Author: Publisher
US Vice President JD Vance said that the Trump administration's agreement with Iran was clear that sanctions would be eased if Tehran stopped attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.In a press statement, Vance said that Iran adhered to the understandings for approximately a week before resuming attacks against ships.He warned that Tehran now faces a choice between complying with the agreement or risking a repeat of previous military strikes, adding that the situation will remain as is until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and Iran stops attacking ships.Vance noted that Trump remains committed to ensuring the continued flow of commercial shipping through the Strait, describing it as a vital artery through which significant energy supplies pass to the world. Source link
Egypt’s Hamdy Fathy is shown a yellow card by referee Francois Letexier during their World Cup match against Argentina in Atlanta. (Reuters) The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Wednesday it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.”Hany Aburida, President of the EFA filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” said a statement from the federation.On Tuesday evening, Letexes ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal ruled out when they were leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.A few minutes later, Ziko did put Egyptian 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champions level.In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believe they should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.”Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.It added that the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.”I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told journalists.”We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”Hassan told BeIN: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.”In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.” Related Story Source…
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk celebrates winning against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in their quarter-final on the tenth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn…
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari looks dejected after sustaining an injury: REUTERS Morocco star Ismael Saibari will miss his team’s World Cup quarter-final showdown with France, coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed on Wednesday.”Everyone is 100 percent fit except Saibari. This game comes too soon for him but I hope he is not out for the rest of the competition,” Ouahbi told reporters ahead of Thursday’s last-eight showdown at the Gillette Stadium near Boston. Saibari, who has just joined Bayern Munich from Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on a five-year deal for a reported fee of 50 million euros ($57 million), has been one of the standout players at the World Cup. He scored in each of his team’s three group games and converted the winning penalty in the shoot-out as Morocco beat the Netherlands in the last 32. However, the attacking midfielder came off early on with a hamstring problem in the 3-0 win against Canada in the last 16 last Saturday, and has not recovered. Soufiane Rahimi, who is an out-and-out striker, came on for Saibari in that game and scored Morocco’s third goal. The Atlas Lions are seeking to avenge their 2-0 defeat against France in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. That was the first time any African or Arab team had made it to the last four of the tournament, and the incentive for them this time is to match that run.Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that his team can say they have already had a successful tournament by getting to the quarter-finals. “We absolutely want to win the game tomorrow, so we will not listen to people who say it doesn’t matter if we go out now,” said the coach, who took over from predecessor Walid Regragui in March. “Tomorrow we will try get to the semi-finals. I don’t like this sentiment that we have already done well and anything else is a bonus,” added Ouabi, who said he watched the 2022 meeting of the sides as a fan, on television. Meanwhile, Morocco’s Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz insisted his side can compete with the much-fancied French as he prepares to come up against Kylian Mbappe, his colleague at club level. “Tomorrow we are playing one of the favourites but we have shown we can compete and that is why we are here. I have full faith and full confidence in the team.” Related Story Source link
