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Deadspin | Cubs edge D-backs to pull within half-game of first May 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) high fives the fans after scoring against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Michael Busch had two hits, including a two-run single, and the Chicago Cubs used two three-run innings to hold off the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Friday in the first game of a weekend series. Busch triggered a three-run first with a bases-loaded single, then the Cubs added three more in the fourth off Diamondbacks starter off Zac Gallen (1-2) for their third win in four games and ninth straight home win. They have won 13 of 16 to pull within a half-game of the Cincinnati Reds for first in the NL Central. Cubs starter Colin Rea (4-1) gave up two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six with no walks. Jacob Webb pitched the final two innings for his first save, the sixth Cub reliever to record a save this season. Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a career-high four hits to raise his batting average to a major league-leading .404. Geraldo Perdomo cracked a three-run homer to cap a four-run sixth and pull the D-backs within 6-5, but they managed just one baserunner over the final three innings. Vargas singled in the first to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 24 games. His 27-game streak dating to last September ranks as the longest in the majors since Trea Turner’s 27-game run in 2022. Per Elias, Vargas’ season-opening streakstands as the longest in the majors since the Detroit Tigers’ Ron LeFlore hit in 30 straight in 1976. His 27-game streak ranks second in Arizona history behind Luis Gonzalez (30, 1999). Carson Kelly had two hits for the Cubs and Alex Bergman and Dansby Swanson had RBI hits in the three-run fourth that pushed their lead to 6-1. Jorge Barrosa had two doubles — one a bunt that kicked off the third base bag into left field — and scored twice for Arizona. Perdomo also had two hits for the D-backs, who have lost seven of 10. Gallen gave up six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks. Nico Hoerner doubled to open the three-run first and Gallen walked to load the bases. Busch hit a two-run single, then the third run scored when Kelly’s catchable pop to center fell safely. Vargas singled in a run in the third before the Cubs knocked out Gallen in the fourth. The D-backs got within 6-5 with a four-run sixth, all scoring after Rea was replaced by Ryan Rolison with one out and one on. Pinch-hitter Tim Tawa walked and Barrosa pushed a hard bunt down the third base line. When Bregman let it roll, the ball hit the bag and kicked into short left. Perdomo followed with a three-run homer. Hoerner was replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Shaw in the second inning. Hoerner was removed with a neck strain, the Cubs said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cubs #edge #Dbacks #pull #halfgame

Deadspin | Cubs edge D-backs to pull within half-game of first
Deadspin | Cubs edge D-backs to pull within half-game of first May 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) high fives the fans after scoring against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images Michael Busch had two hits, including a two-run single, and the Chicago Cubs used two three-run innings to hold off the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Friday in the first game of a weekend series. Busch triggered a three-run first with a bases-loaded single, then the Cubs added three more in the fourth off Diamondbacks starter off Zac Gallen (1-2) for their third win in four games and ninth straight home win. They have won 13 of 16 to pull within a half-game of the Cincinnati Reds for first in the NL Central. Cubs starter Colin Rea (4-1) gave up two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six with no walks. Jacob Webb pitched the final two innings for his first save, the sixth Cub reliever to record a save this season. Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a career-high four hits to raise his batting average to a major league-leading .404. Geraldo Perdomo cracked a three-run homer to cap a four-run sixth and pull the D-backs within 6-5, but they managed just one baserunner over the final three innings. Vargas singled in the first to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 24 games. His 27-game streak dating to last September ranks as the longest in the majors since Trea Turner’s 27-game run in 2022. Per Elias, Vargas’ season-opening streakstands as the longest in the majors since the Detroit Tigers’ Ron LeFlore hit in 30 straight in 1976. His 27-game streak ranks second in Arizona history behind Luis Gonzalez (30, 1999). Carson Kelly had two hits for the Cubs and Alex Bergman and Dansby Swanson had RBI hits in the three-run fourth that pushed their lead to 6-1. Jorge Barrosa had two doubles — one a bunt that kicked off the third base bag into left field — and scored twice for Arizona. Perdomo also had two hits for the D-backs, who have lost seven of 10. Gallen gave up six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks. Nico Hoerner doubled to open the three-run first and Gallen walked to load the bases. Busch hit a two-run single, then the third run scored when Kelly’s catchable pop to center fell safely. Vargas singled in a run in the third before the Cubs knocked out Gallen in the fourth. The D-backs got within 6-5 with a four-run sixth, all scoring after Rea was replaced by Ryan Rolison with one out and one on. Pinch-hitter Tim Tawa walked and Barrosa pushed a hard bunt down the third base line. When Bregman let it roll, the ball hit the bag and kicked into short left. Perdomo followed with a three-run homer. Hoerner was replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Shaw in the second inning. Hoerner was removed with a neck strain, the Cubs said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cubs #edge #Dbacks #pull #halfgameMay 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) high fives the fans after scoring against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Michael Busch had two hits, including a two-run single, and the Chicago Cubs used two three-run innings to hold off the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Friday in the first game of a weekend series.

