Iran will not compete at the upcoming World Cup in North America due to the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, the country’s sports minister has confirmed.
Ahmad Donyamal stated that the national team cannot participate following the assassination of their leader and the ensuing military confrontation.
The Asian nation had successfully qualified for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
They were recently drawn into Group G, where they were scheduled to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand from 11 June.
Government cites malicious measures for withdrawal
Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup.
Ahmad Donyamal
In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed.
Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way.
Fifa and US response to the boycott
The withdrawal directly contradicts recent statements from football’s global governing body, which had expected Team Melli to fulfill their fixtures.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently claimed that US president Donald Trump had expressed a willingness to welcome the Iranian squad.
During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
Gianni Infantino
Infantino emphasised the sport’s ability to unite people, thanking the American leadership for supporting the global event.
Fifa chief executive Heimo Schirgi also downplayed the impact of any potential absence on the tournament’s broader success.
The World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified.
Heimo Schirgi
Ongoing military conflict escalates
The unprecedented sporting boycott comes as the war in the Middle East reaches its 11th day of active hostilities.
President Trump described the military campaign as being significantly ahead of schedule, expressing dissatisfaction with Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell has heavily criticised Celtic and Rangers for their silence following the violent scenes that marred Sunday’s Old Firm match at Ibrox.
Supporters and police officers sustained injuries after clashes erupted on the pitch following the away side’s penalty shootout victory.
Nine individuals have already been arrested in connection with the widespread disorder.
Clubs face criticism for remaining silent
Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, the nation’s top police officer expressed her dismay that neither Glasgow rival had publicly condemned the violence by Monday evening.
Farrell confirmed she had not held direct discussions with either team’s hierarchy since the weekend’s chaotic events.
The Scottish Football Association did issue a swift statement less than 40 minutes after the final whistle, promising an immediate investigation.
Meanwhile, both outfits have maintained an active presence on social media without addressing the severe crowd trouble.
The green-and-white half of Glasgow recently commemorated the appointment of legendary European Cup-winning manager Jock Stein.
Conversely, the Light Blues opted to post a birthday message dedicated to their goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Police demand improved stadium safety
Addressing Holyrood’s public audit committee, Farrell warned that simply deploying extra officers would not fix the deep-rooted cultural problems.
“We can put more and more resources into football, but that does not solve the underlying issue that people will be able to attend those events without fearing for their safety.”
She branded the shocking scenes as absolutely disgraceful while strongly condemning the perpetrators involved.
The violence included an alarming pitch invasion where a 47-year-old man allegedly assaulted both a coach and a player.
Ongoing criminal investigations
Authorities have also charged a 54-year-old individual with assaulting a female police officer during the post-match melee.
“We witnessed one of my officers being deliberately tripped on that pitch as she ran to offer assistance to people in the stadium.”
Three additional men are facing charges relating to a serious assault on Helen Street shortly after the fixture concluded.
A 10-year-old boy was tragically struck by a coin during the altercations, prompting further police inquiries into vandalism and graffiti at the venue.
Farrell reiterated that fans, club staff, and emergency workers should never be subjected to such hostility while simply attending a sporting event.
Liverpool and Manchester United have entered the race to sign Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche after dispatching scouts to monitor the 22-year-old in France.
Representatives from both Premier League clubs were in attendance to witness the French youth international orchestrate a stunning 3-1 victory over Paris St-Germain last Friday.
The versatile attacker opened the scoring and provided an assist as the principality outfit dismantled Luis Enrique’s reigning Ligue 1 champions at the Parc des Princes.
Salah succession planning
Anfield recruitment chiefs have added the exciting prospect to their summer shortlist as they weigh up attacking reinforcements.
The Merseysiders are actively considering long-term successors for Mohamed Salah, whose future remains uncertain amid persistent interest from Saudi Arabia.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been tracking the highly-rated winger for over a year, but now face formidable competition from the English top flight’s traditional powerhouses.
Champions League qualification battle
The pursuit of fresh talent comes as both north-west giants aim to bolster their transfer budgets by securing elite European football next term.
Michael Carrick’s side currently sit third in the domestic standings, holding a narrow three-point advantage over sixth-placed Liverpool following a recent defeat to Newcastle.
