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International News Roundup: FIFA Boss Apologizes, Iran on Brink, and More
Several significant international developments unfolded on Monday, February 2, 2026, ranging from political tensions and legal proceedings to cultural traditions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologized for a recent joke that drew criticism, while the possibility of conflict between Iran and the United States loomed. In France, the government adopted its budget after surviving no-confidence votes, while in the United States, Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. Meanwhile, in Norway, the stepson of the crown prince was detained ahead of his rape trial.
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, the world football governing body, issued an apology to British football fans after making a comment that was widely criticized. According to Sky News, the remark, made last month, joked that "For the first time in history... no Brit was arrested during a World Cup. Imagine! This is something really really special." The Football Supporters' Association reportedly labeled the comment a "cheap joke." Infantino also reportedly insisted that former U.S. President Donald Trump deserved a peace prize.
Tensions remained high between Iran and the United States, with the next week potentially determining whether the two nations, along with their allies, head towards conflict or a diplomatic resolution, according to Sky News. Dominic Waghorn, International affairs editor for Sky News, reported that "It's make or break this week for averting war between America and Iran." Waghorn added that President Trump "seems to believe the Iranian government is in a hole and can only get out if it makes a deal with him."
In France, the government successfully adopted the 2026 state budget after months of political gridlock. Euronews reported that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu invoked Article 49.3 of the constitution on Friday, allowing the government to pass legislation without a vote from Members of Parliament. Two no-confidence motions, one from the far-right National Rally and the other from left-wing parties, were rejected, securing the budget's passage.
In Pennsylvania, the annual Groundhog Day tradition took place, with Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow and predicting six more weeks of winter. Euronews reported that the event, held at Gobblers Knob, draws tens of thousands of people each year and has roots in European farming customs dating back to 1887.
In Norway, Marius Borg Høiby, 29, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, was detained by Oslo police on Sunday. Euronews reported that Høiby was accused of assaulting a woman, threatening her with a knife, and breaching a restraining order. He is scheduled to appear in Oslo district court on Tuesday, facing 38 offenses, including four alleged rapes and attacks on former partners. Euronews also noted that newly released US documents revealed Høiby's mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, maintained extensive contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein between 2011 and 2014.
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