Busch triggered a three-run first with a bases-loaded single, then the Cubs added three more in the fourth off Diamondbacks starter off Zac Gallen (1-2) for their third win in four games and ninth straight home win. They have won 13 of 16 to pull within a half-game of the Cincinnati Reds for first in the NL Central.

Cubs starter Colin Rea (4-1) gave up two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six with no walks. Jacob Webb pitched the final two innings for his first save, the sixth Cub reliever to record a save this season.

Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a career-high four hits to raise his batting average to a major league-leading .404. Geraldo Perdomo cracked a three-run homer to cap a four-run sixth and pull the D-backs within 6-5, but they managed just one baserunner over the final three innings.

Vargas singled in the first to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 24 games. His 27-game streak dating to last September ranks as the longest in the majors since Trea Turner’s 27-game run in 2022.

Per Elias, Vargas’ season-opening streakstands as the longest in the majors since the Detroit Tigers’ Ron LeFlore hit in 30 straight in 1976. His 27-game streak ranks second in Arizona history behind Luis Gonzalez (30, 1999).


Carson Kelly had two hits for the Cubs and Alex Bergman and Dansby Swanson had RBI hits in the three-run fourth that pushed their lead to 6-1.

Jorge Barrosa had two doubles — one a bunt that kicked off the third base bag into left field — and scored twice for Arizona. Perdomo also had two hits for the D-backs, who have lost seven of 10.

Gallen gave up six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks.

Nico Hoerner doubled to open the three-run first and Gallen walked to load the bases. Busch hit a two-run single, then the third run scored when Kelly’s catchable pop to center fell safely.

Vargas singled in a run in the third before the Cubs knocked out Gallen in the fourth. The D-backs got within 6-5 with a four-run sixth, all scoring after Rea was replaced by Ryan Rolison with one out and one on.

Pinch-hitter Tim Tawa walked and Barrosa pushed a hard bunt down the third base line. When Bregman let it roll, the ball hit the bag and kicked into short left. Perdomo followed with a three-run homer.

Hoerner was replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Shaw in the second inning. Hoerner was removed with a neck strain, the Cubs said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cubs #edge #Dbacks #pull #halfgame

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May 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) high fives the fans after scoring against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Michael Busch had two hits, including a two-run single, and the Chicago Cubs used two three-run innings to hold off the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Friday in the first game of a weekend series.

Busch triggered a three-run first with a bases-loaded single, then the Cubs added three more in the fourth off Diamondbacks starter off Zac Gallen (1-2) for their third win in four games and ninth straight home win. They have won 13 of 16 to pull within a half-game of the Cincinnati Reds for first in the NL Central.

Cubs starter Colin Rea (4-1) gave up two runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He fanned six with no walks. Jacob Webb pitched the final two innings for his first save, the sixth Cub reliever to record a save this season.

Diamondbacks second baseman Ildemaro Vargas had a career-high four hits to raise his batting average to a major league-leading .404. Geraldo Perdomo cracked a three-run homer to cap a four-run sixth and pull the D-backs within 6-5, but they managed just one baserunner over the final three innings.

