Sports
Iran warns World Cup matches could be halted over protests, flags
Iran’s World Cup campaign has yet to begin, but the tournament’s political tensions are already threatening to spill onto the field.
Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali warned this week that Iran could stop matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if what he described as unauthorized flags are displayed or anti-team slogans are chanted inside stadiums, adding another layer of controversy to one of the tournament’s most politically sensitive participants.
The warning comes days before Iran open their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium on June 21 at the same venue before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Speaking to Iranian media, Donyamali said Iranian officials had formally raised concerns with FIFA regarding potential protests during the team’s matches.
“We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match,” Donyamali said.
The comments underscore the political scrutiny surrounding Iran’s presence at the expanded 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s national team has long found itself caught between football and politics. Opposition activists and members of the Iranian diaspora argue the team represents the country’s ruling establishment rather than the broader Iranian population. Demonstrations have followed the team at major international events in recent years, particularly after nationwide protests erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
The issue resurfaced in April when protesters gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, urging world football’s governing body to ban Iran from the World Cup. Demonstrators claimed the team was closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and did not represent ordinary Iranians.
One of the most visible symbols of the dispute has been the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag, which opposition figures, including Reza Pahlavi, have encouraged supporters to display at international sporting events. Iranian authorities view such symbols as politically charged, while opposition groups regard them as expressions of national identity and dissent.
The concerns appear particularly acute ahead of Iran’s final group-stage match against Egypt in Seattle. Donyamali said FIFA had assured Iranian officials that measures would be in place to prevent disruptions during the game after both countries’ football federations raised concerns.
While political tensions dominate the headlines, logistical challenges have also complicated Iran’s World Cup preparations.
The Iranian Football Federation said its allocation of supporter tickets was withdrawn shortly before the tournament, leaving many fans who had already arranged travel without access to matches. FIFA has said it is working to maximize opportunities for Iranian supporters, though U.S. sanctions and financial restrictions have complicated ticketing and travel arrangements.
The team has also been forced to adapt its tournament preparations. Rather than establishing a training base in the United States, Iran relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, amid uncertainty surrounding visas and entry procedures.
Under arrangements confirmed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Iran’s players are permitted to enter the United States shortly before matches and must leave afterward. Several members of the broader delegation reportedly encountered visa difficulties, further highlighting the diplomatic challenges facing the team.
The unusual setup reflects the wider tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have cast a geopolitical shadow over the tournament despite FIFA’s efforts to keep the focus on football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed Iran’s participation and supported efforts to facilitate the team’s involvement in the competition. However, with emotions running high among supporters and critics alike, the governing body faces a difficult task balancing its ban on political demonstrations with the realities of one of international sport’s most politically charged storylines.
A spokesperson for FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that UEFA paid a six-figure departure package to a female employee who was reportedly in a relationship with Infantino while he was secretary general of European football’s governing body.
The Daily Telegraph reported Friday that the woman received the payment when she left UEFA following the alleged relationship with Infantino, who is married.
UEFA confirmed that a departure payment was made to the employee and that the organization also covered the cost of an MBA course at a local business school. UEFA did not confirm the alleged relationship.
The governing body said the payments complied with the staff regulations in place at the time and were approved under the procedures then governing departing employees. UEFA said those regulations have since been tightened.
“We are aware of the allegations and can confirm a departure payment was made to the individual in question, coupled with the payment of fees for an MBA course at a local business school,” a UEFA spokesperson said.
“The payment was in line with the regulations that existed for departing staff at the time.”
UEFA added that its current regulations “reflect those found in a modern, high-profile organization” and apply to all employees regardless of their position.
FIFA, meanwhile, rejected any suggestion that Infantino had engaged in improper conduct.
“FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph.
The spokesperson also said no UEFA or FIFA employee had complained about Infantino’s behavior and that all departure and severance packages had been approved by the appropriate directors under the regulations applicable at the time.
Infantino joined UEFA in 2000 and served as its secretary general from October 2009 until his election as FIFA president on Feb. 26, 2016. He has led world football’s governing body since succeeding Sepp Blatter.
The allegations emerged as Infantino faces mounting pressure over a separate and controversial proposal to bring private investment into a FIFA-controlled company that would oversee commercial rights to the organization’s competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The plan would have allowed private investors to acquire a stake of up to 20% in the proposed subsidiary. It drew strong opposition from UEFA and other continental confederations before FIFA withdrew the proposal.
