Soccer

Five members of Iranian women's soccer team decide to return to Iran, forgo asylum

Australia had granted humanitarian visas to six players and one support staff member last week from the Iranian squad after they sought asylum over fears of possible persecution upon returning home.

Iranian Women's national soccer team captain Zahra Ghanbari looks on during the Women's Asian Cup Iran press conference at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 1, 2026.
Atletico Madrid on the  pitch. Illustration.

Footballer grabs opponent's genitals. Sent off pitch

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it

IRONI KIRYAT SHMONA head coach Shay Barda and his displaced squad resumed training in Shefayim while preparing for the Israeli league’s restart amid the ongoing conflict.

Nomads again: Barda’s Ironi Kiryat Shmona scrambles for season restart


Iranian regime’s ‘deep fear’ made apparent by attempts to quash potential dissent - analysis

Iran’s regime strengthens its grip on dissent, with continued arrests and a strict internet blackout, as the threat of future protests looms over the country’s fragile stability.

A protester throws a stone near a fire as other demonstrators gather while blocking a street in Shiraz, Iran, on January 10, 2026.

Female player on Iran's soccer delegation changes mind on Australian asylum, to return home

Concerns about the players' safety upon their return home grew after Iranian state television labeled the team "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing the national anthem during a women's Asian Cup.

MEMBERS OF the Islamic Republic of Iran team pose prior to the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Omri Airlines: The meteoric rise of Israeli midfielder Gandelman with Italy’s Lecce

Gandelman has transformed into the “new face” of US Lecce in just a few short weeks, a player in the right place at the right time to secure a vital 2-1 victory.

WHETHER AT the club level for US Lecce or playing for the Israel national team Omri Gandelman has become a reliable contributor and fan favorite.

Six players and one staff member of Iranian women's soccer team receive Australian visas

Five players were initially granted asylum on Tuesday, with one player later changing her mind and electing to return home to Iran.

Iran players pose prior to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026.

'It has turned into MMA': 23 red cards flashed in brutal Brazil cup final

A state cup final in Brazil descended into chaos as a mass brawl between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão produced a record 23 red cards and forced military police onto the field.

Hulk (Givanildo Vieira de Souza).

After ‘unique intervention,’ Iran’s women’s soccer team allowed to stay in Australia

The five players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, sought protection after the team were branded "wartime traitors" for refusing to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match.

Iranian players gesture from the bench during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Australia to grant visas to five members of Iranian women's soccer team after Trump appeal

The players, who were playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, stood silent last week during the Iranian national anthem, which was interpreted by hardliners in Iran as a sign of treason.

Fatemeh Pasandideh of Iran during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Israel urges Australia to grant asylum to Iranian soccer players after anthem protest

Science Minister Gila Gamliel has urged Australia to provide refuge for Iranian women’s soccer players. Branded "wartime traitors" by Tehran, five players have already left the team hotel.

Iran players salute during their national anthem during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026.

Luka Gadrani anchors Beitar Jerusalem’s defense as championship race heats up

Gadrani, who joined the club at the end of September from Kairat Almaty, has been one of the standouts as the Georgian national team defender provides a cool, calm, and collected presence.

BEITAR JERUSALEM defender Luka Gadrani has brought stability to the club’s back line since arriving from Kairat Almaty, helping the capital side stay in title contention.

Trump urges Iranian diplomats to seek asylum, vows total defeat of regime

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper also gave a press conference at CENTCOM HQ, Florida, addressing the ongoing operation against Iran.

Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi gestures on the day US President Donald Trump honors reigning Major League Soccer (MLS) champion Inter Miami CF players and team officials with an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, March 5, 2026.