Vargas singled in the first to extend his season-opening hitting streak to 24 games. His 27-game streak dating to last September ranks as the longest in the majors since Trea Turner’s 27-game run in 2022.

Per Elias, Vargas’ season-opening streakstands as the longest in the majors since the Detroit Tigers’ Ron LeFlore hit in 30 straight in 1976. His 27-game streak ranks second in Arizona history behind Luis Gonzalez (30, 1999).

Carson Kelly had two hits for the Cubs and Alex Bergman and Dansby Swanson had RBI hits in the three-run fourth that pushed their lead to 6-1.

Jorge Barrosa had two doubles — one a bunt that kicked off the third base bag into left field — and scored twice for Arizona. Perdomo also had two hits for the D-backs, who have lost seven of 10.

Gallen gave up six runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks.

Nico Hoerner doubled to open the three-run first and Gallen walked to load the bases. Busch hit a two-run single, then the third run scored when Kelly’s catchable pop to center fell safely.

Vargas singled in a run in the third before the Cubs knocked out Gallen in the fourth. The D-backs got within 6-5 with a four-run sixth, all scoring after Rea was replaced by Ryan Rolison with one out and one on.

Pinch-hitter Tim Tawa walked and Barrosa pushed a hard bunt down the third base line. When Bregman let it roll, the ball hit the bag and kicked into short left. Perdomo followed with a three-run homer.

Hoerner was replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Shaw in the second inning. Hoerner was removed with a neck strain, the Cubs said.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Brewers place RHP Brandon Woodruff on IL with shoulder inflammation Apr 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images After making an early exit from his Thursday start due to much lower than normal velocity, Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation. Woodruff, who missed all of 2024 and the first three months of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, faced just six batters in Thursday’s 13-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was averaging 85.4 mph with his fastball, well below his 92.5 average through his first five starts of the season. As a corresponding move, Milwaukee recalled right-hander Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after Thursday’s game that Woodruff had undergone an MRI during the game. “He doesn’t feel like he’s injured,” Murphy said. “He said, ‘My arm’s dead. Nothing’s coming out.’ I think we just have to be really cautious here.” Woodruff, 33, is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA in six starts this season. He is 55-29 with a 3.13 ERA in 148 career appearances (133 starts) since reaching the majors with Milwaukee in 2017. The two-time All-Star returned to make 12 starts last season after his extensive recovery and went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA. McGee, 28, tossed one scoreless inning on April 10 in his lone appearance this season for the Brewers. He owns a career 3.20 ERA across 12 games (one start) and 25 1/3 innings for the Tampa Bay Rays (2022), Seattle Mariners (2023) and Brewers (2025-26). He posted a 3-1 record and 6.39 ERA over eight appearances (one start) this season for Nashville. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #place #RHP #Brandon #Woodruff #shoulder #inflammationApr 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

After making an early exit from his Thursday start due to much lower than normal velocity, Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation.

Woodruff, who missed all of 2024 and the first three months of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, faced just six batters in Thursday’s 13-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was averaging 85.4 mph with his fastball, well below his 92.5 average through his first five starts of the season.

As a corresponding move, Milwaukee recalled right-hander Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after Thursday’s game that Woodruff had undergone an MRI during the game.


“He doesn’t feel like he’s injured,” Murphy said. “He said, ‘My arm’s dead. Nothing’s coming out.’ I think we just have to be really cautious here.”

Woodruff, 33, is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA in six starts this season. He is 55-29 with a 3.13 ERA in 148 career appearances (133 starts) since reaching the majors with Milwaukee in 2017.

The two-time All-Star returned to make 12 starts last season after his extensive recovery and went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA.

