Canadian singles player remaining in the tournament.

Ranked 34th in the world, Fernandez showcased excellent baseline control and precise shot placement, completely overwhelming her 73rd-ranked opponent. Rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala also thrilled the Toronto crowd with a victory later in the evening.

Fernandez faces a tougher test in the next round. With multiple Canadian players exiting early — including men's favorite Félix Auger-Aliassime withdrawing due to injury — the home crowd's expectations now rest squarely on her shoulders.

8. Félix Auger-Aliassime Withdraws From National Bank Open With Back Injury

In a devastating blow to Canadian tennis, Félix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from the National Bank Open in Montreal roughly two hours before his opening match Wednesday, citing a back injury sustained during practice. The Montreal-born second seed was set to be the marquee attraction of the evening session.

"I tried to warm up, and then I basically couldn't serve," Auger-Aliassime explained after the withdrawal. The 25-year-old's homecoming ended before it could begin, leaving Canadian fans without the chance to see their top men's player compete for the title on home soil.

The severity of the injury remains unclear, and the ATP Tour has not yet announced whether Auger-Aliassime will be available for upcoming tournaments. For the young star, missing his hometown event was "difficult to accept."

9. Canada Finishes Perfect Round Robin at Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Beats Sweden 7-4

Team Canada's U18 squad continued its dominant run at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, defeating Sweden 7-4 on Wednesday night to finish the round robin with a perfect 3-0 record. Canada will face Finland in Friday's semifinal.

Several Saskatchewan-born players stood out in the victory, providing crucial offensive firepower for the Canadian attack. Stroeder and Cripps have been standout performers throughout the tournament, contributing key scoring across multiple games and serving as major reasons for Canada's undefeated run.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is one of the premier international tournaments at the U18 level, and Canada has historically been a powerhouse. This year's squad has demonstrated exceptional offensive depth and overall firepower, making them the clear favorites to capture the title.

10. CFL Week 10: Toronto Argonauts Finally Return Home to BMO Field After 307 Days

After an epic seven-game road trip — the longest in CFL history — the Toronto Argonauts will finally host a game at BMO Field on Thursday night, welcoming the Calgary Stampeders to kick off Week 10. It has been 307 days since the Boatmen last played in front of their home crowd.

Adding to the excitement, star quarterback Chad Kelly returns under center after recovering from a neck injury sustained in a July 25 road win over the BC Lions. Kelly has completed 70.4% of his passes this season for 2,323 yards and 17 touchdowns, though his nine interceptions are tied for the league lead.

Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said simply walking to BMO Field "put a smile on my face the whole time." With the blue seats finally filled with fans in Double Blue, the Argonauts are eager to kick off the second half of their season with a statement win at home.