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≡ THE 5-RING CIRCUS ≡
● Olympic Games 2028: Los Angeles ● Multiple news services have confirmed projections that incumbent Mayor Karen Bass will be challenged by City Council member Nithya Raman in the November General Election.
As of Monday, Bass had 34.3% of the primary vote, to 28.6% for Raman and 25.8% for insurgent Spencer Pratt. No one else polled above 3.6%. Both Bass and Raman are Democrats with Raman supported in her 2020 Council campaign by the Democratic Socialists of America (which did not endorse her for Mayor).
The 2028 Olympic Games has not been a significant issue up this point in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Bass has been generally supportive of the event and the LA28 organizers; Raman has not been directly critical, but has been wary of City financial commitments which could interfere with resident services and support for the homeless.
Measure TT, an increase in the Los Angeles hotel tax from 14% to 16% through 2028 to help pay for City services – and dated to include the 2028 Games period – continued losing, 53.0-47.0% in the latest vote totals.
● Football ● FIFA issued a statement concerning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the U.S. by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service:
“Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
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FIFA has come up with another way to make money on the 2026 World Cup, charging $79 for fans to have their names shown on stadium scoreboards during pre-match warm-ups for the 72 group-stage matches.
The FIFA “Super Shout-Out” is available for up to four “slots” per order at $316 plus applicable taxes.
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The Unite Here 11 labor union said Tuesday that a tentative agreement had been reached with Legends Hospitality to allow about 2,000 workers at SoFi Stadium to work as planned at the FIFA World Cup matches starting Friday. The union said its workers will vote on the agreement this week and noted on X:
“Workers have the contractual right to walk off the job if the Union determines in good faith that federal immigration enforcement threatens worker safety during a World Cup match.”
Union members said they have been working without a contract for more than a year.
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The U.S. women’s national team faced Brazil in the second of its friendlies, in front of a huge crowd of 55,744 in Fortaleza, in advance of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
American coach Emma Hayes (GBR) made six changes to her line-up from Saturday’s 2-1 loss, including Claudia Dickey in goal. This was a physical game from the start, with the loud crowd roaring every time Brazil advanced the ball into the U.S. half. There were five yellow cards and no scoring.
The U.S. had the best chances at 45+4 with forward Emma Sears dribbling into the box and sending a liner that was saved by Brazilian keeper Lorena. The ball rebounded to U.S. striker Sophia Wilson, who launched a left-footed shot that Lorena also saved! The U.S. had 54% possession and a 5-2 shots edge, and the only real scoring chance.
The second half started equally brutal, with another Brazilian yellow card in the 48th, but the U.S. was better and faster. A brilliant through-pass from Wilson to Rose Lavelle in the 55th resulted in a right-footed shot which barely missed the far post. In the 63rd, Wilson burst away from two defenders on the left side of the pitch, dribbled free and sent a right-footed smash that deflected quickly off of the right knee of defender Isabela Chagas and Lorena had no chance as the ball flew into the net for a 1-0 lead. It was later classified as an own goal by Brazil.
U.S. forward Olivia Moultrie had another chance in the 66th, taking a break-through pass from Lavelle in the middle of the box and left-footing a shot to the far side of the net that hit the goal post. Sub forward Tiffany Rodman sent another shot in the 71st that Lorena saved that looked like a score. Lorena prevented another goal-in-the-making for forward Emma Sears in the 77th, corralling a clear, right-side opportunity. Wilson kicked a left-footed try wide in the 84th for another missed chance.
The Brazilian coach, Arthur Elias, was shown as red card in the 78th for his antics on the sidelines, including kicking the ball away from the officials. As many as three assistant coaches were red-carded later. Then striker Bia Zaneratto was sent off with a second yellow card at 90+4 for a shove of U.S. defender Emily Sonnett.
Brazilian midfielder Tarciane got a red card at 90+9 for an intentional slap at Wilson’s face, so Brazil was down to nine. As the game ended at 90+14, another red card was shown to midfielder Karolin. Yes, security forces came out to guard the officials; the statistics showed Brazil with 10 total yellow cards and eight reds (including coaches), and five yellows for the Americans.
But the U.S. won, 1-0, controlled 55% of possession and ended with a 13-6 edge on shots. Brazil was charged with 20 total fouls to eight for the Americans. An experience expected to pay dividends next year.
● Luge ● The International Luge Federation re-elected by acclimation Latvian Einar Fogelis as President at its 74th Congress in Berchtesgaden (GER) for a third term, after his initial election in 2020.
Dwight Bell of the U.S. was also confirmed for a third time as Secretary General and fellow American Ashley Walden was elected as a member of the FIL Executive Board.
American Claire DelNegro retired as the FIL Vice President for artificial track competitions and was recognized for her 28 years of service to the federation as an Honorary Member and presented with the FIL Diamond Medal of Honor.
DelNegro’s remarkable career in the Olympic Movement began as the Assistant Director of Housing for the Lake Placid 1980 Winter Games organizing committee, and she was the Director of Sliding Sports for the 2002 Salt Lake City organizing committee and served as head of USA Bobsled & Skeleton from 2003-05 and acting chief executive for the U.S. Luge Association in 2013.
She competed in Luge at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo for Great Britain.
A federation decision on the admission of Russian sliders was postponed to September.
● Speed Skating ● US Speedskating announced Keith Bryant as its new chief executive as of 1 August, replacing Ted Morris, who held the position for 13 years.
Bryant worked with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee from 2005 to 2013 primarily in athlete services positions, and was the chief executive of USA Judo from August 2016 to May of 2025.
● Tennis ● American icon Serena Williams returned to competitive tennis for the first time since 2022, pairing with Victoria Mboko (CAN) to win their opening women’s Doubles match at the Queen’s Club Championships in London (GBR).
They defeated third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez (USA) and Erin Routliffe (NZL), 7-6 (2), 6-2. Williams and Mboko advanced to the quarterfinals vs. Leylah Fernandez (CAN) and Laura Siegemund (GER) on Thursday.
Williams said she will play at the Berlin Open next week, again in Doubles.
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