McGee, 28, tossed one scoreless inning on April 10 in his lone appearance this season for the Brewers. He owns a career 3.20 ERA across 12 games (one start) and 25 1/3 innings for the Tampa Bay Rays (2022), Seattle Mariners (2023) and Brewers (2025-26). He posted a 3-1 record and 6.39 ERA over eight appearances (one start) this season for Nashville.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brewers #place #RHP #Brandon #Woodruff #shoulder #inflammation">Deadspin | Brewers place RHP Brandon Woodruff on IL with shoulder inflammation Apr 30, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images After making an early exit from his Thursday start due to much lower than normal velocity, Brewers ace Brandon Woodruff was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation. Woodruff, who missed all of 2024 and the first three months of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, faced just six batters in Thursday’s 13-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was averaging 85.4 mph with his fastball, well below his 92.5 average through his first five starts of the season. As a corresponding move, Milwaukee recalled right-hander Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after Thursday’s game that Woodruff had undergone an MRI during the game. “He doesn’t feel like he’s injured,” Murphy said. “He said, ‘My arm’s dead. Nothing’s coming out.’ I think we just have to be really cautious here.” Woodruff, 33, is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA in six starts this season. He is 55-29 with a 3.13 ERA in 148 career appearances (133 starts) since reaching the majors with Milwaukee in 2017. The two-time All-Star returned to make 12 starts last season after his extensive recovery and went 7-2 with a 3.20 ERA. McGee, 28, tossed one scoreless inning on April 10 in his lone appearance this season for the Brewers. He owns a career 3.20 ERA across 12 games (one start) and 25 1/3 innings for the Tampa Bay Rays (2022), Seattle Mariners (2023) and Brewers (2025-26). He posted a 3-1 record and 6.39 ERA over eight appearances (one start) this season for Nashville. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #place #RHP #Brandon #Woodruff #shoulder #inflammation

Deadspin | Amid scoring drought, Real Salt Lake face revitalized Timbers Apr 26, 2026; Carson, California, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo (72) fights for the ball against LA Galaxy defender John Nelson (14) during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images After collecting 16 points in their first seven MLS contests, Real Salt Lake are in a power outage, scoring just one goal in their last 225 minutes of play, while losing their last two matches. When they host the Portland Timbers on Saturday in Sandy, Utah, Real Salt Lake will try to remedy their sputtering offense. After struggling through a busy stretch in which it played three matches in a span of eight days, Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points) enters with a week of rest and plenty of time to figure out what went wrong. “As a group, we need to own everything and put our best foot forward to do our best in this next match against Portland,” Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni said. Zavier Gozo (two goals, four assists), one of two teenagers in the lineup for Real Salt Lake, leads their attacking style. Diego Luna (two goals, three assists) and Sergi Solans (five goals) also have led the offense. “Gozo, I think, has been a revelation for them. He’s a young kid that we saw last year who’s developing, who’s maturing, who’s becoming one of their most important players,” Portland coach Phil Neville said. The Timbers (3-5-1, 10 points) are looking for their second straight road win following a 2-1 victory last Saturday at San Diego. Alex Bonetig scored the first goal of his MLS career six minutes into second-half stoppage time as Portland snapped its string of road league matches without a win, which dated back to August of last year, at 12. “It was big for the whole organization, winning away from home,” Neville said. ” … Mentally, psychologically, I think it’s important.” Kristoffer Velde (three goals) paces a balanced attack, which has produced 13 goals from 10 different players. The Timbers lead the series 16-14-12 all-time. They knocked RSL out of the playoffs last year with a 3-1 wild-card win in Portland as Felipe Mora scored a brace. “I’m sure they remember that as well, that we sent them home early,” Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis said. “It’s not going to be an easy game. It’s a road game, altitude challenge. We’re looking to build momentum off last week.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #scoring #drought #Real #Salt #Lake #face #revitalized #TimbersApr 26, 2026; Carson, California, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo (72) fights for the ball against LA Galaxy defender John Nelson (14) during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

After collecting 16 points in their first seven MLS contests, Real Salt Lake are in a power outage, scoring just one goal in their last 225 minutes of play, while losing their last two matches.

When they host the Portland Timbers on Saturday in Sandy, Utah, Real Salt Lake will try to remedy their sputtering offense.

After struggling through a busy stretch in which it played three matches in a span of eight days, Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points) enters with a week of rest and plenty of time to figure out what went wrong.

“As a group, we need to own everything and put our best foot forward to do our best in this next match against Portland,” Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni said.

