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Konnor Griffin inks massive contract with Pirates, and he’s worth the money When 19-year-old Konnor Griffin laced an RBI double to left-center field in his first MLB at-bat, it was a sign of hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and their future.Thanks to a contract announced on Wednesday morning, Pirates fans now have almost a decade of hope and promise to look forward to.Griffin put pen to paper on a massive nine-year contract with Pittsburgh worth 0 million, the biggest deal in Pirates’ history. That contract eclipses the 6.75 million deal that Bryan Reynolds signed back in 2023, and keeps Griffin in Pittsburgh through 2034.It also continues Griffin’s meteoric rise through the professional ranks.Pittsburgh selected the infielder with the ninth-overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and Griffin did not waste any time impressing his new team. He started in Single-A with Bradenton for the 2025 season, where he slashed .338/.396/.536 over 50 games with nine home runs, earning a promotion to Greensboro, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. Over 51 games with the Grasshoppers in 2025, Griffin slashed .325/.432/.510, belting seven home runs.Then it was a promotion to Double-A, where over 21 more games he slashed .337/.418/.542 with another five home runs.Griffin began the 2026 season with the big club for Spring Training, and was listed as the top prospect in all of baseball. He turned heads early in the spring with a pair of home runs against the Boston Red Sox, including this mammoth blast:There was speculation that Griffin would make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, but after slashing just .171/.261/.488 during Spring Training, the team assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the year. During a short stint in Indianapolis — just five games — Griffin began the year on a tear, slashing .438/.571/.625 along with three doubles.That was enough to earn his promotion to the big club, where the 19-year-old made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles last week.That’s when this happened:Just five pitches into his MLB career, Griffin had both his first extra-base hit, and his first RBI.But what followed is testament to his resilience, and why the Pirates likely felt comfortable with the contract announced on Wednesday. Following his 1-for-4 debut against Baltimore, Griffin went 0-for-4 in each of his next four games. Then came Tuesday night’s 2-for-4 outing against the San Diego Padres, including this two-run single that came off the bat at 113 miles per hour:With the contract came praise from the organization.“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization.“Konnor represents everything we value in a player: exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset and a strong desire to win,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He has met every challenge in front of him, and we are excited to watch him continue that growth alongside his teammates in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled he will be a Pirate for a long time.”Ahead of the 2026 MLB season we made the case that the Pirates might be the most fascinating team in all of baseball, given the presence of young talent such as Griffin and Paul Skenes.Which is why the Pirates fan in your life might feel a little more hope today. #Konnor #Griffin #inks #massive #contract #Pirates #hes #worth #money

Konnor Griffin inks massive contract with Pirates, and he’s worth the money

When 19-year-old Konnor Griffin laced an RBI double to left-center field in his first MLB at-bat, it was a sign of hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and their future.

Thanks to a contract announced on Wednesday morning, Pirates fans now have almost a decade of hope and promise to look forward to.

Griffin put pen to paper on a massive nine-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $140 million, the biggest deal in Pirates’ history. That contract eclipses the $106.75 million deal that Bryan Reynolds signed back in 2023, and keeps Griffin in Pittsburgh through 2034.

It also continues Griffin’s meteoric rise through the professional ranks.

Pittsburgh selected the infielder with the ninth-overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and Griffin did not waste any time impressing his new team. He started in Single-A with Bradenton for the 2025 season, where he slashed .338/.396/.536 over 50 games with nine home runs, earning a promotion to Greensboro, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. Over 51 games with the Grasshoppers in 2025, Griffin slashed .325/.432/.510, belting seven home runs.

Then it was a promotion to Double-A, where over 21 more games he slashed .337/.418/.542 with another five home runs.

Griffin began the 2026 season with the big club for Spring Training, and was listed as the top prospect in all of baseball. He turned heads early in the spring with a pair of home runs against the Boston Red Sox, including this mammoth blast:

There was speculation that Griffin would make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, but after slashing just .171/.261/.488 during Spring Training, the team assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the year. During a short stint in Indianapolis — just five games — Griffin began the year on a tear, slashing .438/.571/.625 along with three doubles.

That was enough to earn his promotion to the big club, where the 19-year-old made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles last week.

That’s when this happened:

Just five pitches into his MLB career, Griffin had both his first extra-base hit, and his first RBI.

