VAR isn’t perfect but close, says referee committee

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Thursday. Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Thursday.⁣⁣⁣⁣

The Madagascan official has been handed a five-year ban from all football-related activity for financial misconduct. His misappropriation of funds included a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Qatar is confident that the FIFA World Cup will go ahead as planned after a rapid progress in the COVID vaccine production. And Melbourne has received its first international flight since June. Follow DW for the latest.

FIFA has gone on the offensive amid ongoing speculation about a European Super League, insisting that any breakaway by leading clubs "would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation" while players would risk being banned from the World Cup and other major tournaments if involved.

The Times of Malta announces "a momentous turning point" in the case of slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia after a suspect pleads guilty to planting the bomb that killed her. Still, "complete justice" remains to be seen. We also look at reactions to a report from the Guardian which found that 6,500 migrant workers have died building World Cup infrastructure in Qatar. Plus: Al Jazeera launches a news platform for US conservatives, French actor Gérard Depardieu is investigated for rape and finally, why Canadian butter is no longer melting.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says it is the "right time" for the United Kingdom and Ireland to launch a bid to host the 2030 soccer World Cup, while he added the country would also be willing to host extra Euro 2020 matches this year if required.

This year's women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand is set to be pushed back until next year after the sport's global governing body said it was difficult to host the event as planned due to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino names host cities for 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino warns that clubs involved in the European Super League could face "consequences", as the backlash builds against the deeply divisive plans, including from British Prime Minister Boris who has threatened to take "legislative action" to protect "the basic principles of competition."

New Zealand's national women's team, the Black Ferns, showcase their own version of the haka at an exhibition in Auckland. Team captain Lesley Ketu says the fearsome Maori challenge would motivate the five-time World Cup winners as they defend their title on home soil for the first time.

"I'm desperate to win the Champions League and obviously keep hold of the Premier League title", says Jack Grealish as he enjoys the tag of becoming the most expensive English player in history following his £100 million ($139 million) transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City from Aston Villa.

Captain Hugo Lloris admits France must "regain confidence" as they prepare for the first of three World Cup qualifiers, after a humiliating early exit at this summer's Euros. "We've had very little time to prepare for this match, but we're enthusiastic, we're motivated," says the French goalkeeper.