Zavier Gozo (two goals, four assists), one of two teenagers in the lineup for Real Salt Lake, leads their attacking style. Diego Luna (two goals, three assists) and Sergi Solans (five goals) also have led the offense.

“Gozo, I think, has been a revelation for them. He’s a young kid that we saw last year who’s developing, who’s maturing, who’s becoming one of their most important players,” Portland coach Phil Neville said.


The Timbers (3-5-1, 10 points) are looking for their second straight road win following a 2-1 victory last Saturday at San Diego.

Alex Bonetig scored the first goal of his MLS career six minutes into second-half stoppage time as Portland snapped its string of road league matches without a win, which dated back to August of last year, at 12.

“It was big for the whole organization, winning away from home,” Neville said. ” … Mentally, psychologically, I think it’s important.”

Kristoffer Velde (three goals) paces a balanced attack, which has produced 13 goals from 10 different players.

The Timbers lead the series 16-14-12 all-time. They knocked RSL out of the playoffs last year with a 3-1 wild-card win in Portland as Felipe Mora scored a brace.

“I’m sure they remember that as well, that we sent them home early,” Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis said. “It’s not going to be an easy game. It’s a road game, altitude challenge. We’re looking to build momentum off last week.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #scoring #drought #Real #Salt #Lake #face #revitalized #Timbers">Deadspin | Amid scoring drought, Real Salt Lake face revitalized Timbers Apr 26, 2026; Carson, California, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Zavier Gozo (72) fights for the ball against LA Galaxy defender John Nelson (14) during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images After collecting 16 points in their first seven MLS contests, Real Salt Lake are in a power outage, scoring just one goal in their last 225 minutes of play, while losing their last two matches. When they host the Portland Timbers on Saturday in Sandy, Utah, Real Salt Lake will try to remedy their sputtering offense. After struggling through a busy stretch in which it played three matches in a span of eight days, Salt Lake (5-3-1, 16 points) enters with a week of rest and plenty of time to figure out what went wrong. “As a group, we need to own everything and put our best foot forward to do our best in this next match against Portland,” Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni said. Zavier Gozo (two goals, four assists), one of two teenagers in the lineup for Real Salt Lake, leads their attacking style. Diego Luna (two goals, three assists) and Sergi Solans (five goals) also have led the offense. “Gozo, I think, has been a revelation for them. He’s a young kid that we saw last year who’s developing, who’s maturing, who’s becoming one of their most important players,” Portland coach Phil Neville said. The Timbers (3-5-1, 10 points) are looking for their second straight road win following a 2-1 victory last Saturday at San Diego. Alex Bonetig scored the first goal of his MLS career six minutes into second-half stoppage time as Portland snapped its string of road league matches without a win, which dated back to August of last year, at 12. “It was big for the whole organization, winning away from home,” Neville said. ” … Mentally, psychologically, I think it’s important.” Kristoffer Velde (three goals) paces a balanced attack, which has produced 13 goals from 10 different players. The Timbers lead the series 16-14-12 all-time. They knocked RSL out of the playoffs last year with a 3-1 wild-card win in Portland as Felipe Mora scored a brace. “I’m sure they remember that as well, that we sent them home early,” Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis said. “It’s not going to be an easy game. It’s a road game, altitude challenge. We’re looking to build momentum off last week.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #scoring #drought #Real #Salt #Lake #face #revitalized #Timbers

