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Iran said yesterday it would now send representatives to the World Cup finals draw in Washington in a complete reversal of an earlier decision to boycott the event over visa issues.”Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of Iran’s national team, will participate in the World Cup draw ceremony as the technical representative of the national football team with one or two other people,” the Iranian Football Federation spokesperson told state television.On Friday, the federation’s spokesperson said that they had informed FIFA about the Iranian delegation not participating in the ceremony as the United States refused to grant visa to several members of the delegation.Iranian sports website Varzesh 3 earlier reported that one of those who didn’t receive the visa was Mehdi Taj, the president of the federation.”We have told the head of FIFA mister (Gianni) Infantino, that it is purely a political position and that FIFA must tell them (the US) to desist from this behaviour,” Taj said then.According to Varzesh 3, four members of the delegation including Ghalenoei had been granted visas for the draw on December 5.Iran qualified for the sport’s quadrennial showpiece in March, securing a fourth successive appearance at World Cup finals and a seventh in all.They have yet to progress to the knockout stages but there was unconfined joy when, at the 1998 finals in France, Iran beat the USA 2-1 in their group match.The USA avenged that by edging Iran 1-0 in the 2022 edition in Qatar.The United States – which is co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico – and Iran have been at loggerheads for over four decades.They had, though, been holding high-level nuclear talks that had begun in April, during which the two sides were at odds over Iran’s right to enrich uranium — which Tehran defends as “inalienable”.However, the negotiations ended when in mid-June, Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran, triggering a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined with strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Source link
Serena Williams insisted she had no plans to make a return to tennis after her registration with the sport’s drug-testing body sparked reports of a dramatic comeback.The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has not competed since a third-round loss at the 2022 US Open left her one short of the all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, held by Margaret Court in the women’s game and Novak Djokovic in men’s tennis.”It is correct that she is back on the Registered Testing Pool list,” Adrian Bassett, a spokesman for the the International Tennis Integrity Agency, the sport’s drug-testing body told AFP in London on Tuesday in response to media reports the 44-year-old American had registered.”At this stage we have no other information.”But Williams denied she was planning a return to competitive tennis by posting later Tuesday on X: “Omg (Oh My God) yall (you all) I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy”.Following her three-set defeat by Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows three years ago, Williams said she did not want to use the word “retiring” but instead explained she was “evolving” away from tennis.Players who decide to return to testing need to provide information about their time and locations when they are available to give samples.They also need to complete testing for six months before they are allowed to return to competition.Williams’s older sister, Venus, — seven times major singles champion — returned to tennis in July at the age of 45 after almost two years away from the Women’s Tennis Association tour.When Venus, a seven-time major singles champion, came back at the DC Open, she spoke about wishing Serena would join her on tour again. The sisters won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles as a pair and three Olympic gold medals as well.”I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” said Venus at the time. “Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her.”But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.” Source link
England cricket captain Ben Stokes said yesterday the sudden death of former batsman Robin Smith at the age of 62 “hits you hard”.The South Africa-born Smith, who had moved to Australia and lived in Perth, attended the first Ashes Test almost a fortnight ago and met some of the England and England Lions players.Smith, who played 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, has been hailed as “a batter ahead of his time” in tributes that poured in from around the cricketing world after his death on Monday.Stokes, speaking on the eve of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, said although he didn’t know Smith well, it was a sad time for all of English cricket.”When you hear news like that it gets you and it hits you hard,” he said of a player who scored 4,236 Test runs for England, including nine centuries.”Just last week he was there chatting with the Lions and he was at the first Test. It hits you hard when you realise that it was only last week where he was doing those kinds of things.”Smith’s family announced their “profound sense of sadness and loss” in a statement released on Tuesday by Hampshire, his former English county club.”Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday, 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown,” they said.Smith was renowned for his fearless batting against the world’s fastest bowlers, including Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Waqar Younis.He struggled with mental health and alcohol-related problems in retirement. Source link
Several accessibility features in place for disabled fans at the regional competition, as tournament organisers mark International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesAs the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a barrier-free tournament experience, while ensuring that mega-sporting events leave a long lasting legacy of accessibility in the country. “Our commitment towards delivering accessible tournaments is rooted in our strong belief that football is for everyone.The Arab Cup holds great significance to fans across the region, and we are ensuring that disabled fans are able to enjoy all of the excitement and passion that underlines this competition. This tournament will carry forward Qatar’s rich sporting legacy that is built around accessibility and inclusivity,” said Rashid Al Khater, LOC Operations Executive Director.The Arab Cup has several accessibility features in place to ensure that disabled fans are part of the football action. These include:Accessible seating options at all stadiumsAll six stadiums hosting matches offer disabled fans a number of accessible seating options, including wheelchair accessible seats and spaces for fans with limited mobility. Accessibility features