Sandro Rosell, former president of FC Barcelona, is accused by Spanish authorities of accepting €30 million in bribes from Qatar to influence African FIFA members to vote for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup. The investigation, led by Spain's Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit and the National Police Corps, also involves money laundering allegations. Rosell and his wife were arrested, and significant assets were frozen. The Swiss and US authorities are also investigating the case, with the latter interested due to American cities losing the bid to Qatar. Rosell's associates claim his dealings with Qatar were legal.

Sandro Rosell, former president of FC Barcelona, is accused by Spanish authorities of accepting €30 million in bribes from Qatar to influence African FIFA members to vote for Qatar as the 2022 World Cup host. The investigation, led by Spain's Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit and the National Police Corps, revealed that Rosell and his associates laundered €15 million through fictitious companies. Authorities have frozen €10 million in bank deposits and barred the sale of over 50 properties. The US is also investigating Rosell due to potential illegal commissions and bribes related to football rights. Rosell's associates claim his dealings with Qatar were legal and declared.

Brazilian President Michel Temer is embroiled in a corruption scandal after Attorney General Rodrigo Janot filed charges against him, marking the first time a sitting president in Brazil has faced such accusations. The charges stem from allegations that Temer accepted bribes from JBS, Brazil's largest meat producer, to favor their business interests. The scandal is part of the broader Carwash investigation, which has already implicated numerous politicians and business leaders. Temer is actively seeking support from Congress to block the probe, offering government funds and positions in exchange for loyalty. Despite a low approval rating and significant political challenges, Temer may still have enough congressional support to halt the investigation. However, the corruption charges have weakened his ability to push through key reforms, particularly those related to pension and labor laws.

The Car Wash corruption investigation in Brazil is exacerbating the country's severe economic recession, with GDP shrinking by 3.6% in 2016. The probe has impacted major sectors like agriculture, industry, and services, and has led to record unemployment and increased reliance on welfare programs like Bolsa Familia. Experts argue that while the investigation has had negative short-term effects, it is essential for long-term economic health. Criticism is directed at President Michel Temer's administration for failing to implement effective economic policies and attract foreign investment. The article highlights the need for political and social consensus to address the economic crisis.

Entering the USA has become increasingly difficult for foreigners, with stringent visa processes and invasive inspections at entry points. Recent policies have led to the questioning of travelers' political and religious beliefs, and the confiscation of electronic devices. Notable incidents include the detention of a Canadian Muslim woman, an American scientist, a former Norwegian Prime Minister, an Australian author, and a French historian. These actions have led to cancellations of trips to the USA, potentially harming the tourism sector and tech companies reliant on foreign talent. The article criticizes President Trump's immigration policies and proposed budget cuts to international aid and the State Department, arguing for the need for effective diplomacy.

The resignation of Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Serra may have been influenced by the ongoing Car Wash corruption investigation, which implicated him in receiving illegal campaign funds from Odebrecht. Serra cited health issues as the reason for his resignation, needing time to recuperate from spine surgery. His departure surprised President Michel Temer, who must now find a replacement. Serra's resignation marks the seventh ministerial loss for Temer, many due to corruption allegations. Serra's tenure saw a shift in Brazil's foreign policy, distancing from leftist regimes and suspending Venezuela from Mercosul.

Venezuela's opposition is attempting to unite against President Nicolas Maduro's repressive regime and economic mismanagement. Despite winning a parliamentary majority, the opposition faces challenges as Maduro consolidates power and suppresses dissent. Efforts by international bodies like Unasur and the Vatican to mediate have failed, while the Organization of American States remains sidelined. The opposition coalition, Democratic Unity Roundtable, is strategizing to engage more with the electorate, particularly poorer voters, to challenge Maduro's rule.

Specialty coffee is gaining popularity in Jeddah, with only four shops like Warm and Frosty Café, founded by Mohammad Al-Kaf and Khaled Ismail, offering a unique coffee experience. These shops focus on the preparation process, bean origin, and brewing techniques. Warm and Frosty Café, which had a soft opening in March, plans a grand opening in January 2017. The café sells various coffee-making machines and offers five types of coffee beans, emphasizing direct trade to ensure fair compensation for producers. The founders, who met at King Fahd University, aim to expand their business and visit the farms where their beans are sourced.

The MiSK Global Forum in Riyadh showcased inspiring achievements by individuals and technological advancements. Highlights included Omar Samra's mountaineering feats, Alvy Ray Smith's contributions to animation technology and Pixar's success, and Sebastian Thrun's innovations in artificial intelligence and online education through Udacity. The forum emphasized the positive impact of technological innovation and the importance of engaging youth in development, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's strategy of balancing relations between major powers like the US and China is risky but has yielded some benefits, such as China's agreement to allow Filipino fishermen in disputed waters and a pledge of $9 billion in loans. However, Duterte's approach, which includes offensive remarks towards the US and leveraging nationalist sentiment, could jeopardize the long-standing and strategic US-Philippines relationship. The article highlights the historical context of US-Philippines relations and the potential consequences of Duterte's actions.