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Officials from Palestine, Israel refuse to shake hands at FIFA Congress  Palestine Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s football governing body, during a tense moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.After the two men addressed the congress, they were called on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They stood far apart from each other, and Rajoub protested loudly away from the microphones before leaving the stage.Speaking before the congress, Rajoub called on FIFA to address PFA’s allegations that Israel has breached anti-discrimination regulations by allowing clubs based in the West Bank settlements.He confirmed that the PFA is taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA ruled in March not to suspend Israel over its West Bank clubs. FIFA cited the unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank.But in a separate matter involving an Israeli club, FIFA fined the Israel Football Association 0,000 on disciplinary charges relating to “discrimination and racist abuse,” plus “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.”After the two men left the stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Infantino thanked them for addressing the delegates and made an appeal.“President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s work together. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. Let’s work together for that,” Infantino said.Following the congress, Rajoub gave an impassioned plea, asking whether Israel has “the right to even be part of FIFA.”“From my side, I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of the violations of the statutes of FIFA, the human rights,” he said.Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, would not comment on the specifics of Rajoub’s comments but said the IFA would be willing to work with the Palestinian counterparts.“We are in the FIFA Congress,” Teper said. “Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission.”Palestinian football officials have long argued — including at FIFA annual congresses across the past 15 years, before Infantino was president — that Israel violates statutes by letting teams from settlements in the West Bank play in Israel’s national league.The disciplinary investigation of Israeli football was also opened 18 months ago in response to a second objection by the Palestinian federation.Published on May 01, 2026  #Officials #Palestine #Israel #refuse #shake #hands #FIFA #Congress

Officials from Palestine, Israel refuse to shake hands at FIFA Congress

Palestine Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s football governing body, during a tense moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.

After the two men addressed the congress, they were called on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They stood far apart from each other, and Rajoub protested loudly away from the microphones before leaving the stage.

Speaking before the congress, Rajoub called on FIFA to address PFA’s allegations that Israel has breached anti-discrimination regulations by allowing clubs based in the West Bank settlements.

He confirmed that the PFA is taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA ruled in March not to suspend Israel over its West Bank clubs. FIFA cited the unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank.

But in a separate matter involving an Israeli club, FIFA fined the Israel Football Association $190,000 on disciplinary charges relating to “discrimination and racist abuse,” plus “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.”

After the two men left the stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Infantino thanked them for addressing the delegates and made an appeal.

“President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s work together. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. Let’s work together for that,” Infantino said.

Following the congress, Rajoub gave an impassioned plea, asking whether Israel has “the right to even be part of FIFA.”

“From my side, I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of the violations of the statutes of FIFA, the human rights,” he said.

Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, would not comment on the specifics of Rajoub’s comments but said the IFA would be willing to work with the Palestinian counterparts.

“We are in the FIFA Congress,” Teper said. “Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission.”

Palestinian football officials have long argued — including at FIFA annual congresses across the past 15 years, before Infantino was president — that Israel violates statutes by letting teams from settlements in the West Bank play in Israel’s national league.

The disciplinary investigation of Israeli football was also opened 18 months ago in response to a second objection by the Palestinian federation.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Officials #Palestine #Israel #refuse #shake #hands #FIFA #Congress

Palestine Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s football governing body, during a tense moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.

After the two men addressed the congress, they were called on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They stood far apart from each other, and Rajoub protested loudly away from the microphones before leaving the stage.

Speaking before the congress, Rajoub called on FIFA to address PFA’s allegations that Israel has breached anti-discrimination regulations by allowing clubs based in the West Bank settlements.

He confirmed that the PFA is taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA ruled in March not to suspend Israel over its West Bank clubs. FIFA cited the unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank.

But in a separate matter involving an Israeli club, FIFA fined the Israel Football Association $190,000 on disciplinary charges relating to “discrimination and racist abuse,” plus “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.”

After the two men left the stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Infantino thanked them for addressing the delegates and made an appeal.

“President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s work together. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. Let’s work together for that,” Infantino said.

Following the congress, Rajoub gave an impassioned plea, asking whether Israel has “the right to even be part of FIFA.”

“From my side, I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of the violations of the statutes of FIFA, the human rights,” he said.

Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, would not comment on the specifics of Rajoub’s comments but said the IFA would be willing to work with the Palestinian counterparts.

“We are in the FIFA Congress,” Teper said. “Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission.”

Palestinian football officials have long argued — including at FIFA annual congresses across the past 15 years, before Infantino was president — that Israel violates statutes by letting teams from settlements in the West Bank play in Israel’s national league.

The disciplinary investigation of Israeli football was also opened 18 months ago in response to a second objection by the Palestinian federation.

Published on May 01, 2026

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#Officials #Palestine #Israel #refuse #shake #hands #FIFA #Congress

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Deadspin | Report: Lions decline LB Jack Campbell’s fifth-year option <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/20845064.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/20845064.jpg" alt="Syndication: Detroit Free Press" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Lions linebacker Jack Campbell practices during minicamp at Allen Park.<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Lions reportedly made a split decision with their 2023 first-round draft selections, picking up running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ fifth-year option but not All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell’s.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Fox 2 Detroit broke the news Tuesday night and a source confirmed the information to ESPN.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Gibbs will earn a guaranteed $14.29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option would have paid him an estimated $21.925 million, which is more than the league’s highest-paid off-ball linebacker, per ESPN.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>ESPN reported that the Lions want to bring Campbell back on a long-term extension, as well as Gibbs. Tight end Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, also are due for extensions. Since they were not first-round picks, the Lions do not need to sign them to extensions immediately.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Gibbs, 24, made the decision a no-brainer by racking up 5,029 yards from scrimmage with 49 touchdowns in 49 games (24 starts) across his first three seasons, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Campbell, 25, earned All-Pro first-team and Pro Bowl honors last season with career highs in tackles (176), sacks (five) and forced fumbles (three) in 17 starts. He has 402 tackles and 8.5 sacks through 51 games (46 starts).</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Lions took Gibbs with the 12th overall pick and Campbell with the 18th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Report #Lions #decline #Jack #Campbells #fifthyear #option

Deadspin | D-backs’ Eduardo Rodriguez aspires for more road success in clash vs. Brewers    Apr 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to continue his road success on Wednesday night when the team continues its three-game series the Milwaukee Brewers.  Rodriguez (2-0, 2.89 ERA) will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.45).  The Brewers pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on six walks for a 13-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday night.   Sal Frelick jump-started Milwaukee’s offense with a leadoff homer in the second, snapping the team’s seven-game homerless streak. Milwaukee broke the game open with eight runs in the sixth inning, on eight hits — including two bunt singles — a walk and catcher’s interference.  “That’s being relentless,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “You give up two and then you come back. That’s kind of the mentality that you want.”  Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three road starts this season, allowing five runs in 16 innings. He won his most recent start, allowing four runs in five innings at home in an 11-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday.  “I thought E-Rod gave us what he could,” Arizona manager Tony Lovullo said afterward. “He gives us five innings. I think there were some mistakes today, but he made some pitches when he had to.”  Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He lost both starts against them last season, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 8 2/3 innings.  Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas singled in his final at-bat in the eighth inning Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 24 games, including 21 this season. That ties Vargas with Steve Garvey for the fourth-longest streak in the majors to start a season since 1940. Ron LeFlore had a 30-game season-opening streak in 1976.   Vargas also is tied with Ketel Marte (2024) and Danny Bautista (2004) for the third-longest streak in franchise history. Luis Gonzalez had a 30-game streak in 1999 and Tony Womack 24 games in 2000.  With the state of the bullpen, Lovullo said the team likely will make a pitching move Wednesday.  For Milwaukee, Sproat — making his sixth appearance and fourth start this season — is seeking his first win in the majors. He was 0-2 in four September starts last season with the Mets.  Sproat did not get a decision in his last start, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss at Detroit on Thursday. Opponents are batting .275 against him, with five homers in 22 1/3 innings.  Prior to Frelick’s homer, the Brewers had just one in 11 games, including seven straight, the longest streak since a franchise-record 13 without a homer in 1999.  “We had a homer tonight. You guys know that I ordered that,” Murphy said. “I asked Sal, ‘Sal, would you do me a favor, go ahead and homer, get these guys off my back.”  Milwaukee is second from the bottom in the majors with 20 homers, one ahead of San Francisco. The Brewers got some good news on the power front, however, with injured Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn slated to begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dbacks #Eduardo #Rodriguez #aspires #road #success #clash #BrewersApr 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to continue his road success on Wednesday night when the team continues its three-game series the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rodriguez (2-0, 2.89 ERA) will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.45).

The Brewers pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on six walks for a 13-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday night.

Sal Frelick jump-started Milwaukee’s offense with a leadoff homer in the second, snapping the team’s seven-game homerless streak. Milwaukee broke the game open with eight runs in the sixth inning, on eight hits — including two bunt singles — a walk and catcher’s interference.

“That’s being relentless,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “You give up two and then you come back. That’s kind of the mentality that you want.”

Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three road starts this season, allowing five runs in 16 innings. He won his most recent start, allowing four runs in five innings at home in an 11-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday.

“I thought E-Rod gave us what he could,” Arizona manager Tony Lovullo said afterward. “He gives us five innings. I think there were some mistakes today, but he made some pitches when he had to.”

Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He lost both starts against them last season, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 8 2/3 innings.


Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas singled in his final at-bat in the eighth inning Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 24 games, including 21 this season. That ties Vargas with Steve Garvey for the fourth-longest streak in the majors to start a season since 1940. Ron LeFlore had a 30-game season-opening streak in 1976.

