Soccer

Australia grants asylum to five Iranian women soccer players after anthem protest

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.

|ByREUTERS
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.
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.

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.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
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.

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.

|ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN
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.

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.

|ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN

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.

MARCH 5, 2026ByJAMES GENN
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.

Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Yermakov’s resolve in uncertain times

Some foreign players have left Israel and plan to return once the situation calms down. Some, like Georgiy Yermakov, have stayed.

MARCH 5, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
MACCABI HAIFA goalkeeper Georgiy Yermakov remains in Israel during the league’s wartime pause, while balancing the reality of conflict in both his homeland of Ukraine and his adopted home.

Iranian women's soccer team refuses to sing national anthem, chess player calls out regime

The players' actions came as Israel continued its war against Iran in the form of Operation Roaring Lion. As the war progressed, Israel successfully eliminated many of the country's leaders.

MARCH 4, 2026ByTZVI JASPER
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.

Iran considers withdrawing from 2026 FIFA World Cup due to regional conflict

According to the Spanish sports outlet, Iran is set to participate in the tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

MARCH 2, 2026ByKATERYNA POBEREZHNA
PLAYERS OF Iran line up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Qatar and IR Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on June 05, 2025 in Doha, Qatar.

Beitar’s ‘Crazy 8s’: Yitzchaki’s faith rewarded in historic Netanya rout - comment

When Beitar Jerusalem started to score, score, and score some more this week at Maccabi Netanya, you could feel that the floodgates had opened and there was history in the making.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
BEITAR JERUSALEM coach Barak Yitzchaki oversees his side’s emphatic 8-2 victory this week over Maccabi Netanya, a result that reignited the club’s league title charge.

Beitar runs riot over Netanya to remain in title race

Elsewhere, Hapoel Petah Tikva slipped by Maccabi Haifa 1-0 as Mamady Diarra scored the lone goal of the match in the 59th minute to take the points and stay in the Championship Playoff picture.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IT WAS a full team effort for Beitar Jerusalem at Maccabi Netanya, with the capital city side featuring seven different scorers in an 8-2 away rout in league play.

IOC says FIFA president's presence at Board of Peace inaugural meeting doesn't violate neutrality

The boss of global soccer's governing body, who is also an IOC member, took part in Thursday's meeting of the Board of Peace, which is focusing on reconstruction work in Gaza.

FEBRUARY 22, 2026ByREUTERS
FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks, as he and Argentina's President Javier Milei attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, US, February 19, 2026.

Stav Turiel’s brace leads Hapoel Tel Aviv to win over Hapoel Jerusalem in Premier League clash

In addition, Maccabi Haifa and Beersheba secure wins while Beitar honors former hostage Elkana Bohbot before a goalless draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
HAPOEL TEL AVIV players are all smiles during their 3-1 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem at Teddy Stadium.

Noam Shilian’s inspiring journey back to sport

Hapoel Tel Aviv hosted 11-year-old supporter Noam Shilian at training, offering a special moment of connection as he continues rehabilitation from a rare pain condition.

FEBRUARY 15, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Noam Shilian enjoys a private visit with Hapoel Tel Aviv players

Ireland commits to Israel fixtures despite calling for their expulsion

Ireland and Israel will face each other in September and November 2026, home and away. The FAI had requested in November 2025 that Israel be expelled from UEFA competitions.

FEBRUARY 13, 2026ByREUTERS
Barnot Toth of Hungary is challenged by Jack Taylor of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Hungary at on September 06, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland.