Soccer

Iran threatens to stop World Cup games if faced with unauthorized flags or slogans

Iran’s sports minister has warned FIFA that the team could halt matches if unauthorized flags are displayed or political chants heard in stadiums, raising tensions ahead of the tournament.

Members of Iran's national soccer team attend a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure to the 2026 World Cup in Tehran, Iran, May 13, 2026.
Iran's Ali Karimi speaks during a pre-match news conference during the 2007 AFC Asian Cup soccer tournament in Kuala Lumpur July 14, 2007.

Iran seizes exiled soccer star Ali Karimi's villa, assets over alleged Israel ties

 Haim Sirotkin, driver who is suspected of running over protesters last night during a demonstration calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and against the current Israeli government, arrives for a court hearing at the Magistrate's Court in Tel Aviv on April 7, 2024.

Former soccer player Haim Sirotkin sentenced to one year in prison for running over protesters

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match between Equatorial Guinea and Guinea at Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

World Cup referee from Somalia denied entry to US


Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it

The exact number of delegation members seeking protection remains unclear, with accounts from activists, officials, and Iranian state media differing.

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

Nomads again: Barda’s Ironi Kiryat Shmona scrambles for season restart

Kiryat Shmona, which sits on the northern border just a stone’s throw from Lebanon, has suffered from almost nonstop rocket and drone attacks, forcing many of its residents to evacuate the city.

IRONI KIRYAT SHMONA head coach Shay Barda and his displaced squad resumed training in Shefayim while preparing for the Israeli league’s restart amid the ongoing conflict.

Iranian regime’s ‘deep fear’ made apparent by attempts to quash potential dissent - analysis

Iran’s regime strengthens its grip on dissent, with continued arrests and a strict internet blackout, as the threat of future protests looms over the country’s fragile stability.

A protester throws a stone near a fire as other demonstrators gather while blocking a street in Shiraz, Iran, on January 10, 2026.

Female player on Iran's soccer delegation changes mind on Australian asylum, to return home

Concerns about the players' safety upon their return home grew after Iranian state television labeled the team "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem during a women's Asian Cup.

MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Omri Airlines: The meteoric rise of Israeli midfielder Gandelman with Italy’s Lecce

Gandelman has transformed into the “new face” of US Lecce in just a few short weeks, a player in the right place at the right time to secure a vital 2-1 victory.

WHETHER AT the club level for US Lecce or playing for the Israel national team Omri Gandelman has become a reliable contributor and fan favorite.

Six players and one staff member of Iranian women's soccer team receive Australian visas

Five players were initially granted asylum on Tuesday, with one player later changing her mind and electing to return home to Iran.

Iran players pose prior to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026.

'It has turned into MMA': 23 red cards flashed in brutal Brazil cup final

A state cup final in Brazil descended into chaos as a mass brawl between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão produced a record 23 red cards and forced military police onto the field.

Hulk (Givanildo Vieira de Souza).

After ‘unique intervention,’ Iran’s women’s soccer team allowed to stay in Australia

The five players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, sought protection after the team were branded "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match.

Iranian players gesture from the bench during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Australia to grant visas to five members of Iranian women's soccer team after Trump appeal

The players, who were playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, stood silent last week during the Iranian national anthem, which was interpreted by hardliners in Iran as a sign of treason.

Fatemeh Pasandideh of Iran during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Israel urges Australia to grant asylum to Iranian soccer players after anthem protest

Science Minister Gila Gamliel has urged Australia to provide refuge for Iranian women’s soccer players. Branded "wartime traitors" by Tehran, five players have already left the team hotel.

Iran players salute during their national anthem during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026.