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Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event  Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.ALSO READ: Canadian government allocates 5 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 securityAn emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event

Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”

Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.

ALSO READ: Canadian government allocates $145 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 security

An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.

The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”

Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behavior of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.

ALSO READ: Canadian government allocates $145 million for FIFA World Cup 2026 security

An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.

The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

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#Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #football #chiefs #denied #entry #FIFA #event

About 300 kilometres separate Delhi and Jaipur. The difference in quality of the cricket played by the franchises from the two northern Indian cities has been greater in IPL 2026.

While Rajasthan Royals is well placed to claim a berth in the playoffs, Delhi Capitals is lying in the bottom half of the table. And after a nightmare of a match at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this week, Axar Patel’s men have to come up with a much better effort against Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Friday.

Lightning usually doesn’t strike twice, and Capitals’ batting lineup is strong enough not to collapse for another score like 75. In just the previous match, K.L. Rahul alone had made more than double that total. Capitals made in excess of 260 against Punjab Kings but still lost.

When you cannot defend that big a score in one game and then get bowled out for an embarrassingly low total in the next, you certainly have to do something. And time is running out.

WATCH: VIDEO | ‘T20 cricket today is driven by entertainment,’ says SRH spin-bowling coach Muralitharan

Delhi should be hoping for another major innings from Rahul, and from Nitish Rana, too. The two men had destroyed the PBKS bowling in some style.

On the bowling front, there is some good news. Mitchell Starc is available for the first time this season. The left-arm quick from Down Under will no doubt bolster the attack that received a setback through Lungi Ngdi’s fall during the match against Punjab.

How Vaibhav Suryanvashi greets Starc is definitely worth looking forward to. The prodigy’s fearless batting has perhaps been the highlight of this IPL. Into just his second season, he already has two hundreds. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel also ensure runs at the top of the order.

As for bowling, you cannot hope for many better men than Jofra Archer to lead.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IPL #Starc #returns #Delhi #Capitals #rescue #season #Rajasthan #Royals">RR vs DC, IPL 2026: Starc returns as Delhi Capitals looks to rescue season against Rajasthan Royals  About 300 kilometres separate Delhi and Jaipur. The difference in quality of the cricket played by the franchises from the two northern Indian cities has been greater in IPL 2026.While Rajasthan Royals is well placed to claim a berth in the playoffs, Delhi Capitals is lying in the bottom half of the table. And after a nightmare of a match at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this week, Axar Patel’s men have to come up with a much better effort against Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Friday.Lightning usually doesn’t strike twice, and Capitals’ batting lineup is strong enough not to collapse for another score like 75. In just the previous match, K.L. Rahul alone had made more than double that total. Capitals made in excess of 260 against Punjab Kings but still lost.When you cannot defend that big a score in one game and then get bowled out for an embarrassingly low total in the next, you certainly have to do something. And time is running out.WATCH: VIDEO | ‘T20 cricket today is driven by entertainment,’ says SRH spin-bowling coach MuralitharanDelhi should be hoping for another major innings from Rahul, and from Nitish Rana, too. The two men had destroyed the PBKS bowling in some style.On the bowling front, there is some good news. Mitchell Starc is available for the first time this season. The left-arm quick from Down Under will no doubt bolster the attack that received a setback through Lungi Ngdi’s fall during the match against Punjab.How Vaibhav Suryanvashi greets Starc is definitely worth looking forward to. The prodigy’s fearless batting has perhaps been the highlight of this IPL. Into just his second season, he already has two hundreds. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel also ensure runs at the top of the order.As for bowling, you cannot hope for many better men than Jofra Archer to lead.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #IPL #Starc #returns #Delhi #Capitals #rescue #season #Rajasthan #Royals

VIDEO | ‘T20 cricket today is driven by entertainment,’ says SRH spin-bowling coach Muralitharan

Delhi should be hoping for another major innings from Rahul, and from Nitish Rana, too. The two men had destroyed the PBKS bowling in some style.

On the bowling front, there is some good news. Mitchell Starc is available for the first time this season. The left-arm quick from Down Under will no doubt bolster the attack that received a setback through Lungi Ngdi’s fall during the match against Punjab.

How Vaibhav Suryanvashi greets Starc is definitely worth looking forward to. The prodigy’s fearless batting has perhaps been the highlight of this IPL. Into just his second season, he already has two hundreds. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel also ensure runs at the top of the order.

