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FIFA World Cup 2026 — Iran will stop matches if unauthorised flags or slogans shown: Sports Minister  Iran threatened to halt its matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 if unauthorised flags are ​displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at ‌stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister ​Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team’s ⁠presence at the tournament.The World Cup begins on Thursday, with Iran opening its Group G campaign against New Zealand in ‌Los Angeles on June 15. It next faces Belgium at the same venue on ‌June 21 before taking on Egypt in Seattle ‌on ⁠June 26.“We have informed FIFA that if ⁠unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World ​Cup, the team manager ‌will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.“We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur ‌in the stadium during the match against ​Egypt.”ALSO READ | Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 preview: Tough test awaits Graham Arnold’s menIran and Egypt’s football associations had previously urged FIFA to prevent any LGBTQ+ ⁠Pride-related activities during the Seattle match. The fixture had been designated by local organisers as a “Pride Match” to ‌coincide with Seattle’s Pride weekend.In April, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver called for Iran to be banned from the tournament, saying the team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people.The Iranian team has ‌also faced organisational challenges, with Iran’s football federation saying its ticket ​allocation was withdrawn days before the tournament, leaving supporters who had already made travel ⁠plans unable to attend their team’s matches.The team, currently ⁠training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the U.S. the day before each ‌match, the Department of Homeland Security said, amid a conflict that has added a geopolitical dimension ​to the tournament.Published on Jun 10, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Iran #stop #matches #unauthorised #flags #slogans #shown #Sports #Minister

FIFA World Cup 2026 — Iran will stop matches if unauthorised flags or slogans shown: Sports Minister

Iran threatened to halt its matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 if unauthorised flags are ​displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at ‌stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister ​Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team’s ⁠presence at the tournament.

The World Cup begins on Thursday, with Iran opening its Group G campaign against New Zealand in ‌Los Angeles on June 15. It next faces Belgium at the same venue on ‌June 21 before taking on Egypt in Seattle ‌on ⁠June 26.

“We have informed FIFA that if ⁠unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World ​Cup, the team manager ‌will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.

“We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur ‌in the stadium during the match against ​Egypt.”

ALSO READ | Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 preview: Tough test awaits Graham Arnold’s men

Iran and Egypt’s football associations had previously urged FIFA to prevent any LGBTQ+ ⁠Pride-related activities during the Seattle match. The fixture had been designated by local organisers as a “Pride Match” to ‌coincide with Seattle’s Pride weekend.

In April, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver called for Iran to be banned from the tournament, saying the team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people.

The Iranian team has ‌also faced organisational challenges, with Iran’s football federation saying its ticket ​allocation was withdrawn days before the tournament, leaving supporters who had already made travel ⁠plans unable to attend their team’s matches.

The team, currently ⁠training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the U.S. the day before each ‌match, the Department of Homeland Security said, amid a conflict that has added a geopolitical dimension ​to the tournament.

Published on Jun 10, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Iran #stop #matches #unauthorised #flags #slogans #shown #Sports #Minister

Iran threatened to halt its matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 if unauthorised flags are ​displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at ‌stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister ​Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team’s ⁠presence at the tournament.

The World Cup begins on Thursday, with Iran opening its Group G campaign against New Zealand in ‌Los Angeles on June 15. It next faces Belgium at the same venue on ‌June 21 before taking on Egypt in Seattle ‌on ⁠June 26.

“We have informed FIFA that if ⁠unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World ​Cup, the team manager ‌will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali said on Tuesday, according to Iranian media.

“We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur ‌in the stadium during the match against ​Egypt.”

ALSO READ | Iraq FIFA World Cup 2026 preview: Tough test awaits Graham Arnold’s men

Iran and Egypt’s football associations had previously urged FIFA to prevent any LGBTQ+ ⁠Pride-related activities during the Seattle match. The fixture had been designated by local organisers as a “Pride Match” to ‌coincide with Seattle’s Pride weekend.

In April, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver called for Iran to be banned from the tournament, saying the team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people.

The Iranian team has ‌also faced organisational challenges, with Iran’s football federation saying its ticket ​allocation was withdrawn days before the tournament, leaving supporters who had already made travel ⁠plans unable to attend their team’s matches.

The team, currently ⁠training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be able to enter the U.S. the day before each ‌match, the Department of Homeland Security said, amid a conflict that has added a geopolitical dimension ​to the tournament.

