AGP Executive Report

San Marino at the Mediterranean Games: San Marino’s Taranto squad includes Olympic medalists Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti, who won Tokyo 2020 silver in mixed team trap, with Perilli also adding a women’s trap bronze. San Marino in Eurovision planning: SMRTV has set the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana, with semi-finals on March 3 and 4 and the grand final on March 6. UEFA Conference League (San Marino link): If San Marino’s Tre Fiori advance, they could face Kosovo champions Drita in the next qualifying step toward the league phase. FIFA governance shake-up (global, but relevant to football): FIFA apologized to member associations over mistakes tied to a withdrawn World Cup commercial-rights plan and reaffirmed support for Gianni Infantino after a crisis meeting in Morocco. EU/UK sanctions (shipping): The UK announced a new Russia sanctions package targeting shipping and energy, including vessel listings tied to Russian gas and crude exports.

Sanctions Update: The UK’s new government has rolled out its first Russia sanctions package, adding 19 new listings aimed at shipping, energy, banks, and “shady businesses” tied to the war in Ukraine, including the LNG carrier Arctic Express and five oil tankers, with one vessel reportedly linked to the San Marino flag. FIFA Fallout: FIFA leadership says it has apologized to member associations and reaffirmed full support for President Gianni Infantino after a crisis meeting in Morocco over the withdrawn $4.2bn plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights. San Marino in Sports: San Marino’s Tre Fiori is in the mix for UEFA Conference League qualification after a draw set up potential paths toward the league phase. Culture & Events: SMRTV has 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. Mediterranean Games: San Marino will send Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti, Tokyo 2020 medalists, to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto.

FIFA Crisis Talks: FIFA leadership met in Rabat, Morocco, to back President Gianni Infantino after his World Cup commercial rights plan collapsed. FIFA also issued a formal apology to member associations, saying mistakes were made in how the withdrawn proposal was handled, and promised a review. Football Governance Fallout: The plan would have sold a 20% stake in a new World Cup commercial rights entity for about $4.2 billion, but faced fierce backlash from UEFA and others, leaving Infantino’s March re-election prospects in doubt. San Marino Spotlight in Sport: 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 Community & Sport: A wrestling clinic in California’s Central Valley drew more than 100 young athletes, with coaches and former standouts focusing on mindset and nutrition. San Marino Eurovision Dates: SMRTV confirmed the San Marino Song Contest 2027 selection schedule, with semi-finals on March 3 and 4 and the grand final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana.

FIFA Leadership Crisis: FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations for mistakes tied to its abandoned World Cup commercial-rights sell-off, and after a crisis meeting in Morocco it reaffirmed “full support” for President Gianni Infantino while promising a review. The fallout follows last week’s withdrawal of a plan to sell a 20% stake in a new commercial rights entity that was set to raise about $4.2 billion, amid sharp criticism from within football’s power centers. San Marino Sports: San Marino will send two Tokyo 2020 Olympic medalists—Alessandra Perilli and Gian Marco Berti—to the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, with a 45-athlete delegation competing across multiple sports. San Marino Football Europe: Tre Fiori’s European momentum matters for the wider region too: if San Marino’s top side advances, it feeds into the broader UEFA qualification picture. Eurovision Planning: SMRTV has set the San Marino Song Contest 2027 dates, with the Grand Final on March 6 at Teatro Nuovo in Dogana.

FIFA Fallout: Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting in Morocco after FIFA abandoned a plan to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights to raise $4.2 billion, with critics also pointing to a company linked to Donald Trump; UEFA has said it no longer trusts his leadership and more federations have reportedly pulled support, putting Infantino’s March re-election in doubt. AI & Jobs: A new World Bank report warns AI job displacement risk is about three times higher in high-income countries than in lower-income economies. 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. Local Football Europe: Tre Fiori’s San Marino success is still echoing in European qualifiers, with Larne’s next ties highlighting how small leagues fight for spots. Community & Culture: The Huntington in San Marino, California, is running “Damaged Goods,” featuring Benjamin Franklin’s ink-stained autobiography draft and other works shaped by wear and censorship.

Gubernatorial Race: U.S. Rep. John James won the GOP gubernatorial primary in a heated contest against Perry Johnson, with vote counts still being tallied as NBC and AP called the race. FIFA Fallout: FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s push to sell stakes in the World Cup has triggered a major backlash, with UEFA confirming a boycott of future FIFA competitions and listing countries that would sit out. San Marino in the Mix: The dispute keeps spotlighting FIFA’s one-member, one-vote structure—where even small nations like San Marino hold equal clout—while Larne’s European run is tied to San Marino’s Tre Fiori in qualifying. Local Community & Culture: In San Marino, a Children’s Hospital LA fundraiser by Isabella Donnelly raised $6,129, and The Huntington continues cultural programming including Filipino American “Sunday Supper” events. Immigration & Travel Rules: Finland and Spain both confirm visa-free access for only Mauritius and Seychelles among African nations, with strict border-entry conditions still applying. Public Safety: FBI raids across Southern California are linked to investigations into Chinese influence, with details sealed and no charges announced.