As for bowling, you cannot hope for many better men than Jofra Archer to lead.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IPL #Starc #returns #Delhi #Capitals #rescue #season #Rajasthan #Royals">RR vs DC, IPL 2026: Starc returns as Delhi Capitals looks to rescue season against Rajasthan Royals

About 300 kilometres separate Delhi and Jaipur. The difference in quality of the cricket played by the franchises from the two northern Indian cities has been greater in IPL 2026.

While Rajasthan Royals is well placed to claim a berth in the playoffs, Delhi Capitals is lying in the bottom half of the table. And after a nightmare of a match at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this week, Axar Patel’s men have to come up with a much better effort against Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here on Friday.

Lightning usually doesn’t strike twice, and Capitals’ batting lineup is strong enough not to collapse for another score like 75. In just the previous match, K.L. Rahul alone had made more than double that total. Capitals made in excess of 260 against Punjab Kings but still lost.

When you cannot defend that big a score in one game and then get bowled out for an embarrassingly low total in the next, you certainly have to do something. And time is running out.

WATCH: VIDEO | ‘T20 cricket today is driven by entertainment,’ says SRH spin-bowling coach Muralitharan

Delhi should be hoping for another major innings from Rahul, and from Nitish Rana, too. The two men had destroyed the PBKS bowling in some style.

On the bowling front, there is some good news. Mitchell Starc is available for the first time this season. The left-arm quick from Down Under will no doubt bolster the attack that received a setback through Lungi Ngdi’s fall during the match against Punjab.

How Vaibhav Suryanvashi greets Starc is definitely worth looking forward to. The prodigy’s fearless batting has perhaps been the highlight of this IPL. Into just his second season, he already has two hundreds. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel also ensure runs at the top of the order.

As for bowling, you cannot hope for many better men than Jofra Archer to lead.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IPL #Starc #returns #Delhi #Capitals #rescue #season #Rajasthan #Royals

East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC earned three points each against SETHU FC and SESA Football Academy, respectively, on Thursday, while the other two Indian Women’s League 2025-26 Phase 2 matches ended in draws.

East Bengal continued its winning run with a closely contested 1-0 victory against former IWL champion SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.

The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri combined with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift attacking move. Guguloth’s run on the right created space and, despite pressure from the goalkeeper, Ikwaput applied the finishing touch to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.

The Moshal Girls defended the lead to maintain their perfect record, having won all eight of their matches. They sit firmly at the top of the table with 24 points. SETHU, second in the table, is eight points behind, having played the same number of games.

Gokulam Kerala FC ended its three-match winless run with a 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground.

The Malabarians dominated possession against a disciplined SESA FA side and got the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a move that saw Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combine to release forward Roja Devi, who finished with a composed lofted effort from distance.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.

The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.

Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.

Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win">IWL 2025-26: East Bengal maintains perfect league record; Gokulam Kerala ends winless run with SESA win  East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC earned three points each against SETHU FC and SESA Football Academy, respectively, on Thursday, while the other two Indian Women’s League 2025-26 Phase 2 matches ended in draws.East Bengal continued its winning run with a closely contested 1-0 victory against former IWL champion SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri combined with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift attacking move. Guguloth’s run on the right created space and, despite pressure from the goalkeeper, Ikwaput applied the finishing touch to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.The Moshal Girls defended the lead to maintain their perfect record, having won all eight of their matches. They sit firmly at the top of the table with 24 points. SETHU, second in the table, is eight points behind, having played the same number of games.Gokulam Kerala FC ended its three-match winless run with a 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground.The Malabarians dominated possession against a disciplined SESA FA side and got the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a move that saw Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combine to release forward Roja Devi, who finished with a composed lofted effort from distance.ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaignIn the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win

‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.

The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.

Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.

Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win">IWL 2025-26: East Bengal maintains perfect league record; Gokulam Kerala ends winless run with SESA win

East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC earned three points each against SETHU FC and SESA Football Academy, respectively, on Thursday, while the other two Indian Women’s League 2025-26 Phase 2 matches ended in draws.

East Bengal continued its winning run with a closely contested 1-0 victory against former IWL champion SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.

The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri combined with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift attacking move. Guguloth’s run on the right created space and, despite pressure from the goalkeeper, Ikwaput applied the finishing touch to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.

The Moshal Girls defended the lead to maintain their perfect record, having won all eight of their matches. They sit firmly at the top of the table with 24 points. SETHU, second in the table, is eight points behind, having played the same number of games.

Gokulam Kerala FC ended its three-match winless run with a 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground.

The Malabarians dominated possession against a disciplined SESA FA side and got the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a move that saw Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combine to release forward Roja Devi, who finished with a composed lofted effort from distance.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.

The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.

Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.

Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win

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