AGP Executive Report

FIFA Leadership Shake-Up: FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations after withdrawing its controversial World Cup commercial-rights plan, while reaffirming full support for Gianni Infantino after a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco—though European federations have been pulling away and the March 2027 re-election remains under a cloud. San Marino in the FIFA Vote: The dispute matters for small federations too, since each association has one vote in FIFA’s election, giving countries like San Marino equal weight in the final call. San Marino Sports Spotlight: San Marino will send two Tokyo Olympic medalists—Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti—to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, as part of a 45-athlete delegation. Local Aviation & Business: Dubai-based DC Aviation Al-Futtaim has received San Marino CAR-145 approval to provide line and base maintenance for aircraft on the San Marino registry, expanding services for business and commercial operators. Mediterranean Games Team List: The delegation spans multiple sports including shooting, swimming, cycling, tennis, and archery, with Perilli and Berti leading the medalist contingent.

FIFA Leadership Crisis: FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations after withdrawing a controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights, with senior officials in Rabat, Morocco reaffirming their full support for Gianni Infantino as his March re-election faces fresh doubt. San Marino in the Spotlight: The fallout matters for small federations too, since each association has one vote, and San Marino’s backing carries the same weight as major powers in any leadership fight. Mediterranean Games: San Marino is sending a 45-athlete team to Taranto, including Olympic medalists Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti, plus competitors across shooting, cycling, swimming, tennis, and more. Local Sports & Europe: UEFA Conference League qualifiers continue, with San Marino’s Tre Fiori mentioned as a potential route to the league phase. Aviation & Business: Dubai’s DC Aviation Al-Futtaim has received San Marino CAR-145 approval for line and base maintenance, expanding support for aircraft on the San Marino registry. Culture: SMRTV confirmed the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with semi-finals March 3-4 and the grand final March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana.

San Marino in Sport: San Marino’s Mediterranean Games team heads to Taranto with Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti, Tokyo 2020 medalists in mixed team trap, plus a broader 45-athlete delegation across shooting and other disciplines. San Marino Football Pathway: The UEFA Conference League play-off picture is forming, with Paide Linnameeskond set to face Rapid Vienna if they advance, while Flora’s route could involve San Marino’s Tre Fiori. San Marino Aviation: Dubai’s DC Aviation Al-Futtaim has received San Marino CAR-145 approval for line and base maintenance, expanding scheduled and unscheduled services for aircraft on the San Marino registry. San Marino Eurovision: SMRTV confirmed San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with semi-finals on March 3 and 4 and the grand final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana. International Watch: FIFA apologized to member associations and reaffirmed support for Gianni Infantino after the World Cup commercial rights plan was withdrawn, while the UK rolled out a new Russia sanctions package targeting shipping and energy-linked vessels.

San Marino Aviation & Business Travel: Dubai-based DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) has received San Marino Civil Aviation Authority CAR-145 approval to provide line and base maintenance for aircraft on the San Marino registry, boosting services for business and commercial operators across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. San Marino in Sports: San Marino will send two Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalists, Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti, to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto as part of a 45-athlete delegation. San Marino Eurovision: SMRTV confirmed the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with semi-finals on March 3 and 4 and the grand final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana. International Watch: FIFA apologized to member associations over its abandoned $4.2bn World Cup commercial rights plan and reaffirmed support for Gianni Infantino after a crisis meeting in Morocco. UK-Russia Sanctions: The UK announced a new Russia sanctions package targeting shipping and energy, including vessels linked to San Marino’s flag.

FIFA Crisis: FIFA leadership backed President Gianni Infantino after a Morocco meeting, while issuing a formal apology to member associations over mistakes in its abandoned $4.2bn World Cup commercial-rights plan—aimed at selling a 20% stake in a new entity—after fierce backlash and calls for change ahead of next March’s election. San Marino Sports: San Marino is sending Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti—Tokyo 2020 mixed trap silver medalists—to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, alongside a 45-athlete delegation across multiple disciplines. San Marino Eurovision: SMRTV confirmed the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with semi-finals on March 3 and 4 and the grand final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana. Aviation & Business: Dubai-based DC Aviation Al-Futtaim received San Marino CAR-145 approval to provide line and base maintenance for aircraft on the San Marino registry, expanding MRO options for operators in the region. Local Community Spotlight: A Pennsylvania Episcopal diocese meeting in Erie will choose a new bishop, with expectations that the winner will be the first woman to lead the diocese.