Cycling Challenge in L.A.: Marc Papas says he’s biking every public street in Los Angeles to prove the city is “actually bikeable,” already covering about 5,840 miles (78%) and aiming for roughly 7,516 miles total, with a focus on expanding bike lanes like the long Reseda Boulevard stretch. FIFA World Cup Fallout: Gianni Infantino’s push to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights is sparking a major backlash, with UEFA voting to boycott future FIFA competitions if the plan goes through and raising questions about how the tournament could change. San Marino Spotlight in Sports: Larne’s Europa League tie vs FC Iberia 1999 matters beyond Northern Ireland—because Larne’s success could help preserve European spots, and the club’s recent win over Tre Fiori of San Marino keeps the San Marino connection in the spotlight. Local Culture in San Marino: The Huntington’s “Damaged Goods” exhibition runs through Nov. 30, featuring Benjamin Franklin’s stained autobiography draft and other works shaped by ink, wear, and human edits. Community & Giving: A San Marino family’s lemonade stand raised $6,129 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, tied to Isabella Donnelly’s own cancer journey.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino’s push to sell World Cup commercial stakes is sparking a major backlash, with UEFA confirming a boycott of future FIFA competitions if the plan goes ahead—raising the stakes for nations that share FIFA’s “one vote per federation” system, including small teams like San Marino. Local Sports & Europe: Northern Ireland’s European hopes hinge on Larne’s Europa League tie versus FC Iberia 1999, with a win protecting UEFA co-efficient places that could otherwise shrink the number of teams from the region. San Marino Spotlight in Football: A San Marino-registered bulker, Pilatus Marie, ran aground in the Turkish Dardanelles after an engine failure, briefly halting traffic before tugs freed it. Culture & Community: The Huntington in San Marino, California, hosts “Damaged Goods,” featuring Benjamin Franklin’s stained autobiography draft and other works shaped by ink, wear, and censorship. Human Interest: A San Marino-area child’s lemonade stand raised $6,129 for CHLA, turning a personal cancer story into support for other kids.

Europa League Focus: Larne host FC Iberia 1999 at Inver Park for the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round, with Aaron Donnelly urging a “keep it tight” approach as the winners chase a shot at League Phase football. San Marino Connection: Larne’s European run is already tied to San Marino’s Tre Fiori, which they beat earlier this month—now the club’s progress could shape Northern Ireland’s UEFA places. UEFA vs FIFA: UEFA says it will boycott FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights goes ahead, arguing the tournament “is not for sale,” and listing the countries that would sit out. Local Community & Health: In San Marino, a young resident’s lemonade stand raised $6,129 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, continuing a family-rooted push to help kids battling cancer. Travel Rules: Finland confirms visa-free access for citizens of about 60 countries, with only Mauritius and Seychelles listed among African nations. Culture & Arts: Benjamin Franklin’s ink-stained autobiography draft is among the highlights of “Damaged Goods” at The Huntington, running through November 30.

FIFA World Cup Fallout: UEFA says it will boycott future FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial operations goes ahead, with the dispute centered on whether the tournament should be treated like an investment product. Local Community & Youth Support: In San Marino, Partnership for Awareness president Marisa Kelly highlights a family-first approach to youth mental health, built decades ago and still guiding parents and counselors today. San Marino Sports Pathway: Larne’s European run remains crucial for Northern Ireland’s UEFA ranking hopes, with the club needing results to protect continental spots. Immigration Enforcement: U.S. ICE arrested a Latvian former reality TV contestant in San Francisco, citing a violent criminal history and deportation plans. Culture & Arts: Boy George has withdrawn from London’s Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash tied to his pro-Israel song “We Will Dance Again.” Human Interest: A San Marino-area child’s lemonade stand raised thousands for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, driven by her own cancer experience.

FBI & Chinese influence probe: Federal investigators are still tight-lipped after raids across Southern California, with experts and local officials linking the case to broader efforts targeting Chinese government influence. The sweep reportedly involved people and businesses tied to Ontario and San Bernardino, including figures connected to a Chinese-American multimedia company; no charges have been announced. World Cup power struggle: UEFA says it will boycott FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors goes through, arguing the tournament “is not for sale.” The dispute could reshape who plays in future FIFA events. Local sports pressure: Northern Ireland’s clubs face a tough European outlook, with officials warning they may lose continental spots unless results improve. Pope Leo XIV schedule: The Vatican published Pope Leo’s August plans, including weekly public Masses and a return to Wednesday audiences. San Marino community spotlight: A San Marino family fundraiser for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles highlights local ties and youth-led giving. Culture & arts: Renowned assemblage artist Betye Saar has died at 99, with her Southern California roots central to her legacy.

