#Matt #Crocker #quits #football #federation #sporting #director #months #World #Cup">Matt Crocker quits as US football federation sporting director just 2 months before World Cup
Matt Crocker quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) on Tuesday, just two months ahead of the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.
The USSF said Crocker was leaving to pursue an unidentified international football opportunity, and a person familiar with the decision, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Crocker’s new job was not announced, said he will work in Saudi Arabia. His hiring by Saudis was first reported by Fox.
Crocker’s departure was a surprise, given the U.S. is co-host of the World Cup starting June 11 and the contract of men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino ends after the tournament. The USSF next month will open its 200-acre, 17-field training centre and office complex in Fayetteville, Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.
Dan Helfrich, hired as the U.S. federation’s chief operating officer in November, “will provide executive oversight and support across the federation’s sporting operations,” the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu — a former national team defender — and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the women’s youth national team.
Crocker, 51, was hired by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as Southampton’s director of football since February 2020.
Crocker oversaw the decisions to rehire Gregg Berhalter as men’s coach in June 2023, to fire Berhalter in July 2024 after first-round elimination at the Copa America and to hire Pochettino that September.
He also made the recommendation to hire Emma Hayes as women’s national team coach starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women’s team to the Olympic gold medal.
#Indian #sports #wrap #April #Russia #puts #India #U17 #womens #friendly">Indian sports wrap, April 14: Russia puts three past India in U-17 women’s friendly
Football
India Under-17 women’s team loses 0-3 to Russia in friendly
India U17 women’s team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in the second of its three friendly matches in Sochi on Tuesday.
Valeria Menyailova struck twice early in the second half (49th, 52nd) after Sofia Svyatnaya (18th) had opened the scoring.
The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month’s all-important AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in China.
Russia began on the front foot and nearly went ahead as early as the second minute. Menyailova was played through inside the box and showed neat footwork to get past Divyani Linda, but her close-range effort was denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper Munni.
India, however, took time to settle into the contest. Its first shot on target arrived in the 13th minute when Valaina Fernandes tried her luck from distance, but it was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Emelianova Anastasiya.
Despite India’s growing involvement, Russia broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through an unfortunate error. Sofia Svyatnaya floated in a free-kick from the left that should have been a routine take for Munni, but the goalkeeper misjudged the flight, allowing the ball to slip and roll over the line.
The setback sparked a response from the Young Tigresses, who began to push higher up the pitch and create openings. Their best opportunity of the half came in the 32nd minute when Valaina skipped past her marker and aimed a curling effort towards the far corner.
Emelianova, however, reacted swiftly to dive and parry the ball away, preserving Russia’s lead going into the break.
India’s hopes of a comeback were dented early in the second half following a defensive lapse. In the 49th minute, a sequence of poor backpasses proved costly. Ritu Badaik initiated the move under pressure, and captain Elizabed Lakra’s attempted clearance only made matters worse. Menyailova capitalised, intercepting the loose ball before rounding Munni and finishing calmly to double Russia’s advantage.
The hosts extended their lead soon after with a well-worked move in the 52nd minute. Mira Kuznetsova threaded a precise through pass to Menyailova, who made no mistake in front of goal, dispatching a powerful right-footed strike to make it 3-0.
India had lost 0-4 in the first game against Russia three days ago. The two teams will meet once more in the final friendly on April 17.
The late Argentinian football legend’s childhood home has been converted into a soup kitchen serving those affected by President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
At 523 Amazor street in Fiorito, a Buenos Aires suburb where the “Golden Boy” experienced extreme poverty growing up, locals can now receive meals and clothing assistance.
This neighbourhood of about 50,000 residents living in modest brick homes features numerous murals commemorating the career of the iconic number 10, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60.
As a criminal negligence trial begins on Tuesday against the seven-member medical team responsible for Maradona’s final care following brain surgery, his childhood community continues his legacy of compassion.
Neighbours visit “Diego’s house” carrying containers that volunteers fill with chicken stew and other meals prepared in large cauldrons in the yard, while cumbia music – Maradona’s preferred genre – plays in the background.
“Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help, because the need is so great,” explained Diego Gavilan, who benefits from the kitchen’s services.
Gavilan, who collects cardboard and scrap metal, began visiting the soup kitchen after Milei implemented radical free-market reforms following his December 2023 election.
“You can’t make ends meet,” Gavilan noted.
Despite statistics showing poverty reduction under Milei, primarily due to decreasing inflation, family finances remain in crisis, according to Central Bank reports. Increased imports and plummeting consumption have resulted in more than 20,000 business closures.
Gavilan appreciates receiving assistance from Maradona’s former home: “He suffered so much hunger here as a child. For the people of the neighbourhood to receive a plate of food is special.”
The facility operates without dining accommodations. Volunteers prepare food over open fires in the yard, distributing it in bags to those waiting at the entrance.
Maradona frequently referenced his humble origins in an area without running water or paved streets. Sixty-six years after his birth, hardship remains visible on the faces of those queueing for food.
“People are going hungry,” said Maria Torres, one of the centre’s cooks, who believes Maradona would approve of his childhood home’s charitable repurposing.
#Photos #Maradonas #childhood #home #soup #kitchenGallery, News, Sport, Food, Football, Human Rights, Poverty and Development, Argentina, Latin America">
The late Argentinian football legend’s childhood home has been converted into a soup kitchen serving those affected by President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
At 523 Amazor street in Fiorito, a Buenos Aires suburb where the “Golden Boy” experienced extreme poverty growing up, locals can now receive meals and clothing assistance.
This neighbourhood of about 50,000 residents living in modest brick homes features numerous murals commemorating the career of the iconic number 10, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60.
As a criminal negligence trial begins on Tuesday against the seven-member medical team responsible for Maradona’s final care following brain surgery, his childhood community continues his legacy of compassion.
Neighbours visit “Diego’s house” carrying containers that volunteers fill with chicken stew and other meals prepared in large cauldrons in the yard, while cumbia music – Maradona’s preferred genre – plays in the background.
“Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help, because the need is so great,” explained Diego Gavilan, who benefits from the kitchen’s services.
Gavilan, who collects cardboard and scrap metal, began visiting the soup kitchen after Milei implemented radical free-market reforms following his December 2023 election.
“You can’t make ends meet,” Gavilan noted.
Despite statistics showing poverty reduction under Milei, primarily due to decreasing inflation, family finances remain in crisis, according to Central Bank reports. Increased imports and plummeting consumption have resulted in more than 20,000 business closures.
Gavilan appreciates receiving assistance from Maradona’s former home: “He suffered so much hunger here as a child. For the people of the neighbourhood to receive a plate of food is special.”
The facility operates without dining accommodations. Volunteers prepare food over open fires in the yard, distributing it in bags to those waiting at the entrance.
Maradona frequently referenced his humble origins in an area without running water or paved streets. Sixty-six years after his birth, hardship remains visible on the faces of those queueing for food.
“People are going hungry,” said Maria Torres, one of the centre’s cooks, who believes Maradona would approve of his childhood home’s charitable repurposing.
#Photos #Maradonas #childhood #home #soup #kitchenGallery, News, Sport, Food, Football, Human Rights, Poverty and Development, Argentina, Latin America">Photos: Maradona’s childhood home becomes soup kitchen for those in need
Published On 14 Apr 202614 Apr 2026
The late Argentinian football legend’s childhood home has been converted into a soup kitchen serving those affected by President Javier Milei’s austerity measures.
At 523 Amazor street in Fiorito, a Buenos Aires suburb where the “Golden Boy” experienced extreme poverty growing up, locals can now receive meals and clothing assistance.
This neighbourhood of about 50,000 residents living in modest brick homes features numerous murals commemorating the career of the iconic number 10, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60.
As a criminal negligence trial begins on Tuesday against the seven-member medical team responsible for Maradona’s final care following brain surgery, his childhood community continues his legacy of compassion.