But what followed is testament to his resilience, and why the Pirates likely felt comfortable with the contract announced on Wednesday. Following his 1-for-4 debut against Baltimore, Griffin went 0-for-4 in each of his next four games. Then came Tuesday night’s 2-for-4 outing against the San Diego Padres, including this two-run single that came off the bat at 113 miles per hour:

With the contract came praise from the organization.

“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization.

“Konnor represents everything we value in a player: exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”

“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset and a strong desire to win,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He has met every challenge in front of him, and we are excited to watch him continue that growth alongside his teammates in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled he will be a Pirate for a long time.”

Ahead of the 2026 MLB season we made the case that the Pirates might be the most fascinating team in all of baseball, given the presence of young talent such as Griffin and Paul Skenes.

Which is why the Pirates fan in your life might feel a little more hope today.

#Konnor #Griffin #inks #massive #contract #Pirates #hes #worth #money

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When 19-year-old Konnor Griffin laced an RBI double to left-center field in his first MLB at-bat, it was a sign of hope for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and their future.

Thanks to a contract announced on Wednesday morning, Pirates fans now have almost a decade of hope and promise to look forward to.

Griffin put pen to paper on a massive nine-year contract with Pittsburgh worth $140 million, the biggest deal in Pirates’ history. That contract eclipses the $106.75 million deal that Bryan Reynolds signed back in 2023, and keeps Griffin in Pittsburgh through 2034.

It also continues Griffin’s meteoric rise through the professional ranks.

Pittsburgh selected the infielder with the ninth-overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft, and Griffin did not waste any time impressing his new team. He started in Single-A with Bradenton for the 2025 season, where he slashed .338/.396/.536 over 50 games with nine home runs, earning a promotion to Greensboro, Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. Over 51 games with the Grasshoppers in 2025, Griffin slashed .325/.432/.510, belting seven home runs.

Then it was a promotion to Double-A, where over 21 more games he slashed .337/.418/.542 with another five home runs.

Griffin began the 2026 season with the big club for Spring Training, and was listed as the top prospect in all of baseball. He turned heads early in the spring with a pair of home runs against the Boston Red Sox, including this mammoth blast:

There was speculation that Griffin would make Pittsburgh’s Opening Day roster, but after slashing just .171/.261/.488 during Spring Training, the team assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate to begin the year. During a short stint in Indianapolis — just five games — Griffin began the year on a tear, slashing .438/.571/.625 along with three doubles.

That was enough to earn his promotion to the big club, where the 19-year-old made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles last week.

That’s when this happened:

Just five pitches into his MLB career, Griffin had both his first extra-base hit, and his first RBI.

But what followed is testament to his resilience, and why the Pirates likely felt comfortable with the contract announced on Wednesday. Following his 1-for-4 debut against Baltimore, Griffin went 0-for-4 in each of his next four games. Then came Tuesday night’s 2-for-4 outing against the San Diego Padres, including this two-run single that came off the bat at 113 miles per hour:

With the contract came praise from the organization.

“Signing Konnor is a meaningful commitment to this team, this city and our fans,” said Pirates chairman Bob Nutting. “It reflects our belief in Konnor, in this season’s club and in the future of our organization.

“Konnor represents everything we value in a player: exceptional talent, strong character, a team-first mentality and a maturity that stood out to all of us from the beginning. He is the right person, from the right family, and this is another important step in the work we have been doing to build something lasting.”

“Since joining the organization, Konnor has consistently demonstrated the traits we want in a Pirate: a daily commitment to improvement, a team-first mindset and a strong desire to win,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He has met every challenge in front of him, and we are excited to watch him continue that growth alongside his teammates in Pittsburgh. We are thrilled he will be a Pirate for a long time.”

Ahead of the 2026 MLB season we made the case that the Pirates might be the most fascinating team in all of baseball, given the presence of young talent such as Griffin and Paul Skenes.

Which is why the Pirates fan in your life might feel a little more hope today.