also extend to dedicated parking space, bathrooms and concession stands. Audio descriptive commentary available through smartphone appAudio descriptive commentary is available for select matches for blind and partially sighted football fans. Fans can download the 3annak app, enter the code FAC25, and select the audio channel of their choice.Using personal headphones, fans can listen to a detailed commentary of match details, including important information about the ambience in the stands and even the players’ facial reactions. The service enables blind and partially sighted fans to experience the football action in a barrier-free manner. Sensory roomsSensory rooms are available for fans with neurodivergent needs at Lusail, Education City and Al Bayt stadiums. The sensory rooms allow fans with sensory needs to watch matches in a quieter space, equipped with assistive technology and managed by expert staff.Disabled player escortsA number of disabled children took to the pitch as player escorts at select matches during the tournament, including the opening match at Al Bayt Stadium. This provided disabled children with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play an active role in the prestigious regional competition. How to apply for accessibility tickets?Fans can purchase accessibility tickets by sending an email to: [email protected].A dedicated team is set up to manage all accessibility ticket requests. Once an email is sent, fans will receive an automated reply requesting them to submit Proof of EligibilityTicket holders must carry their Proof of Eligibility when entering stadiums. Companion tickets are also available for people assisting an accessibility ticketholder. Source link
Sri Lanka will host a three-match T20 series against Pakistan in January, the cricket board announced today.Sri Lanka Cricket said all three matches will take place at Dambulla, starting on January 7.The second match will be held two days later, with the final on January 11. Sri Lanka is currently grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread flooding and mudslides that killed 410 people and affected over 1.5 million more.Pakistan’s last T20 tour of Sri Lanka was 10 years ago, when they played two matches – both won by the vistors – at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Source link
Head coach of the Iraq football team, Australian Graham Arnold, affirmed that the team is orchestrating an ideal kickstart to its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, as it faces Bahrain on Wednesday at Stadium 974 within Group D.In the pre-match press conference, he noted that the championship constitutes a pivotal opportunity for the Iraqi footballers to showcase all capabilities before entering the intercontinental playoff enjoined for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.He implored his players to seize this incredible chance and demonstrate their entire finesse to take a victory lap in all clashes at this tournament, emphasizing that he feels a grandiose atmosphere as incredible and perfect as the World Cup.Emphatically, the organization will be dazzling as usual, since the championship is a critical chance for Iraq to observe players who were previously called upon in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to showcase their finesse, Arnold stressed.Iraqi captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan said the morals are up, as players will be committed to mesmerize the Iraqi fans in this tournament.The first clash is usually tough for the two teams, but the Iraqi squad is fully ready to face Bahrain and will be keen to perform well as required, as players are highly motivated, Hassan assured, wishing them Godspeed in tomorrow’s clash.Addressing the press conference, head coach of the Bahrain team, Dragan Talajic, emphasized that tomorrow’s match will be challenging because Iraq will be clashing with a powerful squad.Talajic stressed that he has tremendous hope to snag the title and reach the final, clarifying that the team is ready with preparations afoot to attain the upcoming World Cup.Expressing his respect to the Iraqi team, Talajic asserted that his team will do its best to achieve a positive result, as this tournament is pretty different from the others and Bahrain is listed in an extremely difficult group.He indicated that winning the three matches is contingent upon having ambitions to enhance luckiness in the competition, highlighting that the team has acquired a lot of expertise after playing in the most recent World Cup qualifiers. Source link
Screenshot 2025-12-03 at 11-42-07 (20) Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) _ X Qatar will seek to regain its momentum in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 when it faces Syria tomorrow at Khalifa International Stadium, as part of the second round of Group A matches.Qatar seeks to compensate for its sudden 0-1 loss to Palestine in the opening match of the tournament, whereas Syria will enter the match in high spirits after defeating Tunisia 1-0, collecting three valuable points.Currently, Syria and Palestine sit on top of Group A with three points each, while Qatar and Tunisia are third and fourth without points.Qatar will be required to perform differently in the match in order to win, which will force Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui to find solutions on the front line after the clear inability to show effectiveness in the first match.In the match against Palestine, Qatar lacked effective influence in the offensive aspects, with a scarcity of real opportunities in light of the inability to penetrate the opponent’s defense, despite high ball possession. What is required is change and the regaining of momentum Qatar had during the fourth stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which displayed an outstanding level that enabled it to grab qualification for the World Cup at the expense of Oman and the UAE.After the first match, Qatar’s coach Lopetegui affirmed his confidence in the players’ ability to overcome the defeat, and to perform differently in the second match against Syria, with the aim of winning and correcting course.Meanwhile, Syria hopes to continue to shine in the tournament by achieving a positive result to bring it closer to qualifying for the quarter-finals.Syria, led by Spanish coach Jose Lana, qualified for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 by defeating South Sudan 2-0. This will be their eighth appearance in the tournament’s history.For its part, Qatar searches for its first FIFA Arab Cup title in its fourth appearance in the tournament, having been runners-up in 1998, as well as placing third in 2021, when it was held in Doha. Related Story Source link