Published on Jun 10, 2026

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#FIFA #World #Cup #Iran #stop #matches #unauthorised #flags #slogans #shown #Sports #Minister

Deadspin | Colorado coach Deion Sanders now ‘cancer free’  Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   Colorado head coach Deion Sanders announced he is “cancer free” heading into the 2026 season.  The Pro Football Hall of Famer talked about his battle with bladder cancer Tuesday on “Good Morning America.”  “I’ve got my health back. I’ve got my swagger back,” said Sanders, 58. “Last year at this time I was fighting cancer, didn’t know which way it was going to go. … I’m fully back now. Last year at this time, it wasn’t a good look.  “We fought the battle and we won the battle fighting cancer. I’m cancer free. I’m good. Great doctors in Colorado that have brought me through. God has brought me through. I’m thankful I’m healthy.”  Sanders said he underwent 14 surgeries, including the removal of his bladder.  Colorado struggled to a 3-9 finish last season following a 9-4 campaign in 2025.   “I’m ready to go coach my butt off this season,” Sanders said. “I’m having a good time.”  Sanders is 16-21 with one bowl appearance through his first three seasons in Boulder.  The Buffaloes open the season at Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.  A two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time All-Pro cornerback, Sanders played 14 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington and the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Colorado #coach #Deion #Sanders #cancer #freeNov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders announced he is “cancer free” heading into the 2026 season.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer talked about his battle with bladder cancer Tuesday on “Good Morning America.”

“I’ve got my health back. I’ve got my swagger back,” said Sanders, 58. “Last year at this time I was fighting cancer, didn’t know which way it was going to go. … I’m fully back now. Last year at this time, it wasn’t a good look.

“We fought the battle and we won the battle fighting cancer. I’m cancer free. I’m good. Great doctors in Colorado that have brought me through. God has brought me through. I’m thankful I’m healthy.”

Sanders said he underwent 14 surgeries, including the removal of his bladder.


Colorado struggled to a 3-9 finish last season following a 9-4 campaign in 2025.

“I’m ready to go coach my butt off this season,” Sanders said. “I’m having a good time.”

Sanders is 16-21 with one bowl appearance through his first three seasons in Boulder.

The Buffaloes open the season at Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.

A two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time All-Pro cornerback, Sanders played 14 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington and the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Colorado #coach #Deion #Sanders #cancer #free">Deadspin | Colorado coach Deion Sanders now ‘cancer free’  Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   Colorado head coach Deion Sanders announced he is “cancer free” heading into the 2026 season.  The Pro Football Hall of Famer talked about his battle with bladder cancer Tuesday on “Good Morning America.”  “I’ve got my health back. I’ve got my swagger back,” said Sanders, 58. “Last year at this time I was fighting cancer, didn’t know which way it was going to go. … I’m fully back now. Last year at this time, it wasn’t a good look.  “We fought the battle and we won the battle fighting cancer. I’m cancer free. I’m good. Great doctors in Colorado that have brought me through. God has brought me through. I’m thankful I’m healthy.”  Sanders said he underwent 14 surgeries, including the removal of his bladder.  Colorado struggled to a 3-9 finish last season following a 9-4 campaign in 2025.   “I’m ready to go coach my butt off this season,” Sanders said. “I’m having a good time.”  Sanders is 16-21 with one bowl appearance through his first three seasons in Boulder.  The Buffaloes open the season at Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.  A two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time All-Pro cornerback, Sanders played 14 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington and the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Colorado #coach #Deion #Sanders #cancer #free

Brandon Aiyuk’s war of words with the San Francisco 49ers reached new heights on Tuesday.

In a video posted to social media, Aiyuk blasted the organization as “stupid” for paying him, and “mad” at themselves for how the team was handling the situation.

The video came after Aiyuk posted one over the weekend, where he called the 49ers “little-ass boys” who needed to “stop running from the bill.”

The two videos are the wide receiver’s first lengthy public comments since the team placed him on the reserve/left team list back in December of last year. Aiyuk has not played in a game for the 49ers since midway through the 2024 season, when he suffered a torn ACL.

Prior to the 2024 campaign, Aiyuk was a hold-in during training camp until he agreed to terms with the team on a new four-year extension worth up to $120 million.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, along with general manager John Lynch, continue to assert that Aiyuk has played his last snap for the 49ers. Speaking at the team’s end-of-season press conference in January, the coach indicated he had lost contact with Aiyuk, going on to say that “eventually you understand that it’s not going to change and you’ve got to move on with your football team.”

On that January day, Lynch explicitly said that Aiyuk had “played his last snap with the Niners.”

Then at the end of March at the league’s annual meetings, Shanahan maintained that stance, but did not put a timeframe on a resolution.