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Monte Carlo Masters 2026: Berrettini thumps Medvedev 6-0, 6-0 <div id="content-body-70838258" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Daniil Medvedev suffered an embarrassing 6-0, 6-0 humbling at the hands of Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday.</p><p>The seventh seed missed two break points in the opening game and then completely unravelled, making 30 unforced errors and serving five double faults.</p><p>Medvedev did not win more than two points in any of the last 11 games and his frustrations boiled over in the second set, smashing his racquet into the court four times.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/billie-jean-king-cup-india-vs-thailand-score-result-highlights-sahaja-vaishnavi/article70835747.ece" target="_self">Billie Jean King Cup: India’s hopes hang in balance on rain-affected Day One of Asia/Oceania Group I tie</a></b></p><p>Berrettini wrapped up the double-bagel victory, the first such defeat of former world number one Medvedev’s career, in just 49 minutes.</p><p>“I think it was one of the best performances of my life,” Berrettini said.</p><p>“I think I missed three shots in the entire match and it is not easy against a tricky player like Daniil. I think the game plan was perfect and my weapons were working.”</p><p>The former Wimbledon runner-up, now ranked 90th, will face either Joao Fonseca or Arthur Rinderknech in the last 16.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 08, 2026</p></div> #Monte #Carlo #Masters #Berrettini #thumps #Medvedev

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Russia says it has summoned Japanese ambassador over Ukrainian drones<div> <span class="dateline">MOSCOW – </span> <p>Russia’s ⁠Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Moscow had summoned the Japanese ambassador in protest over ​an investment made ‌by a ‌Japanese startup in ​Ukrainian interceptor drone technology.</p><p>The Japanese company, Terra Drone, ⁠said in March it had invested an ⁠undisclosed sum in Ukrainian interceptor-drone producer Amazing ​Drones, which ⁠produces technology designed for rapid deployment on ⁠the battlefield.</p><p>The ​Kremlin has described ​Russia’s relations with ​Japan ‌as having been “reduced to zero” over what it casts as Tokyo’s “unfriendly stance” towards ‌Moscow.</p><p>Relations between Moscow and Tokyo, who have not signed a formal World War ​Two ​peace treaty, have ​been strained for decades over ⁠an unresolved territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands, known in Japan as ​the Northern Territories.</p> </div>#Russia #summoned #Japanese #ambassador #Ukrainian #drones

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Deadspin | Patriots captains offer little insight on Mike Vrabel’s speech to team Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images New England Patriots captains Hunter Henry and Robert Spillane are pleased with the energy Mike Vrabel has brought to the team this week, but didn’t offer opinions about the coach’s highly-discussed off-the-field issues. Vrabel skipped Saturday’s third and final day of the NFL draft for a counseling session and returned to the team Monday as the Patriots continue their voluntary offseason workouts. Vrabel addressed the team on April 21 and Tuesday marked the first time since the speech that players were available to the media. Henry and Spillane both said Vrabel spoke about the situation involving former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. The two were photographed together last month at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz., holding hands, hugging and sharing a hot tub. Both are married to other people. “I thought he did a great job,” Henry said of Vrabel’s talk to the team. “It’s been the same Vrabes, bringing a lot of energy in the room. Obviously, he addressed it and that’s kind of all I’ll say about it.” Henry, a tight end, is entering his sixth season with the Patriots and 10th overall. Spillane, a linebacker, has long revered Vrabel, dating back to when he was an undrafted free agent in 2018 and competing for a spot on the Tennessee Titans’ roster with Vrabel as coach. Now entering his ninth NFL season, Spillane said he hasn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. “Coach coaches football. He keeps the main thing, the main thing,” Spillane said. “I know he’s dealing with personal issues, but when we’re in the building, we speak football. … I love Coach and I’m going to be here to support him as he would be there to support me through anything. I’m just a player and trying to do that the best I can.” Though the controversial situation has played out publicly, both players said returning to the Super Bowl is a bigger talking point in the locker room. New England lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX in February. “Obviously I know you guys want to hear about everything that’s going on,” said Henry, who had a career-high 768 yards to go with 60 receptions and seven touchdown catches in 2025. “To be honest with you, I’m focused on what we got going on right now in this building, with this team. “Had a long season last year, quick turnaround into the offseason, we’re in a new building. And every year is a new year. We’re trying to build this team, we’re trying to come together, so I’m just focused on the guys in this locker room, and trying to build it from the ground up again. We have a long journey ahead of us; we have to start somewhere, so we’re starting right now.” Spillane expressed that expectations will be higher and that the Patriots will have a target on their backs. “It’s going to be a brand-new team,” said Spillane, who had 97 tackles and two interceptions last season in his first campaign with the Patriots. “It’s a chance for us to come together, to get to know our teammates, to learn and connect with each other, and really grow with our craft. And that’s what we’re really focused on.” Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year last season in his first campaign with the Patriots. He took a team that went 4-13 in 2024 and guided them to a 14-3 record. New England beat the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl. Vrabel and Russini were spotted together prior to the NFL league meetings that began March 29 in Phoenix. Sedona is approximately two hours north of Phoenix. When the situation first came to light publicly, Vrabel said, “those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” The Athletic and Russini parted ways days later. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patriots #captains #offer #insight #Mike #Vrabels #speech #teamFeb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New England Patriots captains Hunter Henry and Robert Spillane are pleased with the energy Mike Vrabel has brought to the team this week, but didn’t offer opinions about the coach’s highly-discussed off-the-field issues.