That loss marked the first setback for the interim boss since he assumed caretaker duties at Old Trafford in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
The Anfield outfit will seek to apply pressure on the teams above them when they host Igor Tudor’s struggling, bottom-of-the-table Spurs this Sunday.
Alternative targets identified
The scouting missions in Paris indicate a clear intent from both historic rivals to inject youthful dynamism into their respective forward lines.
In addition to the Monaco standout, both clubs are reportedly monitoring RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande.
The 19-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising wide players operating in European football.
Angel City defender Savy King is set to make her National Women’s Soccer League return this season, just 10 months after suffering a life-threatening cardiac arrest on the pitch.
The 20-year-old collapsed and lost consciousness during a home fixture against the Utah Royals on 9 May last year.
Medical staff immediately rushed to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation as the player’s heart had stopped beating.
She was transported to hospital after 11 minutes of on-field treatment, where surgeons corrected a rare and previously undetected congenital defect known as an anomalous left coronary artery.
A new perspective on life
The young defender spent the summer undergoing intensive rehabilitation, which included six weeks of physical therapy and a rigorous cardiac programme.
She progressed to exercising under close medical supervision before rejoining limited team training in September.
“I for sure have gone through ups and downs, but for the most part, I just am grateful that I’m able to play again.”
King explained that her ordeal has entirely shifted her outlook on her professional career.
“I feel like sometimes when you do something over and over again, you get comfortable and not necessarily complacent, but you take things for granted of being able to just go out there and do what you love every day.”
Catalyst for league-wide change
The initial incident prompted significant controversy after the match was allowed to continue, playing out 12 minutes of stoppage time despite the medical emergency.
The NWSL Players Association argued the game should have been suspended immediately, a stance the league later conceded was correct.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman confirmed new emergency procedures were implemented following a subsequent collapse involving Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo.
Driven by her own experience, the returning Angel City star has since spearheaded a new health initiative across the sport.
All 16 NWSL teams have now received mandatory training in hands-only CPR and the use of automatic external defibrillators.
This comprehensive rollout makes the NWSL the only professional sports league in the United States to implement such widespread emergency medical training.
Liverpool are prepared to trigger an £86.5m release clause to sign Athletic Club winger Nico Williams this summer amid growing uncertainty over Mohamed Salah’s future.
The Anfield club are turning their attention to the transfer market following a frustrating domestic campaign.
Their latest setback came in a 2-1 Premier League defeat by bottom-of-the-table Wolves, though they subsequently eliminated the West Midlands side from the FA Cup.
Record fee for Spanish star
The highly rated Spain international has established himself as one of Europe’s most coveted attacking talents.
He signed a mammoth 10-year contract in Bilbao last year, but the agreement reportedly contains a release clause rising to €100m (£86.5m).
Meeting that valuation would represent a club-record fee for the Basque outfit.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the dynamic forward.
Salah’s uncertain future
Securing a marquee addition could help offset the potential departure of their Egyptian talisman.
Despite his contract running until 2027, a recent dip in form and a mid-season disagreement with manager Arne Slot have reignited speculation regarding a summer exit.
Interest from the Saudi Pro League remains a significant factor as the Merseyside club evaluates its long-term attacking options.
Alternative targets assessed
Former Reds defender Glen Johnson has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski could also fit the profile required at Anfield.
The Sweden international is yet to feature for the North London club this term due to a serious knee injury.
However, another blockbuster spending spree remains uncertain following a substantial £400m outlay on new recruits during the previous summer window.
Bayern Munich secured a commanding 6-1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo to take complete control of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Vincent Kompany’s side produced a devastating first-half display to completely blow their Italian hosts away.
The emphatic win was achieved despite star striker Harry Kane remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.
However, the sweeping away triumph was severely marred by a triple injury blow for the German heavyweights.
Olise shines in dominant first half
Josip Stanisic opened the scoring after just 12 minutes by tapping in a precise pass from Serge Gnabry.
Michael Olise doubled the advantage shortly after with a spectacular curling effort into the far corner of the net.
The relentless Bavarians added a third before the break when Olise set up Gnabry to fire home following a surging run into the box.
The Serie A outfit struggled to gain any foothold, heavily feeling the absences of key figures like Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere.