Deadspin | Iran officials aim to meet with FIFA, discuss World Cup issues Nov 29, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Iran defender Abolfazl Jalali (25) dribbles the ball against the United States of America during the second half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images Soccer officials from Iran are intent on meeting with FIFA’s leadership about its upcoming World Cup matches in the United States. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer administration, informed Iranian media Friday that the country’s soccer leadership has issues it wants to discuss with the international governing body. Iran was the only FIFA federation among the 211 member countries without representation at this week’s FIFA congress in Vancouver. That meeting is expected to happen before May 20 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the Associated Press reported. Taj gave further insight to an incident this week when he and the other traveling members of the Iran delegation had issues getting into Toronto while on the way to Vancouver for the FIFA congress. Canadian immigration authorities questioned Taj about ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They were reportedly detained for two hours before being told they could continue on to Vancouver but instead elected to leave the country. “We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC,” Taj said, according to Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim. “We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organization in. They said that it is the laws of our country. “After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the ?airport ?for three hours, you made us wait for nothing.” There has been much speculation about whether Iran would be able and/or willing to participate in this summer’s World Cup in North America in the aftermath of the U.S. and Israel launching a dual military attack against Iran in February. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at Thursday’s annual congress that Iran will be coming to the U.S. and playing as scheduled in the event. This goes against Iran’s request in March for its matches to be moved to Mexico. Iran, which is in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, is scheduled to have its base camp set up in Tucson, Ariz. The team is set to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, Calif. (June 15 and 21) before closing group play in Seattle on June 26. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Iran #officials #aim #meet #FIFA #discuss #World #Cup #issuesNov 29, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Iran defender Abolfazl Jalali (25) dribbles the ball against the United States of America during the second half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images

Soccer officials from Iran are intent on meeting with FIFA’s leadership about its upcoming World Cup matches in the United States.

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer administration, informed Iranian media Friday that the country’s soccer leadership has issues it wants to discuss with the international governing body. Iran was the only FIFA federation among the 211 member countries without representation at this week’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.

That meeting is expected to happen before May 20 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the Associated Press reported.

Taj gave further insight to an incident this week when he and the other traveling members of the Iran delegation had issues getting into Toronto while on the way to Vancouver for the FIFA congress. Canadian immigration authorities questioned Taj about ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

They were reportedly detained for two hours before being told they could continue on to Vancouver but instead elected to leave the country.


“We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC,” Taj said, according to Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim.

“We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organization in. They said that it is the laws of our country.

“After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the ?airport ?for three hours, you made us wait for nothing.”

There has been much speculation about whether Iran would be able and/or willing to participate in this summer’s World Cup in North America in the aftermath of the U.S. and Israel launching a dual military attack against Iran in February.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at Thursday’s annual congress that Iran will be coming to the U.S. and playing as scheduled in the event. This goes against Iran’s request in March for its matches to be moved to Mexico.

Iran, which is in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, is scheduled to have its base camp set up in Tucson, Ariz. The team is set to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, Calif. (June 15 and 21) before closing group play in Seattle on June 26.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Iran #officials #aim #meet #FIFA #discuss #World #Cup #issues">Deadspin | Iran officials aim to meet with FIFA, discuss World Cup issues Nov 29, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Iran defender Abolfazl Jalali (25) dribbles the ball against the United States of America during the second half of a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Al Thumama Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images Soccer officials from Iran are intent on meeting with FIFA’s leadership about its upcoming World Cup matches in the United States. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer administration, informed Iranian media Friday that the country’s soccer leadership has issues it wants to discuss with the international governing body. Iran was the only FIFA federation among the 211 member countries without representation at this week’s FIFA congress in Vancouver. That meeting is expected to happen before May 20 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the Associated Press reported. Taj gave further insight to an incident this week when he and the other traveling members of the Iran delegation had issues getting into Toronto while on the way to Vancouver for the FIFA congress. Canadian immigration authorities questioned Taj about ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). They were reportedly detained for two hours before being told they could continue on to Vancouver but instead elected to leave the country. “We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC,” Taj said, according to Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim. “We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organization in. They said that it is the laws of our country. “After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the ?airport ?for three hours, you made us wait for nothing.” There has been much speculation about whether Iran would be able and/or willing to participate in this summer’s World Cup in North America in the aftermath of the U.S. and Israel launching a dual military attack against Iran in February. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at Thursday’s annual congress that Iran will be coming to the U.S. and playing as scheduled in the event. This goes against Iran’s request in March for its matches to be moved to Mexico. Iran, which is in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, is scheduled to have its base camp set up in Tucson, Ariz. The team is set to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, Calif. (June 15 and 21) before closing group play in Seattle on June 26. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Iran #officials #aim #meet #FIFA #discuss #World #Cup #issues

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