FIFA World Cup Backlash: FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup is hitting serious resistance, with a senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigning in protest and European football bodies pushing for a boycott and stronger governance. US Antitrust Court Fight: Paramount Skydance is pushing for a November 2026 trial date in the Warner Bros Discovery antitrust case, while states want April 2027—an issue that could drive major costs if the merger is delayed. Czech Energy & Industry: CSG’s AviaNera Technologies is setting up a new technology centre in Central Bohemia to develop advanced propulsion systems for unmanned aerial systems, aiming to scale manufacturing capabilities. Banking Tech Deal: Accenture is set to buy IBM’s majority stake in UniCredit’s V-TServices joint venture, reshaping European banking IT outsourcing governance and operations, including teams across the Czech Republic. Household Debt Watch: Czech household debt to banks rose by CZK 26.5bn to CZK 2.72tn in June, adding pressure to monitor consumer finance. Energy Storage Expansion: Zenobē acquired Germany’s sdp energie, gaining a 1.75 GW pipeline of transmission-connected battery projects across Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. Sports (Czech angle): Tomas Nosek returned to Czech Extraliga with Dynamo Pardubice after an injury-hit NHL stint, while Czech players also feature in the National Bank Open draws in Toronto.