Neighbours visit “Diego’s house” carrying containers that volunteers fill with chicken stew and other meals prepared in large cauldrons in the yard, while cumbia music – Maradona’s preferred genre – plays in the background.
“Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help, because the need is so great,” explained Diego Gavilan, who benefits from the kitchen’s services.
Gavilan, who collects cardboard and scrap metal, began visiting the soup kitchen after Milei implemented radical free-market reforms following his December 2023 election.
“You can’t make ends meet,” Gavilan noted.
Despite statistics showing poverty reduction under Milei, primarily due to decreasing inflation, family finances remain in crisis, according to Central Bank reports. Increased imports and plummeting consumption have resulted in more than 20,000 business closures.
Gavilan appreciates receiving assistance from Maradona’s former home: “He suffered so much hunger here as a child. For the people of the neighbourhood to receive a plate of food is special.”
The facility operates without dining accommodations. Volunteers prepare food over open fires in the yard, distributing it in bags to those waiting at the entrance.
Maradona frequently referenced his humble origins in an area without running water or paved streets. Sixty-six years after his birth, hardship remains visible on the faces of those queueing for food.
“People are going hungry,” said Maria Torres, one of the centre’s cooks, who believes Maradona would approve of his childhood home’s charitable repurposing.
#Photos #Maradonas #childhood #home #soup #kitchenGallery, News, Sport, Food, Football, Human Rights, Poverty and Development, Argentina, Latin America
Published On 14 Apr 202614 Apr 2026The late Argentinian football legend’s childhood home has been…
Union Berlin condemned sexist comments on social media after appointing Marie-Louise Eta as the first female head coach in Europe’s “big five” football leagues, pledging the club “has her back”.
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After the announcement of Eta’s appointment on Sunday, a series of critical comments on social media targeted her, claiming she was unsuitable for the job because she is a woman.
“With all due respect, that’s sexism,” Union’s account on X responded to a post arguing that players would not take a woman’s tactical instructions seriously.
The club also listed another comment stating that a male coach who lost to her would lose face as sexist.
Eta is a longtime member of the club’s coaching staff, having served as an assistant to the men’s team and as head coach of the under-19 team.
Responding to a comment expressing concern about the treatment of Eta and potential sexist backlash if she loses a game, the club posted: “The Union family has her back.”
Eta has been named interim coach for the last five games of the season as Union aims to secure its spot in the Bundesliga for next season.
Union previously said she will take over as head coach of the club’s women’s team for next season.
The decision to appoint Eta won praise from Berlin’s mayor Kai Wegener, who called the decision “a strong signal for professional football and for women in elite-level sports,” but spelt Eta’s name wrong in the process.
The club corrected him. “We were so overwhelmed,” Wegner answered.
Eta’s first Bundesliga game as interim manager is on Saturday against Wolfsburg.
Europe’s “big five” includes the Bundesliga, England’s Premier League, the Spanish La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. These are considered the continent’s most prestigious domestic competitions.
Women have managed men’s teams in other European leagues, but none had previously coached in any of the big five until Eta’s appointment.
The club dismissed its previous head coach Steffen Baumgart earlier this month after a series of poor results left Union in the relegation zone.
Union Berlin condemned sexist comments on social media after appointing Marie-Louise Eta as the first female head coach in Europe’s “big five” football leagues, pledging the club “has her back”.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
After the announcement of Eta’s appointment on Sunday, a series of critical comments on social media targeted her, claiming she was unsuitable for the job because she is a woman.
“With all due respect, that’s sexism,” Union’s account on X responded to a post arguing that players would not take a woman’s tactical instructions seriously.
The club also listed another comment stating that a male coach who lost to her would lose face as sexist.
Eta is a longtime member of the club’s coaching staff, having served as an assistant to the men’s team and as head coach of the under-19 team.
Responding to a comment expressing concern about the treatment of Eta and potential sexist backlash if she loses a game, the club posted: “The Union family has her back.”
Eta has been named interim coach for the last five games of the season as Union aims to secure its spot in the Bundesliga for next season.