Vrabel skipped Saturday’s third and final day of the NFL draft for a counseling session and returned to the team Monday as the Patriots continue their voluntary offseason workouts.

Vrabel addressed the team on April 21 and Tuesday marked the first time since the speech that players were available to the media.

Henry and Spillane both said Vrabel spoke about the situation involving former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. The two were photographed together last month at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz., holding hands, hugging and sharing a hot tub. Both are married to other people.

“I thought he did a great job,” Henry said of Vrabel’s talk to the team. “It’s been the same Vrabes, bringing a lot of energy in the room. Obviously, he addressed it and that’s kind of all I’ll say about it.”

Henry, a tight end, is entering his sixth season with the Patriots and 10th overall. Spillane, a linebacker, has long revered Vrabel, dating back to when he was an undrafted free agent in 2018 and competing for a spot on the Tennessee Titans’ roster with Vrabel as coach.

Now entering his ninth NFL season, Spillane said he hasn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary.

“Coach coaches football. He keeps the main thing, the main thing,” Spillane said. “I know he’s dealing with personal issues, but when we’re in the building, we speak football. … I love Coach and I’m going to be here to support him as he would be there to support me through anything. I’m just a player and trying to do that the best I can.”


Though the controversial situation has played out publicly, both players said returning to the Super Bowl is a bigger talking point in the locker room. New England lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX in February.

“Obviously I know you guys want to hear about everything that’s going on,” said Henry, who had a career-high 768 yards to go with 60 receptions and seven touchdown catches in 2025. “To be honest with you, I’m focused on what we got going on right now in this building, with this team.

“Had a long season last year, quick turnaround into the offseason, we’re in a new building. And every year is a new year. We’re trying to build this team, we’re trying to come together, so I’m just focused on the guys in this locker room, and trying to build it from the ground up again. We have a long journey ahead of us; we have to start somewhere, so we’re starting right now.”

Spillane expressed that expectations will be higher and that the Patriots will have a target on their backs.

“It’s going to be a brand-new team,” said Spillane, who had 97 tackles and two interceptions last season in his first campaign with the Patriots. “It’s a chance for us to come together, to get to know our teammates, to learn and connect with each other, and really grow with our craft. And that’s what we’re really focused on.”

Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year last season in his first campaign with the Patriots. He took a team that went 4-13 in 2024 and guided them to a 14-3 record. New England beat the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl.

Vrabel and Russini were spotted together prior to the NFL league meetings that began March 29 in Phoenix. Sedona is approximately two hours north of Phoenix.

When the situation first came to light publicly, Vrabel said, “those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.”

