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Iran ‘welcome to compete’ in World Cup, says Trump

Iran ‘welcome to compete’ in World Cup, says Trump

US President Donald Trump would “welcome” Iran’s participation at the upcoming World Cup in North America, despite the ongoing Middle East war, the White House said on Wednesday.

The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation at this summer’s men’s football World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The US administration was confirming an Instagram post by FIFA chief Gianni Infantino earlier in the day.

Infantino wrote that at a meeting to discuss preparations for the competition, “President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.”

ALSO READ: Iran cannot participate in FIFA World Cup 2026 – Sports Minister Donyamali

The comments marked the first time that Infantino, who in December created a FIFA Peace Prize and awarded it to Trump, has acknowledged the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Trump’s remarks to Infantino are a stark contrast to his comments last week when he told Politico: “I really don’t care” if Iran plays at the World Cup.

The US president’s change of stance came as Iranian officials suggested they might not turn up anyway after American and Israeli attacks, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“Considering that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, we do not have the conditions to attend the World Cup in any way,” Ahmad Donyamali, the Minister of Sports and Youth, told state-run television on Tuesday.

“They have forced two wars on us in eight or nine months, and have killed and martyred several thousand of our people. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility to attend.”

Published on Mar 11, 2026

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Michael Carrick said he loves managing Manchester United but is not “chasing” an answer on his future as the club closes in on a Champions League spot.

United’s former midfielder was appointed as head coach until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit in January.

Carrick has masterminded wins against Manchester City and Arsenal during an impressive spell that has lifted United to third in the Premier League.

But he still has no clarity on his future.

“I’ve said it many times, I enjoy being here, I enjoy the role I’m in,” Carrick said on Thursday, ahead of Monday’s home match against Brentford.

ALSO READ | Coventry City chairman shrugs off reports linking Lampard with Chelsea return

“We’ve had some good results and we’re in decent shape. I think there’s a lot (of the season) to go, we still want to keep improving, there’s layers that we want to get to, really. I’ll see, you know.

“I keep saying the same things every week. There’s only so much I can say in terms of that, but I’ve said it many times.

“Again, I enjoy being here, I love being here. It’s a real privilege to be in the position I am but thriving with the responsibility that we’ve got.”

The former England international, 44, said he was unsure when he would get clarity over his future.

“Genuinely it’s not something in terms of deadlines that I’m really chasing. I think it’ll become clear when it’s going to become clear.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#clarity #Carricks #future #Manchester #Unite">No clarity yet on Carrick’s future at Manchester Unite  Michael Carrick said he loves managing Manchester United but is not “chasing” an answer on his future as the club closes in on a Champions League spot.United’s former midfielder was appointed as head coach until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit in January.Carrick has masterminded wins against Manchester City and Arsenal during an impressive spell that has lifted United to third in the Premier League.But he still has no clarity on his future.“I’ve said it many times, I enjoy being here, I enjoy the role I’m in,” Carrick said on Thursday, ahead of Monday’s home match against Brentford.ALSO READ | Coventry City chairman shrugs off reports linking Lampard with Chelsea return“We’ve had some good results and we’re in decent shape. I think there’s a lot (of the season) to go, we still want to keep improving, there’s layers that we want to get to, really. I’ll see, you know.“I keep saying the same things every week. There’s only so much I can say in terms of that, but I’ve said it many times.“Again, I enjoy being here, I love being here. It’s a real privilege to be in the position I am but thriving with the responsibility that we’ve got.”The former England international, 44, said he was unsure when he would get clarity over his future.“Genuinely it’s not something in terms of deadlines that I’m really chasing. I think it’ll become clear when it’s going to become clear.”Published on Apr 23, 2026  #clarity #Carricks #future #Manchester #Unite

Coventry City chairman shrugs off reports linking Lampard with Chelsea return

“We’ve had some good results and we’re in decent shape. I think there’s a lot (of the season) to go, we still want to keep improving, there’s layers that we want to get to, really. I’ll see, you know.

“I keep saying the same things every week. There’s only so much I can say in terms of that, but I’ve said it many times.