FIFA’s management board backed Infantino following a meeting in Morocco on Wednesday, and Infantino apologized for the way the plan had been handled.
UEFA, however, said Thursday that the move had not resolved its concerns. The European confederation has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions involving its 55 member associations if the proposal is revived.
UEFA said the latest developments “change nothing” regarding its position.
Brazil star Vinicius Junior has extended his contract with Real Madrid to 2032, the Spanish giants announced Thursday, quelling months of speculation about his future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid FC and Vinicius Jr have agreed the extension of the contract of our player, who is tied to the club until June 30, 2032,” Los Blancos said in a statement.
The 26-year-old has been one of the lynchpins of Real Madrid’s attack in recent years. He has scored 128 goals and provided 100 assists in 375 matches since joining Madrid at age 18 and has helped the club win 14 titles, including La Liga three times and the Champions League twice.
“Vinicius Jr. has become one of the most important players in one of the most successful periods in our history,” the club said in the announcement.
He had entered the final year of his contract, with Spanish and British media linking him with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal.
Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.
Vinicius wrote on Instagram: “Eight years at the Bernabeu are too few… 6 more years, and forever!”
Vinicius had a busy summer playing for Brazil at the World Cup, where they were knocked out in the last 16. He was Brazil’s top scorer at the World Cup with four goals.
He and Los Blancos enter the 2026-27 season with a new coach – Jose Mourinho, for a second stint – and renewed expectations among fans.
Madrid haven’t won a major title in two years with superstar striker Kylian Mbappe onboard. The club went through two coaches in Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa last season.
The record 15-time European Cup winners have seen Paris Saint-Germain win consecutive Champions League titles. Madrid have finished runner-up to fierce rivals Barcelona for the La Liga title the past two seasons.
Earlier Thursday, Real Madrid reached a deal with Leipzig for the transfer of young Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old forward joined on a seven-year contract.
European football’s governing body is retaining its threat to boycott World Cups despite FIFA apologizing for its failed plan to open up its competitions to private investment.
UEFA on Thursday reiterated that it had lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and said conditions to withdraw its boycott threat had not been met.
“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non participation in FIFA competitions,” it said in a statement. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.
“These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position holds.”
It was another bruising day for Infantino, with global football players’ union FIFPRO accusing him of “a profound abuse of presidential power.”
The English Football Association has also withdrawn its support for Infantino’s re-election.
Even Amnesty International said the “current crisis spotlights the need for governance reforms.”
FIFA and Infantino tried to present a united front following a high-level summit in Morocco on Wednesday when it announced the president had the full support of top staff in attendance.
The world governing body also apologized to its 211 members for errors made over its controversial plan to sell profits in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary and committed to “ensure they do not happen again.”
FIFA said it hoped its meeting would “help restore confidence” in the organization after the turbulence created by Infantino’s now-abandoned project, which provoked widespread condemnation.
UEFA voted to abandon FIFA competitions if it went ahead. And even after Infantino’s hasty climbdown, Europe’s governing body said it had lost confidence in FIFA’s leadership – paving the way for a challenge to his presidency.
In its defiant statement, UEFA made it clear its position still held.
“Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president (and whose careers depend on his favor) agree with him changes nothing,” it said.
UEFA did not say if teams would boycott FIFA’s next event – the women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland next month.
For Infantino, the immediate priority has been containing the political fallout ahead of March’s presidential election in Morocco, when he will seek a fourth term through 2031.
Infantino continues to enjoy strong support from many smaller associations, particularly across Africa and Asia, where FIFA development funding remains central to national soccer programmes, and he still appears well placed politically with no viable challenger emerging ahead of the election.
Arsenal are preparing a blockbuster bid for Vinicius Junior as uncertainty surrounding the Brazilian star’s future at Real Madrid continues to grow, with stalled contract negotiations opening the door for one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
The reigning Premier League champions are closely monitoring the situation after Vinicius and Real Madrid failed to reach an agreement on a new contract despite nearly 18 months of negotiations.
With the 26-year-old entering the final year of his current deal, Arsenal are ready to capitalize if discussions between the player and the Spanish giants ultimately collapse.
According to Cadena SER, Arsenal are prepared to submit an offer worth 100 million euros ($116 million) plus an additional 20 million in performance-related bonuses.
While no formal bid has been made, the London club has reportedly received internal approval to pursue one of world football’s most explosive attacking talents.
Real Madrid, however, remain reluctant to sell.