The Qatar Padel Federation (QPF) has announced that the International Padel Federation (FIP) has awarded Doha the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP Padel World Cup, further strengthening Qatar’s reputation as a leading destination for major international sporting events.Both tournaments will be staged at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, a venue that has become synonymous with world-class padel competitions. The complex has previously hosted the Qatar Major Premier Padel tournament on four occasions, as well as the most recent FIP World Team Championships, cementing its status as one of the sport’s premier venues.The successful bid reflects Qatar’s growing prominence in international padel and its continued commitment to hosting top-tier global sporting events.The decision to award Doha the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cups was based on key criteria including its world-class sporting infrastructure, athlete and delegation services, proven track record in staging major international events, high safety standards, financial guarantees, and Qatar’s strong sporting legacy.The tournaments will also feature record prize money, with a total purse of €1.2mn for the 2026 edition, increasing to €1.35mn in 2028. The prize money, to be shared equally between the men’s and women’s competitions, will be the highest ever offered at an official padel event, underscoring the commitment of the FIP and the Qatar Padel Federation to elevate the sport’s premier team competition.Tareq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Padel Federation, said: “We are honoured by the International Padel Federation’s decision to award Doha the hosting rights for both the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cup. Having previously hosted the championship on two occasions, we are proud that Qatar continues to be entrusted with one of the sport’s most watched events.”“This confidence reflects the dedication of the Qatar Padel Federation and all our partners to delivering world-class tournaments that meet the highest international standards. Hosting two consecutive editions presents a unique opportunity to build on our experience, further enhance the event, and create an exceptional experience for players, teams and fans from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the global Padel community back to Doha and contributing to the continued growth and success of our sport.”“The awarding of the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP World Cup to Doha is a decision that looks to the future of our sport,” said FIP President Luigi Carraro. He continued: “Qatar has consistently demonstrated that it possesses all the necessary qualities to host world-class events, and awarding two consecutive editions of the World Cup to the country will provide continuity for the tournament’s growth, ensuring an outstanding experience for players, federations and fans.”Doha is one of the global homes of Padel. On more than one occasion it has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional standards of organisation and hospitality, and it holds a special place in the history of international Padel. We are confident it will once again help write new and historic chapters in the story of our sport, with the invaluable contribution of the Qatar Padel Federation, whom I thank for its commitment and passion in supporting the growth of Padel worldwide,” he said. Related Story Source link
Major League Baseball said on Wednesday it has joined forces with cricket's Suryakumar Yadav as part of an effort to bring America's favourite pastime closer to Indian sports fans.In his role as an MLB Ambassador, the captain of the 2026 Twenty20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team will participate in a series of events and initiatives in both India and the U.S. highlighting the similarities between baseball and cricket beyond the bat and ball.Suryakumar will be on hand during MLB All-Star week in Philadelphia from July 10-14.’I'm excited to partner with Major League Baseball and be part of its journey in India,’ Suryakumar said.’I look forward to learning more about the game myself and helping more fans discover the energy, excitement and culture that make baseball something else.’MLB also said Suryakumar would curate a wide range of content designed to connect with sports fans in India.The India team led by Suryakumar etched their name deeper into cricketing history in March when they became the first side to lift the men's T20 World Cup for a third time with a ruthless demolition of New Zealand.MLB also announced a renewal of its broadcast agreement with JioStar to bring live games and content to fans across the country.’India is home to one of the most vibrant sports cultures in the world, and these partnerships allow us to connect with fans in a meaningful way,’ said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB's senior vice president of global operations. Source link
US player Taylor Fritz returns to Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their singles quarter-final on the tenth day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England…