“I don’t have a date for it, but I know eventually it’ll resolve itself,” Shanahan said in March. “Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we’re in no rush to do that. You’ve got to do what’s right for the Niners, and you’re not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it’ll take care of itself.”

As far as what that resolution looks like, many believe Aiyuk will find a home with the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State, and over this past weekend did share a photos of himself wearing a Commanders hat.

However, he is still technically under contract with San Francisco through the 2028 season. And while the 49ers did void the guaranteed money he was owed for 2026, the guaranteed money Aiyuk is owed for 2027 is still on the books.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport addressed the situation on Monday.

“First of all, here’s what the San Francisco 49ers would like: They have his rights, he’s not due any guaranteed money because he forfeited that by not showing up to his rehab,” said Rapoport. “So, they would like to trade him, probably to the Commanders, with his old friend Jayden Daniels and an organization that obviously knows him well, considering (Commanders general manager) Adam Peters was in San Francisco, and all that.

“What the Commanders would like to do is sign him without having to trade him. … We’re in a situation where nobody wants to move at all. They’re all staring at each other. There’s really no deadline to make a move at all. So, until and unless everyone gets tired of Brandon Aiyuk sending Instagram messages, this is going to be a storyline that takes us through the summer.”

Happy offseason, everyone.

#Brandon #Aiyuks #49ers #divorce #uglier">Brandon Aiyuk’s 49ers divorce keeps getting uglier  Brandon Aiyuk’s war of words with the San Francisco 49ers reached new heights on Tuesday.In a video posted to social media, Aiyuk blasted the organization as “stupid” for paying him, and “mad” at themselves for how the team was handling the situation.The video came after Aiyuk posted one over the weekend, where he called the 49ers “little-ass boys” who needed to “stop running from the bill.”The two videos are the wide receiver’s first lengthy public comments since the team placed him on the reserve/left team list back in December of last year. Aiyuk has not played in a game for the 49ers since midway through the 2024 season, when he suffered a torn ACL.Prior to the 2024 campaign, Aiyuk was a hold-in during training camp until he agreed to terms with the team on a new four-year extension worth up to $120 million.Head coach Kyle Shanahan, along with general manager John Lynch, continue to assert that Aiyuk has played his last snap for the 49ers. Speaking at the team’s end-of-season press conference in January, the coach indicated he had lost contact with Aiyuk, going on to say that “eventually you understand that it’s not going to change and you’ve got to move on with your football team.”On that January day, Lynch explicitly said that Aiyuk had “played his last snap with the Niners.”Then at the end of March at the league’s annual meetings, Shanahan maintained that stance, but did not put a timeframe on a resolution.“I don’t have a date for it, but I know eventually it’ll resolve itself,” Shanahan said in March. “Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we’re in no rush to do that. You’ve got to do what’s right for the Niners, and you’re not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it’ll take care of itself.”As far as what that resolution looks like, many believe Aiyuk will find a home with the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State, and over this past weekend did share a photos of himself wearing a Commanders hat.However, he is still technically under contract with San Francisco through the 2028 season. And while the 49ers did void the guaranteed money he was owed for 2026, the guaranteed money Aiyuk is owed for 2027 is still on the books.NFL insider Ian Rapoport addressed the situation on Monday.“First of all, here’s what the San Francisco 49ers would like: They have his rights, he’s not due any guaranteed money because he forfeited that by not showing up to his rehab,” said Rapoport. “So, they would like to trade him, probably to the Commanders, with his old friend Jayden Daniels and an organization that obviously knows him well, considering (Commanders general manager) Adam Peters was in San Francisco, and all that.“What the Commanders would like to do is sign him without having to trade him. … We’re in a situation where nobody wants to move at all. They’re all staring at each other. There’s really no deadline to make a move at all. So, until and unless everyone gets tired of Brandon Aiyuk sending Instagram messages, this is going to be a storyline that takes us through the summer.”Happy offseason, everyone.  #Brandon #Aiyuks #49ers #divorce #uglier

video posted to social media, Aiyuk blasted the organization as “stupid” for paying him, and “mad” at themselves for how the team was handling the situation.

The video came after Aiyuk posted one over the weekend, where he called the 49ers “little-ass boys” who needed to “stop running from the bill.”

The two videos are the wide receiver’s first lengthy public comments since the team placed him on the reserve/left team list back in December of last year. Aiyuk has not played in a game for the 49ers since midway through the 2024 season, when he suffered a torn ACL.