Reports in Spain suggest the club values Vinicius at between 150 million euros and 160 million euros, reflecting his status as one of Europe’s elite forwards and his importance to new head coach José Mourinho’s plans.
The biggest obstacle remains Vinicius’ contract renewal.
The Brazilian is reportedly seeking an annual package worth about 30 million euros, including salary, bonuses and a renewal payment. Real Madrid have refused to meet those demands, determined to maintain their wage structure while avoiding a situation in which Vinicius surpasses or matches the club’s highest earners.
Madrid recently improved their proposal following meetings involving the player’s representatives, general director Josa Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat.
The revised offer is believed to be worth between 22 million euros and 24 million euros annually once performance bonuses are included.
Club president Florentino Perez has reportedly made it clear that the latest proposal represents the club’s final position, with discussions also centering on image rights and the size of a loyalty bonus.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Real Madrid remain determined to keep the Brazilian and avoid the possibility of losing him for free in 2027, when he would be eligible to negotiate with overseas clubs from January if no extension is agreed.
Arsenal, meanwhile, view Vinicius as the ideal addition to Mikel Arteta’s attack.
The Gunners believe his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling ability, creativity and eye for goal would elevate an already title-winning squad.
Although his wage demands would comfortably exceed the salaries of Arsenal’s current top earners, including Bukayo Saka, the club is reportedly willing to restructure its wage model for a player of Vinicius’ caliber through signing bonuses and commercial agreements.
The move would also carry enormous commercial value, with Vinicius regarded as one of football’s biggest global stars.
The Brazilian continues to justify that reputation with his performances on the pitch.
He scored 22 goals and supplied 14 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 season, extending his remarkable consistency in front of goal. He has now recorded at least 30 goal contributions in each of the past five seasons, cementing his place among the world’s most productive attacking players.
At 26, Vinicius is entering the peak of his career, making him one of the most coveted players on the market.
For now, the transfer hinges entirely on his response to Real Madrid’s latest contract offer.
Some reports suggest a breakthrough remains possible and that the winger is leaning toward staying at the Santiago Bernabéu. Others maintain Arsenal are ready to move immediately should negotiations break down.
Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor was officially completed on Thursday after the Turkish club confirmed the financial terms of a landmark two-year contract that brings one of world football’s biggest stars to the Black Sea side following the end of his celebrated Liverpool career.
Trabzonspor disclosed the agreement in a filing to Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), the stock exchange system used by publicly traded football clubs, revealing that Salah will receive a guaranteed 17 million euros ($19.6 million) per season.
The package includes an annual salary of 10 million euros and a 7 million euro signing bonus for each year of the contract, which runs through the summer of 2028. The agreement also features performance-related bonuses and a clause granting Salah 20% of revenue generated from merchandise bearing his name. The club will also pay an agent commission equal to 5% of the player’s gross salary.
The deal represents one of the richest contracts ever handed out in Turkish football and underlines Trabzonspor’s ambition to challenge domestically while raising its global profile.
Salah joined as a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, ending a remarkable nine-year spell at Anfield.
The 34-year-old departed as one of the greatest players in the club’s history, having scored 257 goals in 442 appearances, becoming the Premier League’s highest-scoring foreign player and Liverpool’s third-leading scorer of all time.
During his time on Merseyside, Salah won multiple major trophies, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, while collecting numerous individual honors.
His arrival marks one of the most significant transfers in Trabzonspor’s history and one of the biggest free-agent signings Turkish football has ever witnessed.
Thousands of supporters turned out to welcome the Egypt captain after he arrived in Trabzon on Wednesday aboard a private jet.
Fans packed the airport dressed in the club’s burgundy and blue colors, lighting flares, chanting his name and celebrating the arrival of a player whose global reputation has transformed expectations around the club.
Salah admitted he had never experienced a reception on such a scale.
“First of all, let me say that I am incredibly happy to be here,” he said.
“Honestly, I’m struggling to find the words to describe how surprised and happy I am. There are 25,000 people here. Believe me, I don’t remember ever experiencing anything like this before.”
The emotional welcome only strengthened his determination to deliver success in his latest challenge.
“I’ve achieved success at every club I’ve played for,” Salah said. “I’ve always been a successful footballer, and that’s exactly what I intend to do here as well.”
The Egyptian added that his ambition is to compete for silverware both in Türkiye and in Europe.
“I am really happy and looking forward to training with the team. Everywhere I go I always win or try to win something. Hopefully we can do something in the league and in Europe as well.”
Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan praised supporters for the remarkable turnout and said the reception reflected the stature of the club’s newest signing.