The Athletic and Russini parted ways days later.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Patriots #captains #offer #insight #Mike #Vrabels #speech #team">Deadspin | Patriots captains offer little insight on Mike Vrabel’s speech to team Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images New England Patriots captains Hunter Henry and Robert Spillane are pleased with the energy Mike Vrabel has brought to the team this week, but didn’t offer opinions about the coach’s highly-discussed off-the-field issues. Vrabel skipped Saturday’s third and final day of the NFL draft for a counseling session and returned to the team Monday as the Patriots continue their voluntary offseason workouts. Vrabel addressed the team on April 21 and Tuesday marked the first time since the speech that players were available to the media. Henry and Spillane both said Vrabel spoke about the situation involving former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini. The two were photographed together last month at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Ariz., holding hands, hugging and sharing a hot tub. Both are married to other people. “I thought he did a great job,” Henry said of Vrabel’s talk to the team. “It’s been the same Vrabes, bringing a lot of energy in the room. Obviously, he addressed it and that’s kind of all I’ll say about it.” Henry, a tight end, is entering his sixth season with the Patriots and 10th overall. Spillane, a linebacker, has long revered Vrabel, dating back to when he was an undrafted free agent in 2018 and competing for a spot on the Tennessee Titans’ roster with Vrabel as coach. Now entering his ninth NFL season, Spillane said he hasn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary. “Coach coaches football. He keeps the main thing, the main thing,” Spillane said. “I know he’s dealing with personal issues, but when we’re in the building, we speak football. … I love Coach and I’m going to be here to support him as he would be there to support me through anything. I’m just a player and trying to do that the best I can.” Though the controversial situation has played out publicly, both players said returning to the Super Bowl is a bigger talking point in the locker room. New England lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX in February. “Obviously I know you guys want to hear about everything that’s going on,” said Henry, who had a career-high 768 yards to go with 60 receptions and seven touchdown catches in 2025. “To be honest with you, I’m focused on what we got going on right now in this building, with this team. “Had a long season last year, quick turnaround into the offseason, we’re in a new building. And every year is a new year. We’re trying to build this team, we’re trying to come together, so I’m just focused on the guys in this locker room, and trying to build it from the ground up again. We have a long journey ahead of us; we have to start somewhere, so we’re starting right now.” Spillane expressed that expectations will be higher and that the Patriots will have a target on their backs. “It’s going to be a brand-new team,” said Spillane, who had 97 tackles and two interceptions last season in his first campaign with the Patriots. “It’s a chance for us to come together, to get to know our teammates, to learn and connect with each other, and really grow with our craft. And that’s what we’re really focused on.” Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year last season in his first campaign with the Patriots. He took a team that went 4-13 in 2024 and guided them to a 14-3 record. New England beat the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl. Vrabel and Russini were spotted together prior to the NFL league meetings that began March 29 in Phoenix. Sedona is approximately two hours north of Phoenix. When the situation first came to light publicly, Vrabel said, “those photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable.” The Athletic and Russini parted ways days later. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Patriots #captains #offer #insight #Mike #Vrabels #speech #team

Iran’s representatives was absent from a meeting of football leaders in Vancouver on Tuesday, leaving the country’s participation in the upcoming World ​Cup still in question.

That topic wasn’t covered at the convening of Asia’s ‌top football leaders today with FIFA president Gianni Infantino presiding, ​and Iran’s Sports Minister last week announced Iran’s plans to ⁠be “proud” participants in this summer’s World Cup hosted by the United States in North American venues.

Yet the Iranian team and its officials still face visa ‌complications, a fact underscored by their absence at Tuesday’s meeting.

A report by The Athletic confirmed that Iran’s Tuesday absence was ‌due to visa issues, a problem that could prevent their presence ‌at ⁠the overall FIFA Congress gathering this Thursday.

AFC general secretary Windsor ⁠John expressed some public optimism about Iran’s potential attendance at the larger gathering, saying that awards presented to each Asian qualifying country would be presented to Iran “once they ​arrive.”

Iranian officials had previously encountered ‌difficulty acquiring visas to attend the World Cup Draw in Washington D.C. last December. That predated combined American and Israeli attacks on Iran which began in late February, complicating the situation further.

In recent weeks, ‌Iran has lobbied FIFA to move all of its scheduled ​matches to Mexico, but that request has not been met.

Leaders of both Iran and the United States have engaged ⁠in hostile rhetoric since, with President Donald Trump posting on social media, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I ‌really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

Other U.S. government officials, such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been more moderate, assuring the safe passage of athletes, support staff and family, yet stopping short of guaranteeing U.S. entry to anyone beyond that scope, including executives, journalists, and trainers.

“The ‌problem with Iran would be not their athletes, it would be some of ​the other people they would want to bring with them,” Rubio said in public comments last week.

The FIFA president conveyed a ⁠tone of tolerance in his remarks Tuesday.

“Now, even more, we have ⁠to show the world that we are here and we are united, and we can come together from all over the ‌world in a peaceful environment, that we can unite the world,” Infantino said.