Vargas also is tied with Ketel Marte (2024) and Danny Bautista (2004) for the third-longest streak in franchise history. Luis Gonzalez had a 30-game streak in 1999 and Tony Womack 24 games in 2000.

With the state of the bullpen, Lovullo said the team likely will make a pitching move Wednesday.

For Milwaukee, Sproat — making his sixth appearance and fourth start this season — is seeking his first win in the majors. He was 0-2 in four September starts last season with the Mets.

Sproat did not get a decision in his last start, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss at Detroit on Thursday. Opponents are batting .275 against him, with five homers in 22 1/3 innings.

Prior to Frelick’s homer, the Brewers had just one in 11 games, including seven straight, the longest streak since a franchise-record 13 without a homer in 1999.

“We had a homer tonight. You guys know that I ordered that,” Murphy said. “I asked Sal, ‘Sal, would you do me a favor, go ahead and homer, get these guys off my back.”

Milwaukee is second from the bottom in the majors with 20 homers, one ahead of San Francisco. The Brewers got some good news on the power front, however, with injured Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn slated to begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dbacks #Eduardo #Rodriguez #aspires #road #success #clash #Brewers">Deadspin | D-backs’ Eduardo Rodriguez aspires for more road success in clash vs. Brewers    Apr 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images   The Arizona Diamondbacks will look for left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to continue his road success on Wednesday night when the team continues its three-game series the Milwaukee Brewers.  Rodriguez (2-0, 2.89 ERA) will oppose Milwaukee right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.45).  The Brewers pounded out 15 hits and capitalized on six walks for a 13-2 victory in the series opener on Tuesday night.   Sal Frelick jump-started Milwaukee’s offense with a leadoff homer in the second, snapping the team’s seven-game homerless streak. Milwaukee broke the game open with eight runs in the sixth inning, on eight hits — including two bunt singles — a walk and catcher’s interference.  “That’s being relentless,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “You give up two and then you come back. That’s kind of the mentality that you want.”  Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three road starts this season, allowing five runs in 16 innings. He won his most recent start, allowing four runs in five innings at home in an 11-7 victory over the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday.  “I thought E-Rod gave us what he could,” Arizona manager Tony Lovullo said afterward. “He gives us five innings. I think there were some mistakes today, but he made some pitches when he had to.”  Rodriguez is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He lost both starts against them last season, allowing eight runs, seven earned, in 8 2/3 innings.  Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas singled in his final at-bat in the eighth inning Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 24 games, including 21 this season. That ties Vargas with Steve Garvey for the fourth-longest streak in the majors to start a season since 1940. Ron LeFlore had a 30-game season-opening streak in 1976.   Vargas also is tied with Ketel Marte (2024) and Danny Bautista (2004) for the third-longest streak in franchise history. Luis Gonzalez had a 30-game streak in 1999 and Tony Womack 24 games in 2000.  With the state of the bullpen, Lovullo said the team likely will make a pitching move Wednesday.  For Milwaukee, Sproat — making his sixth appearance and fourth start this season — is seeking his first win in the majors. He was 0-2 in four September starts last season with the Mets.  Sproat did not get a decision in his last start, allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss at Detroit on Thursday. Opponents are batting .275 against him, with five homers in 22 1/3 innings.  Prior to Frelick’s homer, the Brewers had just one in 11 games, including seven straight, the longest streak since a franchise-record 13 without a homer in 1999.  “We had a homer tonight. You guys know that I ordered that,” Murphy said. “I asked Sal, ‘Sal, would you do me a favor, go ahead and homer, get these guys off my back.”  Milwaukee is second from the bottom in the majors with 20 homers, one ahead of San Francisco. The Brewers got some good news on the power front, however, with injured Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn slated to begin rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dbacks #Eduardo #Rodriguez #aspires #road #success #clash #Brewers

Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), ​not the people of Iran, and FIFA should ban ⁠the team from participating in the upcoming World Cup, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver said on Thursday.

“This is not Iran, this is the Islamic Republic’s ‌team. This is IRGC’s team,” said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organiser with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 ‌protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition ‌figure ⁠Reza Pahlavi.

“They’re here not to represent Iran. They’re here to ⁠normalise what’s happening in Iran, the massacre in Iran. So, no, they should not be in the World Cup,” he told Reuters.

Iran has qualified for the June 11-July 19 tournament ​but its participation has been ‌fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil amid the nation’s two-month old conflict with the United States and Israel.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated on Thursday that he expected Iran to ‌participate and play matches in the U.S., and U.S. President Donald ​Trump later in the day said he agreed with Infantino’s position.

ALSO READ | Gianni Infantino to seek fourth term as FIFA president

CRACKDOWN ON PROTESTERS

Anti-government protests in Iran in January were met ⁠with a brutal crackdown by the state in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to ‌compete at the tournament.