Novak Djokovic admitted even he was surprised by his ability to out-last Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set epic that ranked as the longest quarter-final in Wimbledon history. Djokovic is 14 years older than Auger-Aliassime and had to battle a calf injury throughout a Centre Court classic lasting five hours and 15 minutes in sweltering temperatures. The 39-year-old Serb somehow summoned up the energy, focus and will-power to beat the Canadian third seed 7-6 (12/10), 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (10/4), booking a blockbuster semi-final against defending champion Jannik Sinner. Djokovic appeared out on his feet at times in the final set, which was only settled in a nerve-shredding tie-break that finished just minutes before the 2200 GMT curfew that would have halted play for the night. Refusing to accept defeat, the indefatigable Djokovic delivered one of the most tenacious performances of a glittering career that has brought him a record-equalling 24 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic has often tested the limits of his endurance with marathon victories in the past, but he conceded this was an extra special effort at an age when most of his contemporaries have retired. “I guess yes, at this stage that I’m still able to battle these young guys that have 15 years less than me, that I’m able to beat them at the tightest possible scoreline. Of course, in a sense, it is really a nice surprise,” he said. “I try to also enjoy the moments like this. I think it was a really thrilling experience for us players, but also the crowd. I’m sure also a lot of people watching on TV. Glad to be part of another historic match.” Djokovic rated his astonishing victory alongside his 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, which the Serb won in five sets over four hours and 57 minutes, as among the best of his career. “It’s exciting to be part of such an epic match that was played over five hours, whatever it was,” he said. “Just one of the best matches I was honestly part of in Wimbledon. Maybe the Wimbledon final in 2019 comes close in terms of time. “The crowd was up on their feet, particularly the last 30 minutes. They recognised how special the moment was. Just very proud to come out as a winner.” ‘AS GOOD AS A FINAL’ Djokovic had spoken earlier in the tournament about his use of cutting edge technology to keep his body in condition to compete against younger opponents. He has used hyperbaric and cryo chambers, cold immersions and red light and pulse therapies to stop father time ruining his bid for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title. The treatments have clearly done their job as Djokovic is the oldest man to reach a Wimbledon semi-final since Ken Rosewall in 1974. He has advanced to a 15th Wimbledon semi-final and 55th at the Grand Slams. Djokovic is into the Wimbledon last four for an eighth consecutive time, setting a new record for the longest streak of men’s semi-final appearances at the All England Club. But the only question that matters for Djokovic now is whether he can recover in time to beat Sinner. “I don’t know what tomorrow brings. To be honest, let’s see. I’m still in the tournament,” he said. “I still want to go at least one more step further. But this was as good as a final for me. I gave it all that I had.” Djokovic, who last won Wimbledon in 2022, beat Sinner in five sets in the Australian Open semi-finals in January, but was thrashed by the Italian in the last four at Wimbledon 12 months ago. “Now I have Sinner. Another great, historic run for me at the Grand Slams. This is what counts the most, honestly,” Djokovic said. “I still try to prove to myself and others that I’m able to compete with the best players in the world and beat them in the biggest stage.” Related Story Source link
India captain Shreyas Iyer said his side had been ‘atrocious’ after suffering their worst ever T20 defeat, in terms of runs, during a humiliating thrashing by England at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.T20 world champions India were blown away by fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue in a crushing 125-run loss.England posted 201-7, with Phil Salt making 70 and T20 world champions India only just bettered the opener's score while collapsing to 76 all out inside 12 overs.Archer and Tongue were simply too much for India to handle, both quicks clocking more than 90 mph (145 kmh) on the speed gun, as they ripped through the tourists' top-order with the new ball.Tongue finished with career-best figures of 4-28 and Archer 3-29 as England went 2-0 up in the series with two to play after the opener was washed out.Tuesday's result comfortably surpassed India's previous record run-loss in a T20, an 80-run defeat by New Zealand at Wellington in 2019.It also followed India's shock 2-0 series reverse against Ireland in Belfast last month. 'AWFUL EXECUTION'’It was atrocious,’ Iyer told Sky Sports ‘I can't use a better word. Losing by such a big margin isn't acceptable.”Hard lengths helped the bowlers on this wicket, but we didn't execute many. When you're chasing, you have to set patterns for how to chase.’We fell short, our execution was awful,’ he added.By contrast, England skipper Harry Brook said: ‘Salty played a mega innings… To get to 200 on a tricky surface was a phenomenal effort.’Brook, turning to England's efforts in the field, added: ‘We didn't need to talk much before the chase, the bowlers knew exactly what we needed to hit the top of the stumps with the occasional bouncer. As simple as it sounds, it worked beautifully tonight.’Archer hurried teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with a 90 mph bouncer and then smiled when the 15-year-old somehow struck the next ball for six over gully.Two of Tongue's first three balls also went the distance but from then on it was one-way traffic.Abhishek