Union previously said she will take over as head coach of the club’s women’s team for next season.
The decision to appoint Eta won praise from Berlin’s mayor Kai Wegener, who called the decision “a strong signal for professional football and for women in elite-level sports,” but spelt Eta’s name wrong in the process.
The club corrected him. “We were so overwhelmed,” Wegner answered.
Eta’s first Bundesliga game as interim manager is on Saturday against Wolfsburg.
Europe’s “big five” includes the Bundesliga, England’s Premier League, the Spanish La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. These are considered the continent’s most prestigious domestic competitions.
Women have managed men’s teams in other European leagues, but none had previously coached in any of the big five until Eta’s appointment.
The club dismissed its previous head coach Steffen Baumgart earlier this month after a series of poor results left Union in the relegation zone.
Additional sources • AP
#Union #Berlin #backs #coach #MarieLouise #Eta #sexist #abuse #onlineSexism,Berlin,Germany,Misogyny,Football">Union Berlin backs coach Marie-Louise Eta after sexist abuse online
Published on
Union Berlin condemned sexist comments on social media after appointing Marie-Louise Eta as the first female head coach in Europe’s “big five” football leagues, pledging the club “has her back”.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
After the announcement of Eta’s appointment on Sunday, a series of critical comments on social media targeted her, claiming she was unsuitable for the job because she is a woman.
“With all due respect, that’s sexism,” Union’s account on X responded to a post arguing that players would not take a woman’s tactical instructions seriously.
The club also listed another comment stating that a male coach who lost to her would lose face as sexist.
Eta is a longtime member of the club’s coaching staff, having served as an assistant to the men’s team and as head coach of the under-19 team.
Responding to a comment expressing concern about the treatment of Eta and potential sexist backlash if she loses a game, the club posted: “The Union family has her back.”
Eta has been named interim coach for the last five games of the season as Union aims to secure its spot in the Bundesliga for next season.
Union previously said she will take over as head coach of the club’s women’s team for next season.
The decision to appoint Eta won praise from Berlin’s mayor Kai Wegener, who called the decision “a strong signal for professional football and for women in elite-level sports,” but spelt Eta’s name wrong in the process.
The club corrected him. “We were so overwhelmed,” Wegner answered.
Eta’s first Bundesliga game as interim manager is on Saturday against Wolfsburg.
Europe’s “big five” includes the Bundesliga, England’s Premier League, the Spanish La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. These are considered the continent’s most prestigious domestic competitions.
Women have managed men’s teams in other European leagues, but none had previously coached in any of the big five until Eta’s appointment.
The club dismissed its previous head coach Steffen Baumgart earlier this month after a series of poor results left Union in the relegation zone.
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
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Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada">Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President Sheinbaum
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.
Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026
FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.
Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 itemsend of list
Sheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.
“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.
FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.
The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.
Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.
Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.
Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).
Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.
Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.
Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.
Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.
#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada
Mexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published…
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has praised Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.
Vinicius spoke on Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticised the chants by Spanish fans in Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.
Vinicius, a Brazil international, has often been subjected to racist taunts while playing in Europe and is vocal about the fight against racism. He said “it’s always complicated” to talk about the subject but “these things happen a lot.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” he said.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Black people who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players…”
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior play for Spanish football rivals [File: Reuters]
Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a monkey after the Brazil forward celebrated in front of the home fans when he scored for Madrid in a Champions League match last month in Lisbon. Benfica fans insulted Vinicius from the stands.
“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” Vinicius said. “But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”
Vinicius spoke on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
Last week, Yamal, who is Muslim, slammed the “intolerable” chants at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, the home ground of La Liga club Espanyol.
“[The chanting] was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable,” Yamal wrote on Instagram.
“To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”
Yamal, whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, came down hard on the fans.
“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.
“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard.”
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has praised Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.
Vinicius spoke on Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticised the chants by Spanish fans in Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.