Prior to the 2024 campaign, Aiyuk was a hold-in during training camp until he agreed to terms with the team on a new four-year extension worth up to $120 million.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, along with general manager John Lynch, continue to assert that Aiyuk has played his last snap for the 49ers. Speaking at the team’s end-of-season press conference in January, the coach indicated he had lost contact with Aiyuk, going on to say that “eventually you understand that it’s not going to change and you’ve got to move on with your football team.”

On that January day, Lynch explicitly said that Aiyuk had “played his last snap with the Niners.”

Then at the end of March at the league’s annual meetings, Shanahan maintained that stance, but did not put a timeframe on a resolution.

“I don’t have a date for it, but I know eventually it’ll resolve itself,” Shanahan said in March. “Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we’re in no rush to do that. You’ve got to do what’s right for the Niners, and you’re not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it’ll take care of itself.”

As far as what that resolution looks like, many believe Aiyuk will find a home with the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State, and over this past weekend did share a photos of himself wearing a Commanders hat.

However, he is still technically under contract with San Francisco through the 2028 season. And while the 49ers did void the guaranteed money he was owed for 2026, the guaranteed money Aiyuk is owed for 2027 is still on the books.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport addressed the situation on Monday.

“First of all, here’s what the San Francisco 49ers would like: They have his rights, he’s not due any guaranteed money because he forfeited that by not showing up to his rehab,” said Rapoport. “So, they would like to trade him, probably to the Commanders, with his old friend Jayden Daniels and an organization that obviously knows him well, considering (Commanders general manager) Adam Peters was in San Francisco, and all that.

“What the Commanders would like to do is sign him without having to trade him. … We’re in a situation where nobody wants to move at all. They’re all staring at each other. There’s really no deadline to make a move at all. So, until and unless everyone gets tired of Brandon Aiyuk sending Instagram messages, this is going to be a storyline that takes us through the summer.”

Happy offseason, everyone.

#Brandon #Aiyuks #49ers #divorce #uglier">Brandon Aiyuk’s 49ers divorce keeps getting uglier

Brandon Aiyuk’s war of words with the San Francisco 49ers reached new heights on Tuesday.

In a video posted to social media, Aiyuk blasted the organization as “stupid” for paying him, and “mad” at themselves for how the team was handling the situation.

The video came after Aiyuk posted one over the weekend, where he called the 49ers “little-ass boys” who needed to “stop running from the bill.”

The two videos are the wide receiver’s first lengthy public comments since the team placed him on the reserve/left team list back in December of last year. Aiyuk has not played in a game for the 49ers since midway through the 2024 season, when he suffered a torn ACL.

Prior to the 2024 campaign, Aiyuk was a hold-in during training camp until he agreed to terms with the team on a new four-year extension worth up to $120 million.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, along with general manager John Lynch, continue to assert that Aiyuk has played his last snap for the 49ers. Speaking at the team’s end-of-season press conference in January, the coach indicated he had lost contact with Aiyuk, going on to say that “eventually you understand that it’s not going to change and you’ve got to move on with your football team.”

On that January day, Lynch explicitly said that Aiyuk had “played his last snap with the Niners.”

Then at the end of March at the league’s annual meetings, Shanahan maintained that stance, but did not put a timeframe on a resolution.

“I don’t have a date for it, but I know eventually it’ll resolve itself,” Shanahan said in March. “Hopefully, we could get something for [him]. And I know we’re in no rush to do that. You’ve got to do what’s right for the Niners, and you’re not trying to hook up any other team as fast as you possibly can. Hopefully, we can get something for that, and it’ll take care of itself.”

As far as what that resolution looks like, many believe Aiyuk will find a home with the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk played with Jayden Daniels at Arizona State, and over this past weekend did share a photos of himself wearing a Commanders hat.

However, he is still technically under contract with San Francisco through the 2028 season. And while the 49ers did void the guaranteed money he was owed for 2026, the guaranteed money Aiyuk is owed for 2027 is still on the books.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport addressed the situation on Monday.

“First of all, here’s what the San Francisco 49ers would like: They have his rights, he’s not due any guaranteed money because he forfeited that by not showing up to his rehab,” said Rapoport. “So, they would like to trade him, probably to the Commanders, with his old friend Jayden Daniels and an organization that obviously knows him well, considering (Commanders general manager) Adam Peters was in San Francisco, and all that.

“What the Commanders would like to do is sign him without having to trade him. … We’re in a situation where nobody wants to move at all. They’re all staring at each other. There’s really no deadline to make a move at all. So, until and unless everyone gets tired of Brandon Aiyuk sending Instagram messages, this is going to be a storyline that takes us through the summer.”

Happy offseason, everyone.

#Brandon #Aiyuks #49ers #divorce #uglier

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