Iraq manager Graham Arnold has urged Fifa to reschedule their upcoming World Cup playoff match because regional conflict has left the majority of his squad trapped by airspace closures.
The Lions of Mesopotamia are scheduled to face either Suriname or Bolivia in Monterrey on 31 March.
However, Iraqi airspace is currently shut until 1 April following escalating tensions between neighbouring Iran and the United States.
Travel chaos threatens historic qualification
Nearly 60 percent of the national team’s first-choice squad is drawn from the domestic league.
These domestically-based players and key backroom staff remain entirely unable to fly out of the Middle Eastern nation.
“Please help us with this game because right now we are struggling to get our players out of the country of Iraq,” Arnold said.
A planned pre-match training camp in Houston has already been postponed due to severe visa and travel uncertainty.
Alternative proposals for governing body
The 62-year-old tactician has suggested allowing the initial playoff between Bolivia and Suriname to proceed this month.
Under his proposed alternative, the Iraqi side would then play the winner in the United States just a week before the global tournament begins.
“In my opinion, if Fifa were to delay the game it gives us time to prepare properly,” the former Australia boss added.
The head coach also noted that a delay would provide more time to determine whether Iran might withdraw from the competition altogether.
If the Iranians were to pull out, Iraq could qualify automatically, subsequently granting the United Arab Emirates a chance to contest the playoff instead.
Chasing a four-decade dream
The national side is desperately attempting to qualify for their first global tournament since their sole appearance in 1986.
Missile strikes in Erbil have already disrupted domestic fixtures, heavily impacting the preparation of local athletes.
The veteran Australian manager insisted there is little hope of fielding a competitive starting lineup assembled solely from overseas-based professionals.
Arnold successfully guided the Socceroos to the round of 16 at the 2022 tournament before suffering defeat against eventual champions Argentina.
“It wouldn’t be our best team and we need our best team available for the country’s biggest game in 40 years,” he said.
Former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has provided insight into Zinedine Zidane’s relaxed coaching methods as the Frenchman continues to be linked with the Manchester United managerial vacancy.
Michael Carrick remains in interim charge at Old Trafford until the end of the season.
However, speculation persists regarding a permanent successor this summer, with Zidane frequently cited as a candidate.
Bale reveals ‘relaxed’ approach
The retired Wales winger played under the 53-year-old during a trophy-laden era in the Spanish capital.
Together they lifted the Champions League three times, yet Bale suggests tactical instruction was minimal.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, the 34-year-old said: “Zidane as a coach? Honestly, he didn’t do much.”
“We’d go over some tactics before matches against Barcelona or Bayern – 15 minutes of defensive work.”
“Other than that, it was just possession games, shooting drills, and then we’d go home.”
Respect through ability
Despite the light tactical load, the former Tottenham star insisted the manager commanded the dressing room.
Bale noted that the 1998 World Cup winner earned authority through his legendary playing career and maintained high physical standards.
“He earned respect thanks to his qualities as a player,” Bale added.
“He participated in training, even beat me a few times – he’s still in great shape.”
United’s current trajectory
Zidane has been out of management since departing the Bernabeu for a second time in 2021.
Meanwhile, Manchester United sit third in the Premier League table.
Carrick had guided the side to six wins in seven games prior to a recent defeat by Newcastle United.
The Red Devils return to action next weekend when they host Aston Villa.
The Iran women’s national team reportedly face the threat of the death penalty for treason after refusing to sing their national anthem at the Asian Cup in Australia.
The players staged a silent protest during their opening match against South Korea on Monday.
They declined to sing the anthem or perform a military salute, an action interpreted as defiance against the country’s regime.
Iranian state television has since labelled the squad as "traitors", raising grave concerns for their safety upon their imminent return.
Accusations of wartime treason
Presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi issued a stark warning on state-linked media following the broadcast of the initial match.
In times of war, traitors must be dealt with more harshly. Anyone who takes even a single step against the country during wartime must face stronger consequences.
Under the Iranian penal code, acts considered treasonous can be classified as capital offences punishable by execution.
Journalist Ali Bornaei stated on social media that the athletes face arbitrary detention and danger to their lives if forced to return to Tehran.
The squad notably resumed singing the anthem in their subsequent defeats to the tournament hosts and the Philippines.
Calls for Australian asylum
Following their elimination from the tournament, calls have mounted for the Australian government to offer the players protection.
Julian Leeser, Australia’s shadow attorney general, urged the government to intervene on International Women’s Day.
Given the serious threats, members of the Iranian team should be offered asylum if they want it. The Australian government should not turn a blind eye to the danger these women face.
Refugee Council chief executive Paul Power confirmed that available evidence suggests the group is at significant risk.
Team Melli Banovan exited the competition on Sunday after conceding nine goals across three group stage matches.
West Ham striker Callum Wilson has agreed a new one-year contract extension with the club, securing his future at London Stadium for the 2026-27 campaign.
The agreement marks a significant turnaround for the forward, who had been in discussions to leave the Hammers earlier this year.
According to reports from The Telegraph, the deal has been finalised following his resurgence in the second half of the season.
Turnaround after January exit talks
Wilson’s future in east London had appeared uncertain as recently as the January transfer window.
The former Newcastle United marksman held talks regarding the potential termination of his contract just months after arriving at the club.
He attracted interest from other English sides and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab during a period where his game time was limited.