Vinicius, a Brazil international, has often been subjected to racist taunts while playing in Europe and is vocal about the fight against racism. He said “it’s always complicated” to talk about the subject but “these things happen a lot.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” he said.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Black people who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players…”
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior play for Spanish football rivals [File: Reuters]
Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a monkey after the Brazil forward celebrated in front of the home fans when he scored for Madrid in a Champions League match last month in Lisbon. Benfica fans insulted Vinicius from the stands.
“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” Vinicius said. “But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”
Vinicius spoke on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
Last week, Yamal, who is Muslim, slammed the “intolerable” chants at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, the home ground of La Liga club Espanyol.
“[The chanting] was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable,” Yamal wrote on Instagram.
“To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”
Yamal, whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, came down hard on the fans.
“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.
“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard.”
‘If we keep fighting together, future players won’t have to go through this again,’ the Real Madrid player said.
Published On 7 Apr 20267 Apr 2026
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has praised Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.
Vinicius spoke on Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticised the chants by Spanish fans in Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.
Vinicius, a Brazil international, has often been subjected to racist taunts while playing in Europe and is vocal about the fight against racism. He said “it’s always complicated” to talk about the subject but “these things happen a lot.
“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” he said.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Black people who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players…”
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior play for Spanish football rivals [File: Reuters]
Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a monkey after the Brazil forward celebrated in front of the home fans when he scored for Madrid in a Champions League match last month in Lisbon. Benfica fans insulted Vinicius from the stands.
“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” Vinicius said. “But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”
Vinicius spoke on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.
Last week, Yamal, who is Muslim, slammed the “intolerable” chants at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, the home ground of La Liga club Espanyol.
“[The chanting] was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable,” Yamal wrote on Instagram.
“To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”
Yamal, whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, came down hard on the fans.
“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.
“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard.”
![Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada](https://i1.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2024-02-03T113745Z_2071810696_UP1EK230WAW91_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ASIANCUP-IRN-JPN-REPORT-1772629382.jpg?resize=1920%2C1440&ssl=1 "Iran will play World Cup games in the US, not Mexico: President SheinbaumMexican President Sheinbaum says FIFA will not relocate Iran’s fixtures from US despite repeated requests.Published On 12 Apr 202612 Apr 2026FIFA has turned down Iran’s request to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, citing logistical impediments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirms.Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) asked the sport’s global governing body to move its games out of the US last month, but FIFA said all World Cup fixtures will go ahead as scheduled, dismissing the possibility of Mexico hosting the Iranian team.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listSheinbaum reiterated FIFA’s stance on Friday, saying the matches will be played in the US as planned.“FIFA ultimately decided that the matches cannot be moved from their original venues,” Sheinbaum said at a news conference in Mexico City.“It [relocation] would make logistics too complicated, and this decision was taken by FIFA,” she said.FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on confirmation of host venues for Iran’s games.The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and 168 people at a girls school on the first day.Tehran responded by striking Israeli and US military bases in the Middle East with missiles and drones.A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire brought the attacks to a halt on Wednesday in Iran and the Gulf, but Israel has continued to pound parts of Lebanon.Iran was among the first countries to qualify for the World Cup, racing to book their spot from the Asian confederation.Team Melli are in Group G of the tournament with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand and are scheduled to play all of their group games on the US West Coast, two in Los Angeles (June 15 and 21) and one in Seattle (June 26).Mexico, which is cohosting the World Cup with the US and Canada, had shown willingness to host Iran’s fixtures, but Sheinbaum’s recent comments have reaffirmed the stance of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who met Iranian football players, coaches and officials in Turkiye on March 31.“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw,” Infantino said on the sidelines of Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.Infantino also quelled concerns that Iran would not feature at the next edition of the World Cup at all after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj said Iran would “boycott” the games in the US.