Morocco began its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a 3-1 victory over Comoros, in the match held on Tuesday at Khalifa International Stadium in the first round of Group B, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Oman.Morocco’s goals were scored by Soufiane Bouftini in the 5th minute, Tarik Tissoudali in the 11th minute, and Karim El Berkaoui in the 45+4 minute, while Comoros’ goal came when Moroccan player Mohamed Boulaksout accidentally scored an own goal in the 56th minute.With this result, Morocco temporarily moved to the top of the group with 3 points, with Saudi Arabia and Oman still to play later this evening.The Moroccan team imposed clear dominance at the start of the match with high pressing and managed to open the scoring after a corner taken by Oussama Tannane, which Soufiane Bouftini met with a powerful header into the net in the 5th minute.Morocco continued its offensive pressure, extending the lead with a second goal, also from a corner executed by Oussama Tannane into the box, which Tarik Tissoudali converted with a shot to the goalkeeper’s right in the 11th minute.Comoros attempted to respond after going down, nearly reducing the deficit with a shot from the edge of the box, but it went over the crossbar in the 24th minute.Morocco relied on wing-based attacking play and managed to add a third goal after a cross from Hamza El Moussaoui into the box, which Karim El Berkaoui headed into the net in the 45+4 minute, ending the first half with Morocco leading 3-0.In the second half, Comoros were much improved as they searched for a comeback, and Ibrahim Joudja almost scored after a cross that he struck powerfully, but the Moroccan defense blocked it in the 53rd minute.Comoros succeeded in scoring its first goal when Amir Zaid penetrated the defense and sent in a cross that Moroccan defender Mohamed Boulaksout mistakenly turned into his own net in the 56th minute.The match remained open and Morocco's Amine Zouhzouh missed a great chance to widen the gap when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a cross from Abderrazak Hamdallah, but his shot went over the bar in the 83rd minute. Source link
Morocco’s head coach Tarik Sektioui expressed his delight following his team’s 3-1 victory over Comoros in their opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sektioui said winning the opening match is crucial, it was by no means an easy task, especially in this type of encounter, thanking all the players for their realistic approach, seriousness, strong will, desire, and respect for the opponent.He added that he opted to change tactics in the second half to strengthen the scoreline, noting that the opposing team was well-organized and had standout players, particularly on the flanks.Sektioui clarified that Morocco’s performance did not decline in the second half, but rather he chose a more balanced style to maintain control and extend the lead.Tomorrow, he clarified, they turn their focus to preparing for the next match against Oman, hoping to meet the expectations of Moroccan fans and deliver a strong performance.Meanwhile, Moroccan player Karim El Berkaoui, who was named Man of the Match, said all players gave their utmost effort and succeeded in presenting the desired image that brought joy to Moroccan supporters.El Berkaoui added that they secured three important points and are determined to double their efforts to uphold the reputation of Moroccan football, aiming to continue in the same vein.On the other side, Comoros head coach Hamadi Jambay voiced his disappointment following the defeat in their tournament opener.Jambay said they made several mistakes, adding that they knew they would face tremendous challenges against a very strong and experienced opponent.Conceding three early goals made it even harder to recover, Jambay said during the press conference.He praised his players’ second-half performance and their determination to improve and make up for the first-half shortcomings.he concluded by confirming that they must prepare for the future and build a strong team, doing their utmost to perform well in the next match and play with greater attacking courage.He added that they’ll continue working to fix the issues and get ready to turn things around. Source link
Former England Test player Robin Smith has died aged 62, hailed by cricket chiefs as a “batter ahead of his time”.The South Africa-born Smith, who played 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, died on Monday in Australia, where he lived.Smith’s family announced their “profound sense of sadness and loss” in a statement released by Hampshire, his former English county club.”Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday, 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown,” they said.Smith had only recently met with the second-string England Lions squad in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test at the invitation of coach Andrew Flintoff.Smith scored 4,236 Test runs for England, including nine centuries, at an average of 43.67, and 2,419 runs in 71 one-day internationals.”Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience,” said England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson.”He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.”He was a batter ahead of his time, which was typified in that unforgettable unbeaten 167 from 163 balls in a one-day international against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.”Former England wicket-keeper Jack Russell, who played Test cricket alongside Smith, paid tribute on social media by saying: “Robin Smith, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Would do anything for you, hard as nails.”What a player. Played quick bowling as well as anyone. Had the hardest square-cut in the business along side G (Gordon) Greenidge (the celebrated West Indies opener and a Hampshire teammate of Smith). #RIP my Friend, rest easy now.”‘Charismatic, popular’Nicknamed “The Judge”, with his hair likened to a judge’s wig, Smith grew up in apartheid-era South Africa, when the country was banned from international cricket.The son of an English father, Smith followed older brother Chris into both the Hampshire and England teams.He was renowned for his fearless batting against the world’s fastest bowlers, including Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Waqar Younis.But he struggled with mental health and alcohol-related problems in retirement.”Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players,” Smith’s family said. “A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country, collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.”They added: “Since his retirement from the game in 2004 his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death which will be determined at post-mortem investigation.”Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove hailed Smith as “one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all-time Hampshire cricket heroes”.”He was a batsman of awesome power and control and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen – especially against bowling of real pace,” he added. Source link