Injuries sour sensational victory
Nicolas Jackson made it four early in the second half to maintain the brutal momentum for the visitors.
The former Crystal Palace playmaker then grabbed his second of the night before Jamal Musiala volleyed home a sixth.
Despite the ruthless attacking performance, Bayern’s concerns quickly shifted to the treatment room.
Alphonso Davies left the pitch in clear distress after pulling up in the 70th minute with an unspecified muscle issue.
Goalkeeping crisis looms for Kompany
The Canadian international was shielded by teammates and consoled by his manager following another cruel physical setback.
Adding to the medical woes, Musiala limped off in added time with a concerning ankle problem.
Back-up goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, deputising for the already sidelined Manuel Neuer, also sustained an injury following a heavy collision.
Mario Pasalic netted a late consolation for the hosts deep into stoppage time.
The six-time European champions will host the return leg at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday holding a seemingly unassailable five-goal cushion.
Arsenal are planning a summer move to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt on a free transfer when his current contract expires.
The 29-year-old Germany international will be available for nothing at the end of the season, attracting heavy interest from the North London club.
Mikel Arteta’s side are actively seeking to bolster their central options ahead of the next Premier League campaign.
Tonali price tag deters suitors
Meanwhile, the Gunners have reportedly ended their pursuit of Newcastle United’s Italian playmaker Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies have slapped a hefty £77m price tag on the 25-year-old, effectively pricing Juventus out of a potential return to Serie A.
However, domestic rivals Manchester United and Manchester City remain closely monitoring the former AC Milan star’s situation.
A three-way Premier League battle is also brewing over Freiburg’s emerging 20-year-old Swiss talent Johan Manzambi, with Chelsea joining United and Arsenal in the hunt.
Silva eyed by Juventus as Chelsea retain Delap
In Italy, Juventus have initiated discussions regarding a move for Manchester City veteran Bernardo Silva.
The 31-year-old Portuguese international is nearing the end of his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Back in London, Chelsea have decided against selling striker Liam Delap during the upcoming transfer window.
The 23-year-old Englishman has endured a frustrating, injury-plagued season at Stamford Bridge, managing just a single league goal.
Liverpool seek defensive reinforcements
Liverpool are actively scanning the market for defensive additions, identifying Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nnamdi Collins as a primary target.
The 22-year-old German youth international is also currently being tracked by Arsenal scouts.
Elsewhere, Barcelona are exploring alternative attacking options if they fail to secure a permanent deal for on-loan England forward Marcus Rashford.
Finally, Crystal Palace are at the front of the queue to sign Millwall winger Femi Azeez, fighting off interest from Everton and Brentford.
Lamine Yamal converted a 94th-minute penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw for Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Harvey Barnes appeared to have secured a famous victory for the Premier League side when he steered home at the back post with five minutes of normal time remaining.
However, a rash challenge on Fermin Lopez deep into stoppage time prompted the referee to immediately point to the spot.
The teenage Spanish sensation stepped up to send goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way and deny Eddie Howe’s team a vital first-leg advantage.
Magpies rue missed opportunities
The hosts had earlier celebrated what they thought was the opening goal with 15 minutes left on the clock.
Brazilian midfielder Joelinton reacted quickest to convert after a Barnes effort struck the woodwork, but the goal was quickly ruled out for offside.
Despite dominating promising attacking positions throughout a lively first half, the Tyneside outfit struggled to seriously test visiting goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The blistering pace of Anthony Elanga provided a constant outlet for the home side, though a lack of cutting edge in the final third proved a recurring frustration.
Tie delicately poised for Catalonia return
At the other end, the Catalan giants created their clearest opening from open play just past the hour mark.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski stretched to meet a dangerous cross from Raphinha but could only guide his strike narrowly wide of the post under intense defensive pressure.
Marcus Rashford, who scored twice at this venue during the league phase of the competition, was introduced for the final 20 minutes but could not repeat his previous heroics against English opposition.
Instead, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall produced an impressive display to contain the electric Yamal for much of the evening, before the late defensive lapse cost his team dearly.
The late equaliser dramatically alters the complexion of the tie ahead of next week’s daunting second leg at the Nou Camp.