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Deadspin | Katherine Legge enters Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing  Katherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.   Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday.  It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”  “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.  “It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”  Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special.   “Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”  Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver.  “We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”  Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #Racing

Deadspin | Katherine Legge enters Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing
Deadspin | Katherine Legge enters Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing  Katherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.   Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday.  It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”  “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.  “It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”  Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  “This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special.   “Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”  Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver.  “We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”  Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #RacingKatherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday.

It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.

“It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”

Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.


“This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special.

“Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”

Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver.

“We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”

Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #Racing

Katherine Legge signs autographs on May 26, 2024 during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Katherine Legge will make her return to the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 in the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, the team announced Monday.

It will be the fifth Indy 500 for the 45-year-old Englishwoman, the only female driver competing in the 110th edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” said Legge, who last entered the race in 2024. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena — including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.

“It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the ‘500.’ Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”

Legge is one of just nine women ever to compete in the crown jewel of American open-wheel racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” HMD Motorsports president Mike Maurini said. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special.

“Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”

Legge’s best finish in the Indy 500 was 22nd in her first appearance in 2012. During qualifying in 2023, she set records for the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070 mph) for a female driver.

“We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”

Practice sessions for the 2026 Indianapolis 500 begin at the fabled 2.5-mile oval on May 12.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Katherine #Legge #enters #Indy #Foyt #Racing

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Virat Kohli crosses 9000 IPL runs during DC vs RCB IPL 2026 match <div id="content-body-70912043" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli became the first batter to score 9000 runs in the Indian Premier League during an IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Monday.</p><p>Kohli, playing his 275th IPL game, achieved the feat in last ball of the sixth over with a single to long off against DC skipper Axar Patel.</p><p>The Indian batter has eight hundreds and six fifties in the tournament.</p><p>Only one other batter has scored more than 7000 IPL runs – Mumbai Indians opener Rohit Sharma.</p><ul class="article-body article-bullet-list"><li> 9000 runs – Virat Kohli* </li><li> 7183 runs – Rohit Sharma* </li><li> 6769 runs – Shikhar Dhawan </li><li> 6565 runs – David Warner </li><li> 5579 <b/>runs – KL Rahul </li></ul><div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><p>[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHZKfnILQsI[/embed]</p></div><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 27, 2026</p></div> #Virat #Kohli #crosses #IPL #runs #RCB #IPL #match

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Deadspin | Rockies stifle Mets to clinch series in doubleheader opener  Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA;  Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnston (20) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images   Troy Johnston had an RBI single in the fourth inning and hit into the tie-breaking, run-scoring double play in the sixth Sunday afternoon for the visiting Colorado Rockies, who beat the skidding New York Mets 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.  Jose Quintana (1-2) tossed 5 1/3 solid innings for the Rockies, who have won the first two games of the three-game set to lock up their third series win of the season. Colorado finished 43-119 last season and didn’t win its third series until July 18-20, when it took two of three from the Minnesota Twins.  Jake McCarthy added an insurance RBI single in the seventh for Colorado.  Tyrone Taylor homered in the fifth for the Mets, who have lost 14 of 16.  Quintana allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. The 37-year-old left-hander, who played for the Mets from 2023-24, threw 31 pitches in the first, when he walked Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. and allowed a single to Mark Vientos to load the bases with one out.  But Quintana wriggled out of the jam by striking out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. That began a stretch of 11 straight batters retired by Quintana, who set down the final four batters he faced after Taylor’s homer.    Juan Mejia retired all five batters he opposed before the Mets threatened in the eighth against Jaden Hill, who gave up one-out singles to Francisco Alvarez and Bichette before walking Juan Soto. But Hill got Robert to pop out to first and struck out Vientos.  Victor Vodnik threw a perfect ninth to close out the four-hitter and earn his fourth save.  McCarthy and Edouard Julien had two hits each for the Rockies.  Nolan McLean (1-2) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rockies #stifle #Mets #clinch #series #doubleheader #openerApr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnston (20) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Troy Johnston had an RBI single in the fourth inning and hit into the tie-breaking, run-scoring double play in the sixth Sunday afternoon for the visiting Colorado Rockies, who beat the skidding New York Mets 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.

Jose Quintana (1-2) tossed 5 1/3 solid innings for the Rockies, who have won the first two games of the three-game set to lock up their third series win of the season. Colorado finished 43-119 last season and didn’t win its third series until July 18-20, when it took two of three from the Minnesota Twins.

Jake McCarthy added an insurance RBI single in the seventh for Colorado.

Tyrone Taylor homered in the fifth for the Mets, who have lost 14 of 16.

Quintana allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. The 37-year-old left-hander, who played for the Mets from 2023-24, threw 31 pitches in the first, when he walked Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. and allowed a single to Mark Vientos to load the bases with one out.


But Quintana wriggled out of the jam by striking out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. That began a stretch of 11 straight batters retired by Quintana, who set down the final four batters he faced after Taylor’s homer.

Juan Mejia retired all five batters he opposed before the Mets threatened in the eighth against Jaden Hill, who gave up one-out singles to Francisco Alvarez and Bichette before walking Juan Soto. But Hill got Robert to pop out to first and struck out Vientos.

Victor Vodnik threw a perfect ninth to close out the four-hitter and earn his fourth save.

McCarthy and Edouard Julien had two hits each for the Rockies.

Nolan McLean (1-2) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockies #stifle #Mets #clinch #series #doubleheader #opener">Deadspin | Rockies stifle Mets to clinch series in doubleheader opener  Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA;  Colorado Rockies first baseman Troy Johnston (20) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images   Troy Johnston had an RBI single in the fourth inning and hit into the tie-breaking, run-scoring double play in the sixth Sunday afternoon for the visiting Colorado Rockies, who beat the skidding New York Mets 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.  Jose Quintana (1-2) tossed 5 1/3 solid innings for the Rockies, who have won the first two games of the three-game set to lock up their third series win of the season. Colorado finished 43-119 last season and didn’t win its third series until July 18-20, when it took two of three from the Minnesota Twins.  Jake McCarthy added an insurance RBI single in the seventh for Colorado.  Tyrone Taylor homered in the fifth for the Mets, who have lost 14 of 16.  Quintana allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. The 37-year-old left-hander, who played for the Mets from 2023-24, threw 31 pitches in the first, when he walked Bo Bichette and Luis Robert Jr. and allowed a single to Mark Vientos to load the bases with one out.  But Quintana wriggled out of the jam by striking out Marcus Semien and Brett Baty. That began a stretch of 11 straight batters retired by Quintana, who set down the final four batters he faced after Taylor’s homer.    Juan Mejia retired all five batters he opposed before the Mets threatened in the eighth against Jaden Hill, who gave up one-out singles to Francisco Alvarez and Bichette before walking Juan Soto. But Hill got Robert to pop out to first and struck out Vientos.  Victor Vodnik threw a perfect ninth to close out the four-hitter and earn his fourth save.  McCarthy and Edouard Julien had two hits each for the Rockies.  Nolan McLean (1-2) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rockies #stifle #Mets #clinch #series #doubleheader #opener

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from ​federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.

“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.

“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) ​and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.

OLYMPIC TRUCE

The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so ​athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup">Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup 2026  FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from ​federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) ​and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.OLYMPIC TRUCEThe idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so ​athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told        Reuters.“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.Published on Apr 27, 2026  #Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup

Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup">Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup 2026

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from ​federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.

“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.

“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) ​and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.

OLYMPIC TRUCE

The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so ​athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of ​cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in ​a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup

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