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- Iniesta Opens Dubai Academy As Douglas Costa Heads To Al Ittifaq And Infantino Addresses World Cup Visa Concerns
Iniesta Opens Dubai Academy As Douglas Costa Heads To Al Ittifaq And Infantino Addresses World Cup Visa Concerns
Augustus Media FZ LLC
June 11, 2026
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It’s another big day in football, with Dubai welcoming Barça legend Iniesta, Al Ittifaq making noise with a major Brazilian signing, and FIFA facing tough questions ahead of the World Cup. From Iniesta’s new academy to Douglas Costa’s UAE move and Infantino’s comments on visa concerns, here’s what’s making headlines.
Andrés Iniesta Opens Dubai Academy To Train The Next Football Generation
What Is It About
Barça legend Andrés Iniesta has officially opened Iniesta Academy Dubai, bringing his football philosophy and experience to young players in the city. The academy will focus on training the next generation of footballers, giving them the chance to learn under a programme connected to one of the game’s most iconic midfielders.
Why It Matters
Iniesta’s academy adds another major name to Dubai’s growing football development scene. For young players in the UAE, it means access to elite-level coaching inspired by a World Cup winner and Barcelona great. It also reflects Dubai’s growing role as a regional hub for international sports academies and talent development.
What’s Next
The academy is expected to begin shaping young footballers through structured training, technical development and Iniesta’s signature style of play. As more global football names invest in the region, Dubai could become an even stronger destination for youth football and future talent pathways.
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Brazillian Douglas Costa Set For UAE’S Al Ittifaq Move Ahead Of Next Season
What Is It About
Brazilian winger Douglas Costa is set to join Al Ittifaq next season, in a move confirmed by the club’s general manager Ricardo Pinto on The Lovin Dubai Show. Costa is known for his pace, dribbling and left foot, and has previously played for Bayern Munich, Juventus and Brazil’s 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.
Why It Matters
Costa’s arrival would be a major statement for Al Ittifaq as the club looks to raise its level and strengthen its ambitions in UAE football. With experience at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, he brings pedigree, quality and star power. Pinto also described him as “a very good signing”, underlining how highly the club views the move.
What’s Next
Attention will now turn to Costa’s arrival and how he fits into Al Ittifaq’s plans for the new season. The club is looking to balance experienced signings with young players and consistent squad members as it builds for its next chapter. If the move goes through smoothly, Costa could become one of the standout names to watch.
Infantino Tells Fans To “Chill” Over World Cup Visa Concerns
What Is It About
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said fans “should chill” over concerns surrounding visa issues ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the US. Artan, who was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was stopped at Miami airport and will no longer officiate at the tournament.
Why It Matters
The incident has added to growing debate around how politics, immigration rules and security concerns are affecting the World Cup. Infantino said FIFA works behind the scenes to find solutions, but cannot control which people governments allow into their countries. The issue has also impacted others, including an Iraq team staff member and Moroccan fans.
What’s Next
The World Cup begins this week across the US, Mexico and Canada, with FIFA still managing sensitive travel and political challenges. Infantino also addressed Iran’s participation, saying FIFA helped ensure the team could compete despite restrictions. Visa issues, ticket prices and political tensions are likely to remain major talking points throughout the tournament.
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