FIFA Crisis Update: FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations for mistakes tied to an abandoned World Cup commercial-rights sell-off, and after a Morocco meeting it reaffirmed full support for President Gianni Infantino while promising a review. San Marino Sports: San Marino is sending a 45-athlete team to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, including Tokyo 2020 trap medalists Alessandra Perilli (bronze) and Gian Marco Berti (silver in the mixed team trap). San Marino in Europe: San Marino club Tre Fiori is in the UEFA Conference League qualifying mix, with Larne’s European run also spotlighting how San Marino’s results can affect Northern Ireland’s UEFA ranking pressure. San Marino Culture: SMRTV has set the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with the Grand Final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting in Morocco after his plan to sell off World Cup commercial rights collapsed, with UEFA and other federations withdrawing support and FIFA insiders warning the project was “permanently abandoned.” AI and Work: A World Bank report says job displacement risk from AI is far higher in high-income countries—about 14.2% of jobs are highly exposed, more than triple low- and middle-income levels. San Marino Sports & Culture: SMRTV has set the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with semi-finals on March 3 and 4 and the grand final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana. Aviation for San Marino: Dubai-based DC Aviation Al-Futtaim received San Marino Civil Aviation Authority approval to provide line and base maintenance for aircraft on the San Marino registry. Travel Snapshot: Countries with more tourists than locals include Andorra and Monaco, while San Marino sits among those with a high visitor-to-resident ratio.

Aviation & Business: San Marino’s Civil Aviation Authority has granted DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) CAR-145 approval for line and base maintenance, expanding scheduled and unscheduled aircraft servicing for business and commercial jets on the San Marino registry, with work covering major types from Gulfstream and Bombardier to Airbus A320. Tourism & Travel: A new snapshot of “tourist density” puts San Marino at 3.2 visitors per resident, placing it among the world’s higher-traffic small states. Football & Europe: Larne’s Europa League tie matters for San Marino too—Northern Ireland’s coefficient fight is framed against the bottom of UEFA rankings, where San Marino sits among the lowest. Culture & Controversy: Boy George has pulled out of West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash over his pro-Israel song, adding to the wider cultural and political storm around the release. Local Community: A San Marino-linked family fundraiser raised $6,129 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, with young Isabella Donnelly continuing lemonade stands to support pediatric cancer care.

Tourism Snapshot: Andorra tops the world for tourist density, with 51 international visitors per local resident; San Marino also lands high at 3.2 visitors per resident, alongside the Maldives. Cycling & City Design: In Los Angeles, Marc Papas is biking every public street to push for more bike lanes, highlighting how small infrastructure choices can change daily life. World Cup Power Struggle: FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces mounting backlash over plans to sell World Cup commercial stakes, with UEFA and many European nations threatening boycotts. Local Sports Link: Larne’s European run matters beyond the pitch—Northern Ireland’s coefficient ranking could affect how many teams qualify for Europe next season, with San Marino’s Tre Fiori name-checked in the wider context. San Marino Community: Partnership for Awareness in San Marino continues its child-focused approach under President Marisa Kelly, emphasizing listening and staying connected as youth mental health pressures grow. Pope Leo XIV: The Vatican outlines Pope Leo XIV’s August schedule, including a pastoral visit to San Marino on Aug. 22.

World Cup Power Struggle: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s push to sell stakes in the World Cup is triggering a widening backlash, with UEFA and many national federations lining up to boycott future FIFA competitions over fears the tournament could be treated like an investment product. San Marino in the Mix: The dispute keeps spotlighting FIFA’s one-member, one-vote structure—where even small federations like San Marino hold equal clout—while critics argue the money flows are being used to consolidate influence. Local Sports Pathway: In European qualifiers, Northern Ireland’s Larne are chasing “League Phase” football after beating Tre Fiori of San Marino, with their next tie against FC Iberia 1999 seen as crucial for keeping continental spots for the league. Community & Care: In San Marino, Partnership for Awareness highlights a family-first approach to youth mental health, with President Marisa Kelly stressing listening and staying connected as kids pull away. Culture & Travel: Oman has launched a free 14-day tourist visa category for eligible nationalities, while Finland confirms visa-free entry for about 60 countries—though only Mauritius and Seychelles are among African nations.

