France Appoints Zinedine Zidane as Head Coach Amid Global Football Shakeup

The French Football Federation has officially named Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national team, ending months of speculation regarding the legendary playmaker's future. Zidane, who famously led France to World Cup glory as a player, takes the reins through 2028. The appointment is seen as a 'dream job' for Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid.

Zidane's arrival comes during a turbulent period for European football governance. In Italy, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have resigned from their roles at the Italian Football Federation following a disagreement over the direction of the national team under Andrea Pirlo. The departures mark a significant shift for the Azzurri as they look to rebuild their technical department.

Meanwhile, FIFA is reportedly exploring a $20 billion stake sale through a newly created entity to bolster its long-term commercial standing. On the pitch, international officiating is under fire again; the International Football Association Board (IFAB) recently admitted that Breel Embolo’s controversial sending-off in Switzerland's quarter-final loss to Argentina was a refereeing error. Despite these dramas, for nations like India, the prospect of qualifying for the tournament remains a distant dream as they continue to struggle in the group stages.