F1 Calendar Shake-Up: F1 confirmed the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang in Malaysia in October, keeping Bahrain’s name despite the huge distance—an unusual fix after Middle East cancellations. World Cup Power Struggle: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a new commercial entity has triggered a major backlash, with UEFA and its 55 member nations vowing to boycott future FIFA competitions if the proposal goes through. Local Community Spotlight: A San Marino family fundraiser at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles highlights deep local ties, with a young resident raising thousands for kids battling cancer. Pope Leo XIV Updates: The Vatican says Pope Leo will resume weekly public Masses and Wednesday audiences in August, with events in Assisi and Rimini and multiple Angelus addresses. Arts & Culture: Renowned assemblage artist Betye Saar has died at 99, with major work tied to the San Marino-area Huntington. Sports Culture: Boy George pulled out of West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar after backlash over his pro-Israel song. Safety & Enforcement: U.S. ICE arrested a former Latvian reality TV contestant tied to serious violent and drug-related charges.

Papal Updates: Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican after a holiday in Castel Gandolfo and hosted a “Canticle of Peace” concert in the papal courtyard, with NBC News securing English streaming rights; the Vatican also published his August schedule, including weekly public Masses and resuming Wednesday general audiences. Arts & Culture: Renowned assemblage artist Betye Saar, rooted in Southern California, died July 26 at 99; L.A. audiences will have a chance to see a wide range of her work in the coming weeks, including pieces tied to her Pasadena/Altadena legacy. Local Community Spotlight: In San Marino, a child’s lemonade fundraiser raised $6,129 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, with the young organizer saying she’ll keep going “until there’s a cure.” Immigration Enforcement: U.S. ICE arrested Roberts Nemiro, a Latvian former reality TV contestant, in San Francisco after a referral, citing a criminal record including sexual battery and aggravated assault. Sports Business Shockwaves: UEFA confirmed it will boycott FIFA competitions over FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, warning the tournament “is not for sale.” Entertainment Controversy: Boy George pulled out of London’s Jesus Christ Superstar role of King Herod after backlash to his pro-Israel song “We Will Dance Again.”

Immigration Crackdown: ICE arrested Roberts Nemiro, a Latvian reality-TV contestant, in San Francisco after a USCIS referral, citing a violent criminal record including sexual battery, aggravated assault, and drug possession, despite California’s sanctuary status. Community & Culture: The Huntington in San Marino hosted “Sunday Supper” tied to “This Filipino American Life,” using Filipino food and archives to explore generations of Filipino American culture. Local Giving: A San Marino-area child’s lemonade stand raised $6,129 for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, with the fundraiser driven by her own cancer experience and her wish to help kids keep laughing and playing. Sports Governance: UEFA confirmed it will boycott FIFA competitions if FIFA’s plan to sell World Cup commercial stakes to private investors moves forward, arguing the tournament “is not for sale.” Arts & Entertainment: Boy George pulled out of London’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” after backlash to his pro-Israel song “We Will Dance Again,” saying he’s devastated for innocent lives on both sides and calling for peace. San Marino Connection: FIFA’s voting structure puts small nations like San Marino on equal footing with major powers, a key point in the fight over the proposed World Cup selloff.

West End Shock: Boy George has pulled out of Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium just days before he was due to start, after backlash to his pro-Israel song “We Will Dance Again,” which denies genocide in Gaza and references the Oct. 7 Nova attacks. World Cup Power Struggle: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s push to sell stakes in a new World Cup commercial entity has triggered a major backlash, with UEFA confirming a boycott of future FIFA competitions if the plan goes ahead. UEFA Boycott Map: UEFA says all 55 member nations would skip FIFA events under the boycott, listing countries including England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others. Local Community Spotlight: Partnership for Awareness in San Marino highlights its long-running family support work under President Marisa Kelly, focused on listening and staying connected as youth mental health needs evolve. Pope’s Summer Schedule: Pope Leo XIV will hold weekly public Masses throughout August and resume Wednesday general audiences, with Vatican updates including Masses in Assisi and Rimini. Maritime Disruption: A San Marino-registered bulker ran aground in the Dardanelles after an engine failure; Turkish authorities suspended traffic briefly and freed the vessel after about 12 hours.

World Cup Shockwave: UEFA says it will boycott FIFA competitions if Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors goes ahead, calling the World Cup “not for sale.” Boy George Fallout: The singer has pulled out of Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s Palladium just days before performances after backlash tied to his pro-Israel track “We Will Dance Again.” Pope Leo XIV Summer Schedule: The Vatican confirms weekly public Masses and resumed Wednesday audiences in August, with Masses planned in Assisi and Rimini. Maritime Disruption: Turkish authorities briefly suspended traffic in the Dardanelles after a San Marino-registered bulker broke down and ran aground, with divers sent to inspect and tugs freeing the ship after hours. FIFA Money Fight: Reports say JPMorgan is advising FIFA on the private-equity-style World Cup structure, as nations weigh whether to back the proposal. F1 Calendar Twist: Bahrain’s Grand Prix is set to be staged in Malaysia under the Bahrain name after geopolitical disruption.