San Marino Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV’s summer schedule is out, with weekly public Masses in August, Angelus addresses, and a key pastoral visit to the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22. Local Sports & Europe: Larne’s Europa League tie vs FC Iberia 1999 is framed as crucial for Northern Ireland’s UEFA places, with Larne aiming to “keep it tight” at Inver Park before the Georgia trip. Art & Culture: The Huntington’s “Damaged Goods” exhibition runs through Nov. 30, spotlighting how stains, errors, and censorship shape major works, including Benjamin Franklin’s ink-stained autobiography draft. Travel Rules: Finland confirms visa-free entry for citizens of about 60 countries, with only Mauritius and Seychelles among African nations; Oman also announced a free 14-day tourist visa category for selected countries. Football Governance: UEFA has voted to boycott FIFA competitions if FIFA pushes ahead with plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Visa Rules Watch: Finland says citizens of about 60 countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but only Mauritius and Seychelles are the two African nations on the list. Local Sports & Europe: Northern Ireland’s UEFA coefficient worries are now tied to Larne’s next qualifying step after their win over San Marino’s Tre Fiori—progress could help protect European places for the Premiership. San Marino in the Spotlight: A separate report notes UEFA’s boycott plans over FIFA’s proposed private-investor World Cup shake-up, with San Marino among the lowest-ranked associations in the coefficient table. Pope Leo XIV: The Vatican published Pope Leo’s August schedule, including weekly public Masses, Angelus addresses, and a pastoral visit to San Marino on Aug. 22. Community & Culture: In San Marino, a local family fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles highlights how residents are turning community ties into real-world support.

FBI Probe in Southern California: Federal investigators carried out raids across the region tied to alleged Chinese influence, including properties linked to local officials and business figures; investigators won’t say what they’re targeting, and no charges have been filed. Visa Rules Update: Spain clarified that only Mauritius and Seychelles qualify for visa-free short stays in Schengen under EU rules, and reminded travelers about a new digital border system. UEFA vs FIFA World Cup Plan: UEFA says it will boycott future FIFA competitions if FIFA moves ahead with a private-investment scheme to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, a fight that could reshape participation across Europe. San Marino Connection in Sports Governance: UEFA’s boycott list and FIFA’s “one country, one vote” structure put small nations like San Marino in the spotlight as the dispute turns into a power struggle over funding and control. Pope Leo XIV Schedule: Pope Leo XIV’s August calendar includes weekly public Masses and audiences, plus a pastoral visit to the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22.

F1 in San Marino’s orbit: Formula 1 confirmed the Bahrain Grand Prix will be staged at Sepang in Malaysia in October, keeping the “Bahrain” name despite the huge distance—an unusual workaround after earlier Middle East cancellations. World Cup power struggle: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a new commercial entity has triggered a UEFA-led boycott threat, with European federations saying the World Cup “is not for sale” and listing countries that would sit out future FIFA events. San Marino business note: San Marino approved DC Aviation for bizjet maintenance, granting CAR-145/line-and-base maintenance authorization tied to its regional growth push. Local community spotlight: A San Marino-based youth support group, Partnership for Awareness, highlighted its long-running approach to listening to kids and strengthening family mental health resources. Sports fallout: Boy George pulled out of London’s Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash over his pro-Israel song, as the controversy threatened to overshadow the production. Human-interest: A San Marino family fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles raised thousands through a lemonade stand aimed at helping kids battling cancer.

Papal Schedule & San Marino Visit: Pope Leo XIV has returned to Rome after a quiet Castel Gandolfo break, hosting a “Canticle of Peace” concert with Andrea Bocelli and choirs, and now resumes weekly public Masses in August, including trips to Assisi and Rimini—plus a pastoral visit to the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22. FIFA World Cup “For Sale” Fight: UEFA has confirmed it will boycott future FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial operations goes through, warning the tournament “is not for sale” and listing a wide set of European nations backing the move. San Marino Aviation Approval: San Marino has approved DC Aviation for CAR-145/maintenance work, supporting expansion of bizjet MRO capabilities. Local Community Spotlight: A San Marino family-linked fundraiser helped Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through a lemonade stand, while Partnership for Awareness continues its youth mental-health support work in the community. Culture & Arts: Betye Saar, a Los Angeles-rooted artist who tackled racism and spirituality, has died at 99.

FIFA Power Struggle: UEFA says it will boycott future FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors goes ahead, arguing the tournament “is not for sale” and listing a wide set of countries backing the move. San Marino in the Mix: The debate keeps circling back to FIFA’s one-country, one-vote structure, where small nations like San Marino would still get the same payouts—fueling fears that money could override governance. Local Business Watch: San Marino approved DC Aviation for CAR-145/maintenance work, supporting expansion of its bizjet MRO capabilities. Culture & Community: The Huntington in San Marino hosted a Filipino American “Sunday Supper” featuring food and archives, while a local lemonade fundraiser raised thousands for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Sports Calendar: UEFA’s boycott threat and FIFA’s proposed format changes are now shaping what fans may see next, while Formula 1 continues contingency planning for races if Middle East instability disrupts Qatar and Abu Dhabi.