“Iran will be at the World Cup. … That’s why we’re here,” Infantino said in Mexico.“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at the friendly was unannounced.Last month, the FFIRI expressed fears over its players’ safety and security in the US after President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that it would not be appropriate for Iran to participate in the World Cup “for their own life and safety”.“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” Taj said in response to Trump.Both countries have since exchanged indirect verbal blows on the issue with the latest comments coming from Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who indicated that his country’s participation in the World Cup will be uncertain unless FIFA relocates its fixtures.#Iran #play #World #Cup #games #Mexico #President #SheinbaumNews, Sport, Football, US-Israel war on Iran, World Cup 2026, Iran, Latin America, Mexico, Middle East, United States, US & Canada")
![‘Stick together’: Vinicius hails Yamal for condemning anti-Muslim chants‘If we keep fighting together, future players won’t have to go through this again,’ the Real Madrid player said.Published On 7 Apr 20267 Apr 2026Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has praised Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.Vinicius spoke on Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticised the chants by Spanish fans in Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.Vinicius, a Brazil international, has often been subjected to racist taunts while playing in Europe and is vocal about the fight against racism. He said “it’s always complicated” to talk about the subject but “these things happen a lot.“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” he said.“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Black people who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players…”FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior play for Spanish football rivals [File: Reuters]Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a monkey after the Brazil forward celebrated in front of the home fans when he scored for Madrid in a Champions League match last month in Lisbon. Benfica fans insulted Vinicius from the stands.“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” Vinicius said. “But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”Vinicius spoke on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.Last week, Yamal, who is Muslim, slammed the “intolerable” chants at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, the home ground of La Liga club Espanyol.“[The chanting] was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable,” Yamal wrote on Instagram.“To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”Yamal, whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, came down hard on the fans.“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard.”#Stick #Vinicius #hails #Yamal #condemning #antiMuslim #chantsNews, Sport, Football, Islamophobia, Racism, Europe, Spain](https://i2.wp.com/www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AFP__20260406__A6V28Z2__v1__HighRes__FblEurC1RealMadridPresser-1775556277.jpg?resize=1920%2C1440&ssl=1 "‘Stick together’: Vinicius hails Yamal for condemning anti-Muslim chants‘If we keep fighting together, future players won’t have to go through this again,’ the Real Madrid player said.Published On 7 Apr 20267 Apr 2026Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has praised Barcelona player Lamine Yamal for publicly condemning anti-Muslim chants in a recent match, saying players need to stick together in the fight against discrimination.Vinicius spoke on Monday, less than a week after Yamal criticised the chants by Spanish fans in Spain’s friendly against Egypt last Tuesday. Yamal, who is Muslim, said the chants were disrespectful and intolerable.Vinicius, a Brazil international, has often been subjected to racist taunts while playing in Europe and is vocal about the fight against racism. He said “it’s always complicated” to talk about the subject but “these things happen a lot.“Hopefully we can continue with this fight,” he said.“It’s important that Lamine speaks about it. It could help others. We are famous, we have money, we can balance these things better, but the poor people and the Black people who are everywhere, they surely struggle more than we do. So we have to stick together, those who have a stronger voice, the players…”FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior play for Spanish football rivals [File: Reuters]Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of calling him a monkey after the Brazil forward celebrated in front of the home fans when he scored for Madrid in a Champions League match last month in Lisbon. Benfica fans insulted Vinicius from the stands.“I’m not saying that Spain or Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, and in Brazil and other countries as well,” Vinicius said. “But if we keep fighting together, I think future players and people in general won’t have to go through this again.”Vinicius spoke on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal between Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.Last week, Yamal, who is Muslim, slammed the “intolerable” chants at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona, the home ground of La Liga club Espanyol.“[The chanting] was aimed at the opposing team and was not something personal against me, but as a Muslim it is still a lack of respect and something intolerable,” Yamal wrote on Instagram.“To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist.”Yamal, whose father moved from Morocco to Spain, came down hard on the fans.“I know I was playing for the rival team and it wasn’t something personal against me but as a Muslim person it doesn’t stop being disrespectful and something intolerable.“I am a Muslim. Yesterday at the stadium the chant ‘the one who doesn’t jump is the Muslim’ was heard.”#Stick #Vinicius #hails #Yamal #condemning #antiMuslim #chantsNews, Sport, Football, Islamophobia, Racism, Europe, Spain")