Sharma slashed to deep point, Sooryavanshi gloved behind as he tried to attack Archer's next bouncer and Ishan Kishan found Jacob Bethell with a flat pull.When Archer dismissed Iyer and Axar Patel, India were all but beaten at 52-5 from five overs.Tilak Varma was stumped off Will Jacks before Tongue, on his Nottinghamshire home ground, removed Shivam Dube and dismissed Harshit Rana via Tom Banton's diving catch at backward point.Leg-spinner Adil Rashid took two late wickets as India, who won the toss, only just beat their lowest T20 total of 74.Earlier, Jos Buttler got England going with 36 before he was bowled by Prince Yadav's inswinging yorker.Salt, after a sedate start, flayed several boundaries in an expensive over from Varun Chakravarthy, the opener launching a long-hop for six before hitting three successive fours in a 36-ball fifty. Sam Curran's 41 not out boosted the total.England can seal a series win with victory in the fourth T20 at Bristol on Thursday but Iyer said: ‘It's a great opportunity to come back strong, not to dwell on what has happened in the past. We've played awful cricket but (there is) lots to learn as well.’ Source link
France begin their final push for a third World Cup crown on Thursday when they take on Morocco in a blockbuster showdown to kick off a star-studded quarter-final line-up.After a month of scintillating action that has dispelled anxieties over sky-high ticket prices and geopolitics, the biggest, boldest and most logistically complex World Cup ever staged has been whittled down to eight teams.France have emerged as the outstanding side after a series of dazzling attacking displays in the United States, where all the remaining matches will be played.But they face their toughest test so far against African champions Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston.Les Bleus have surged into the last eight in style, scoring 14 goals in five games – seven of them from prolific captain Kylian Mbappe – one of four star forwards battling for the Golden Boot.Argentina’s Lionel Messi tops the scoring chart with eight, Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland have seven each and England’s Harry Kane has six.Thursday’s opening quarter-final is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, won by France, who went on to lose an all-time classic final against Argentina on penalties.Impressive Morocco eased through the group phase before battling past the Netherlands in the last 32 and swatting aside co-hosts Canada.The Atlas Lions boast a potent mix of technical quality, physicality and tactical nous under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who masterminded Morocco’s shock victory in the under-20 World Cup last year.France coach Didier Deschamps told reporters on Wednesday – a World Cup rest day – that Morocco were a “top-tier side”.”We faced them four years ago in the semi-finals, and they’ve played in an Africa Cup of Nations final,” he said.”They are a very, very good team with excellent players – they aren’t here by accident. It’s going to be a clash between two teams that like to have possession, attack, and score goals.”Deschamps, stepping down after the tournament after 14 years in charge, said he was unconcerned by the appointment of Argentine officials to oversee the match, with a repeat of the 2022 final still possible.The winner will advance to a semi-final against the victor of Friday’s tie in Los Angeles between European champions Spain and Belgium.The clinical Spaniards, who have not conceded a single goal so far, eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the last 16 and will fancy their chances of overcoming Belgium, who dismantled the United States 4-1 in the last 16.On the other side of the draw, holders Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday after staggering into the quarter-finals.The South Americans, aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962, were given an almighty scare by Cape Verde in the last 32.On Tuesday, Messi inspired an incredible Houdini act in a jaw-dropping 3-2 defeat of Egypt in Atlanta, when the reigning champions were seemingly down and out, trailing by two goals late in the game.Messi, who missed a penalty in the first half, said: “We didn’t want today to be the end, we didn’t want to go home.”The winner of the Argentina-Switzerland clash will face either Norway or England, who clash in Miami on Saturday.England advanced with a pulsating 3-2 defeat of co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca that has given the Three Lions renewed belief in their bid to win a first major title since 1966.Blocking England’s path is a formidable Norway side spearheaded by the irrepressible Haaland, who scored both goals in Sunday’s last-16 win over Brazil.Off the field, the Egyptian football federation said it had asked for the officiating team that handled the Pharaohs’ defeat to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.The federation filed a complaint to FIFA pointing out “serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match”.Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic announced his resignation after nine years in charge, which included a run to the final in 2018. Related Story Source link