“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.

“People should speak up about the athletes who have been killed, especially the footballers. Russia was banned from the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”

Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were ‌due to attend the gathering in Vancouver but turned back at Toronto airport after what ​Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on ⁠a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa ⁠designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.

Taj is a former member of the IRGC.

“The moment we heard that he was coming ‌to Canada, we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said. “This is really great success for us. ​It shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”

Published on May 01, 2026

#Protesters #urgeFIFA #ban #Iran #World #Cup">Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup  Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), ​not the people of Iran, and FIFA should ban ⁠the team from participating in the upcoming World Cup, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver said on Thursday.“This is not Iran, this is the Islamic Republic’s ‌team. This is IRGC’s team,” said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organiser with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 ‌protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition ‌figure ⁠Reza Pahlavi.“They’re here not to represent Iran. They’re here to ⁠normalise what’s happening in Iran, the massacre in Iran. So, no, they should not be in the World Cup,” he told        Reuters.Iran has qualified for the June 11-July 19 tournament ​but its participation has been ‌fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil amid the nation’s two-month old conflict with the United States and Israel.FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated on Thursday that he expected Iran to ‌participate and play matches in the U.S., and U.S. President Donald ​Trump later in the day said he agreed with Infantino’s position.ALSO READ | Gianni Infantino to seek fourth term as FIFA presidentCRACKDOWN ON PROTESTERSAnti-government protests in Iran in January were met ⁠with a brutal crackdown by the state in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to ‌compete at the tournament.“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.“People should speak up about the athletes who have been killed, especially the footballers. Russia was banned from the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were ‌due to attend the gathering in Vancouver but turned back at Toronto airport after what ​Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on ⁠a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa ⁠designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.Taj is a former member of the IRGC.“The moment we heard that he was coming ‌to Canada, we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said. “This is really great success for us. ​It shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”Published on May 01, 2026  #Protesters #urgeFIFA #ban #Iran #World #Cup

Gianni Infantino to seek fourth term as FIFA president

CRACKDOWN ON PROTESTERS

Anti-government protests in Iran in January were met ⁠with a brutal crackdown by the state in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to ‌compete at the tournament.

“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.

“People should speak up about the athletes who have been killed, especially the footballers. Russia was banned from the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”

Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were ‌due to attend the gathering in Vancouver but turned back at Toronto airport after what ​Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on ⁠a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa ⁠designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.

Taj is a former member of the IRGC.

“The moment we heard that he was coming ‌to Canada, we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said. “This is really great success for us. ​It shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”

Published on May 01, 2026

#Protesters #urgeFIFA #ban #Iran #World #Cup">Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

Iran’s football team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), ​not the people of Iran, and FIFA should ban ⁠the team from participating in the upcoming World Cup, protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver said on Thursday.

“This is not Iran, this is the Islamic Republic’s ‌team. This is IRGC’s team,” said Pouria Mahmoudi, an organiser with Mission for My Homeland, which brought together about 30 ‌protesters draped in Iranian flags and holding signs supporting Iranian opposition ‌figure ⁠Reza Pahlavi.

“They’re here not to represent Iran. They’re here to ⁠normalise what’s happening in Iran, the massacre in Iran. So, no, they should not be in the World Cup,” he told Reuters.

Iran has qualified for the June 11-July 19 tournament ​but its participation has been ‌fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil amid the nation’s two-month old conflict with the United States and Israel.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated on Thursday that he expected Iran to ‌participate and play matches in the U.S., and U.S. President Donald ​Trump later in the day said he agreed with Infantino’s position.

ALSO READ | Gianni Infantino to seek fourth term as FIFA president

CRACKDOWN ON PROTESTERS

Anti-government protests in Iran in January were met ⁠with a brutal crackdown by the state in which thousands died. Mahmoudi said the carnage outweighed the desire of the players on the team to ‌compete at the tournament.

“How about those are killed, the Iranian footballers, who are killed also? FIFA shouldn’t be quiet about them,” he said.

“People should speak up about the athletes who have been killed, especially the footballers. Russia was banned from the World Cup… so we expect FIFA to do the same.”

Iranian football federation officials, including president Mehdi Taj, were ‌due to attend the gathering in Vancouver but turned back at Toronto airport after what ​Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid visas.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on ⁠a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the IRGC, which Ottawa ⁠designates as a terrorist organisation, were inadmissible.

Taj is a former member of the IRGC.

“The moment we heard that he was coming ‌to Canada, we tried our best to deport him, and we’re happy that it happened,” Mahmoudi said. “This is really great success for us. ​It shows that Iranian people, when they’re united, can do big things.”

Published on May 01, 2026

#Protesters #urgeFIFA #ban #Iran #World #Cup

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