Iran is in Group G and is scheduled to ​play New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21) in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle (June 26)

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Iran #absent #Vancouver #meetings #due #visa #issues #weeks">FIFA World Cup 2026 — Iran absent from Vancouver meetings due to visa issues weeks before WC Iran’s representatives was absent from a meeting of football leaders in Vancouver on Tuesday, leaving the country’s participation in the upcoming World ​Cup still in question.That topic wasn’t covered at the convening of Asia’s ‌top football leaders today with FIFA president Gianni Infantino presiding, ​and Iran’s Sports Minister last week announced Iran’s plans to ⁠be “proud” participants in this summer’s World Cup hosted by the United States in North American venues.Yet the Iranian team and its officials still face visa ‌complications, a fact underscored by their absence at Tuesday’s meeting.A report by The Athletic confirmed that Iran’s Tuesday absence was ‌due to visa issues, a problem that could prevent their presence ‌at ⁠the overall FIFA Congress gathering this Thursday.AFC general secretary Windsor ⁠John expressed some public optimism about Iran’s potential attendance at the larger gathering, saying that awards presented to each Asian qualifying country would be presented to Iran “once they ​arrive.”Iranian officials had previously encountered ‌difficulty acquiring visas to attend the World Cup Draw in Washington D.C. last December. That predated combined American and Israeli attacks on Iran which began in late February, complicating the situation further.In recent weeks, ‌Iran has lobbied FIFA to move all of its scheduled ​matches to Mexico, but that request has not been met.Leaders of both Iran and the United States have engaged ⁠in hostile rhetoric since, with President Donald Trump posting on social media, “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I ‌really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”Other U.S. government officials, such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been more moderate, assuring the safe passage of athletes, support staff and family, yet stopping short of guaranteeing U.S. entry to anyone beyond that scope, including executives, journalists, and trainers.“The ‌problem with Iran would be not their athletes, it would be some of ​the other people they would want to bring with them,” Rubio said in public comments last week.The FIFA president conveyed a ⁠tone of tolerance in his remarks Tuesday.“Now, even more, we have ⁠to show the world that we are here and we are united, and we can come together from all over the ‌world in a peaceful environment, that we can unite the world,” Infantino said.Iran is in Group G and is scheduled to ​play New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21) in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle (June 26)Published on Apr 29, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Iran #absent #Vancouver #meetings #due #visa #issues #weeks

Deadspin | Red cards approved for players covering mouths at World Cup Apr 22, 2026; Morristown, New Jersey, USA; An MLS match ball is displayed during an event for the opening of the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center. The complex has been selected as Brazil’s training home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America One new rule permit officials to issue red cards for any players who cover their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent or to any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee. This change stems from a Champions League match when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni said racially abusive comments directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while pulling his jersey up over his mouth to hide what he was saying. Vinicius was visibly emotional after the confrontation, and Prestianni received a six-match ban from UEFA for the incident. The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America The other new amendment permit officials to issue red cards for any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee. It also applies to any team official who convinces his team’s players to leave the field in protest of a call. IFAB said in its statement that all 48 teams competing in the World Cup will be informed of these amendments in the coming weeks. The World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #cards #approved #players #covering #mouths #World #CupApr 22, 2026; Morristown, New Jersey, USA; An MLS match ball is displayed during an event for the opening of the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center. The complex has been selected as Brazil’s training home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America

One new rule permit officials to issue red cards for any players who cover their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent or to any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee.

This change stems from a Champions League match when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni said racially abusive comments directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while pulling his jersey up over his mouth to hide what he was saying. Vinicius was visibly emotional after the confrontation, and Prestianni received a six-match ban from UEFA for the incident.


The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America

The other new amendment permit officials to issue red cards for any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee. It also applies to any team official who convinces his team’s players to leave the field in protest of a call.

IFAB said in its statement that all 48 teams competing in the World Cup will be informed of these amendments in the coming weeks.

The World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #cards #approved #players #covering #mouths #World #Cup">Deadspin | Red cards approved for players covering mouths at World Cup Apr 22, 2026; Morristown, New Jersey, USA; An MLS match ball is displayed during an event for the opening of the RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center. The complex has been selected as Brazil’s training home for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America One new rule permit officials to issue red cards for any players who cover their mouth during a confrontation with an opponent or to any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee. This change stems from a Champions League match when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni said racially abusive comments directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while pulling his jersey up over his mouth to hide what he was saying. Vinicius was visibly emotional after the confrontation, and Prestianni received a six-match ban from UEFA for the incident. The International Football Association Board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to approve a pair of FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behavior ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America The other new amendment permit officials to issue red cards for any players who leave the field of play in protest of a decision made by a referee. It also applies to any team official who convinces his team’s players to leave the field in protest of a call. IFAB said in its statement that all 48 teams competing in the World Cup will be informed of these amendments in the coming weeks. The World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #cards #approved #players #covering #mouths #World #Cup

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