Growing importance to Hammers
The England international initially joined West Ham on a free transfer last August following his departure from St James’ Park.
While the experienced frontman struggled for minutes during the opening months of his tenure, he has since established himself as a key figure in the squad.
His increased influence on the pitch has now persuaded the club hierarchy to extend his stay in the capital beyond the current season.
Ugly scenes marred the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox as fans invaded the pitch following Celtic’s penalty shootout victory over Rangers.
Disorder follows dramatic shootout
The Hoops advanced to the semi-finals after Tomas Cvancara scored the decisive spot-kick to settle a tense 0-0 draw.
However, the football was immediately overshadowed as supporters from both sides breached the advertising hoardings and stormed the playing surface.
Police and stewards were forced to intervene rapidly to separate the rival factions as flares were ignited amidst the disorder.
Standard journalist George Flood described the situation as "utter pandemonium" in the immediate aftermath of the result.
Flood reported seeing "scores of fans" entering the field of play, with security struggling to contain the initial surge.
He further noted that an individual appeared to attempt an attack on a member of the visiting coaching staff during the commotion.
Impact on away allocations
Order was eventually restored as security forces managed to keep the opposing groups apart, though the scenes will prompt serious questions for Scottish football authorities.
The violence comes just seven days after a thrilling 2-2 Premiership draw between the Glasgow giants, highlighting the intense nature of the rivalry.
Both clubs had recently negotiated for full away allocations to return to the fixture, but these events may now jeopardise that progress.
Flood described the incident as "not a good look" for either side given the recent efforts to improve the atmosphere for travelling supporters.
For the hosts, the defeat was compounded by penalty misses from captain James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama.
Oxford United have announced the tragic death of 15-year-old academy player Amelia Aplin following her collapse during a match against Fulham on Saturday.
The teenager fell ill during the fixture taking place at the club’s training ground in Horspath.
Medical staff from both teams and emergency services treated the youngster at the scene, but she sadly passed away.
Club statement and support
Oxford United confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday, expressing their devastation at the loss.
The club said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of 15-year-old academy player, Amelia Aplin.”
The U’s also placed on record their appreciation for the efforts of the medical professionals who attended to the player.
Support is now being offered to Amelia’s family, as well as players, coaches, and staff impacted by the traumatic event.
Oxford United have requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.
Football community pays tribute
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world for the talented prospect.
The Football Association expressed their deep sadness, stating their thoughts were with her family and everyone associated with the club.
Fulham, whose academy side were the opponents on the day, also shared their condolences.
“Everyone at Fulham Football Club is shocked and saddened to hear this news,” a club spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with Amelia’s family and friends, and all associated with Oxford United FC.”
Local rivals Oxford City joined the tributes, sending sincere condolences to their neighbours during what they described as an “incredibly sad time”.
Sports commentator Jacqui Oatley and fellow Women’s National League sides, including Exeter City and Chesham United, also offered messages of support.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has opted for a modest electric vehicle for club duties after finally passing his driving test at the age of 27.
The France captain declined the club’s offer of a top-range BMW i7, preferring a smaller model as a novice driver.
Instead, he has selected the BMW iX3, reportedly feeling the smaller dimensions are more manageable for his first regular vehicle.
Real Madrid’s commercial partnership with the German manufacturer requires all first-team players to drive the brand’s vehicles to training sessions and official functions.
New wheels for Bernabeu stars
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold has also favoured practicality over the luxury saloon option following his move to the Spanish capital.
The former Liverpool defender selected the iX xDrive60, an electric SUV valued at approximately £95,000.
Alexander-Arnold was previously unable to drive his personal Range Rover to the Valdebebas training complex due to the strict sponsorship protocols currently in place.
A long road to the licence
Despite a trophy-laden career including a World Cup triumph, Mbappe had previously stated he lacked the time to focus on obtaining a driving licence.
Recent footage from outside the training ground captured the former Paris St-Germain striker driving himself for the first time.
The decision to reject the flagship i7 appears pragmatic, as the saloon measures 5.4 metres in length compared to the 4.7-metre iX3.
Former England midfielder Joe Cole believes Arsenal are destined to reach the Champions League final in Budapest following a favourable knockout stage draw.
The Gunners are the only team to hold a perfect record in this season’s competition having won all eight group matches.
Mikel Arteta’s side have avoided European heavyweights Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich until the potential showpiece event.
‘Book your tickets’
Arsenal have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 and would face either Sporting Lisbon or Bodo/Glimt in the quarter-finals.
With the traditional giants of the competition all placed on the opposite side of the draw, Cole is confident the north London club will go the distance.
“Every team that has won it for the last ten years is on one side: Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, so it has opened up for Arsenal,” Cole told The Dressing Room Podcast.
“I think, personally, it’s going to be an Arsenal versus Manchester City final.”
The former Chelsea player suggested the path to the final in Hungary has been laid out perfectly for the Premier League leaders.
“In summary, the Champions League draw, they’ve opened it up, someone has rolled it across the goal for Arsenal,” he added.
“Arsenal fans, book your tickets for Budapest, in my opinion.”
Quadruple chase
Arteta’s side maintained their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple by defeating Mansfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.
They currently sit top of the Premier League and face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final later this month.
While the club have never won the Champions League, their recent European form includes impressive victories over Bayern Munich and Inter Milan during the group stage.
The Gunners reached the semi-finals last season before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.