“Again, I enjoy being here, I love being here. It’s a real privilege to be in the position I am but thriving with the responsibility that we’ve got.”

The former England international, 44, said he was unsure when he would get clarity over his future.

“Genuinely it’s not something in terms of deadlines that I’m really chasing. I think it’ll become clear when it’s going to become clear.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#clarity #Carricks #future #Manchester #Unite">No clarity yet on Carrick’s future at Manchester Unite

Michael Carrick said he loves managing Manchester United but is not “chasing” an answer on his future as the club closes in on a Champions League spot.

United’s former midfielder was appointed as head coach until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim’s acrimonious exit in January.

Carrick has masterminded wins against Manchester City and Arsenal during an impressive spell that has lifted United to third in the Premier League.

But he still has no clarity on his future.

“I’ve said it many times, I enjoy being here, I enjoy the role I’m in,” Carrick said on Thursday, ahead of Monday’s home match against Brentford.

ALSO READ | Coventry City chairman shrugs off reports linking Lampard with Chelsea return

“We’ve had some good results and we’re in decent shape. I think there’s a lot (of the season) to go, we still want to keep improving, there’s layers that we want to get to, really. I’ll see, you know.

“I keep saying the same things every week. There’s only so much I can say in terms of that, but I’ve said it many times.

“Again, I enjoy being here, I love being here. It’s a real privilege to be in the position I am but thriving with the responsibility that we’ve got.”

The former England international, 44, said he was unsure when he would get clarity over his future.

“Genuinely it’s not something in terms of deadlines that I’m really chasing. I think it’ll become clear when it’s going to become clear.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#clarity #Carricks #future #Manchester #Unite
Deadspin | Celtics G Derrick White wins NBA Sportsmanship Award  Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images   Boston Celtics guard Derrick White was named the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner on Thursday.  White, 31, receives the Joe Dumars Trophy, named for the inaugural award recipient and Hall of Fame guard.  He is the second consecutive Celtics player to win the award following guard Jrue Holiday in 2024-25.  Presented since 1995-96, the award honors a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.  Each NBA team nominated one of its players and a panel of league executives selected six finalists, one from each division. Current NBA players voted to select the winner.   White received 77 first-place votes and 2,826 total points to finish ahead of Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (83 first-place votes and 2,566 points) and San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (73 and 2,466).  White averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 77 games (all starts) this season for Boston.   An NBA champion with the Celtics in 2023-24 and a gold medal winner with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, White is a two-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Celtics #Derrick #White #wins #NBA #Sportsmanship #AwardApr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White was named the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner on Thursday.

White, 31, receives the Joe Dumars Trophy, named for the inaugural award recipient and Hall of Fame guard.

He is the second consecutive Celtics player to win the award following guard Jrue Holiday in 2024-25.

Presented since 1995-96, the award honors a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.


Each NBA team nominated one of its players and a panel of league executives selected six finalists, one from each division. Current NBA players voted to select the winner.

White received 77 first-place votes and 2,826 total points to finish ahead of Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (83 first-place votes and 2,566 points) and San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (73 and 2,466).

White averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 77 games (all starts) this season for Boston.

An NBA champion with the Celtics in 2023-24 and a gold medal winner with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, White is a two-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Celtics #Derrick #White #wins #NBA #Sportsmanship #Award">Deadspin | Celtics G Derrick White wins NBA Sportsmanship Award  Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images   Boston Celtics guard Derrick White was named the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner on Thursday.  White, 31, receives the Joe Dumars Trophy, named for the inaugural award recipient and Hall of Fame guard.  He is the second consecutive Celtics player to win the award following guard Jrue Holiday in 2024-25.  Presented since 1995-96, the award honors a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.  Each NBA team nominated one of its players and a panel of league executives selected six finalists, one from each division. Current NBA players voted to select the winner.   White received 77 first-place votes and 2,826 total points to finish ahead of Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (83 first-place votes and 2,566 points) and San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (73 and 2,466).  White averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.1 steals in 77 games (all starts) this season for Boston.   An NBA champion with the Celtics in 2023-24 and a gold medal winner with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, White is a two-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Celtics #Derrick #White #wins #NBA #Sportsmanship #Award

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