“Mohamed Salah is a global star. Our fans have shown how a player of his stature should be welcomed. I send my love and gratitude to all of them.”
Salah posed with Doğan and supporters while making Trabzonspor’s signature three-finger salute before leaving the airport ahead of his official unveiling at Papara Park.
The move concludes a transfer saga that accelerated after negotiations with Beşiktaş collapsed over financial and commercial terms. Trabzonspor quickly seized the opportunity, with Doğan and Salah’s representatives finalizing the agreement before the player traveled to Türkiye.
Although Salah attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, Major League Soccer and several European teams, he chose to remain in European football despite reportedly receiving more lucrative offers elsewhere.
The commercial impact of the signing is expected to be substantial.
Beyond his salary, the merchandise-sharing agreement reflects Trabzonspor’s belief that Salah’s enormous global following will generate significant shirt sales, attract new sponsorships and expand the club’s international reach. Reports indicate that sponsorship partnerships will play a major role in financing the historic deal.
Trabzonspor finished third in the 2025-26 Süper Lig to secure a place in the UEFA Europa League playoffs, and the club believes Salah’s experience, leadership and elite goal-scoring ability can elevate its ambitions both domestically and in continental competition.
The club from Türkiye’s northeastern Black Sea region is one of only six teams to have won the Turkish top-flight title and has long been regarded as the country’s strongest club outside Istanbul’s traditional powers of Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş.
Upon his arrival, Salah wore a shirt bearing the number 61, a tribute to Trabzon’s famous regional code and one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. He is expected to wear the No. 10 shirt in competitive matches.
Fresh from helping Egypt reach the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Salah arrives with 66 international goals in 119 appearances and a reputation as one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-awaited wedding to partner Georgina Rodriguez has once again become the subject of global speculation, with unverified reports about a leaked invitation, a star-studded guest list and the possibility of Lionel Messi attending captivating fans despite no official confirmation from the couple.
Rumors intensified after an invitation, purportedly for Ronaldo and Rodriguez’s wedding, circulated online in late July.
The invitation claimed the ceremony would take place on Aug. 1 at the historic Quinta da Regaleira palace in Sintra, Portugal, with guests asked to wear black.
The claims were quickly challenged.
Spanish magazine ¡HOLA! and Portuguese media reported that the invitation was fake, while journalist Ivan Garcia, a close friend of Rodriguez, said no wedding had been scheduled for that date. The doubts grew stronger after Quinta da Regaleira remained open to tourists throughout Aug. 1 and hosted a previously scheduled cultural event, making it highly unlikely that a private celebrity wedding had taken place there.
The episode did little to slow speculation surrounding one of football’s most recognizable couples.
Attention has since shifted to Madeira, Ronaldo’s birthplace, where several British and Portuguese media outlets have suggested the couple could instead marry on Aug. 8.
According to those reports, Ronaldo and Rodriguez are considering a ceremony at Funchal Cathedral before hosting an exclusive reception at the nearby five-star Savoy Palace hotel. The location would carry deep personal significance for Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal and began his football journey on the Portuguese island.
Neither the couple, their representatives, the cathedral nor the hotel has confirmed those reports.
The uncertainty has not stopped widespread discussion about who might attend.
Unofficial guest lists circulating online feature an array of football stars and entertainment celebrities, including former Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand, Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, actor Vin Diesel and music stars Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Drake and Travis Scott.
The name attracting the most attention, however, is Messi.
Several unofficial lists have claimed the Argentine great could receive an invitation, raising the prospect of football’s two defining rivals sharing a celebration away from the pitch. The possibility has fueled excitement among supporters who have spent nearly two decades watching Ronaldo and Messi compete for football’s biggest prizes.
Still, there is no credible evidence that Messi has been invited or plans to attend. More reliable reports have noted that no verified guest list has been released, and neither Ronaldo’s nor Messi’s representatives have commented on the speculation.
Ronaldo, 41, and Rodriguez have been together since 2016 and announced their engagement in 2025 after nearly a decade as a couple. The pair share a family and have frequently spoken about their commitment, although they have remained private about wedding plans.
The speculation gained momentum after Ronaldo previously indicated he hoped to marry after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal’s elimination in the round of 16 reignited rumors that the wedding could soon follow, but family members, including Ronaldo’s sisters, have repeatedly indicated that no confirmed date has been set.
Rodriguez has also spoken in the past about preferring a more intimate celebration rather than an extravagant public event.
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