19 h. ago World Cup chaos begins early as Iran officials BOYCOTT Washington DC draw over Trump's 'visa restrictions'

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Iranian soccer federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi as saying that officials faced visa obstacles that go beyond sports considerations.

Politics

42 h. ago Iran to boycott World Cup draw in protest over US visa numbers

The delegation will boycott the draw ceremony in Washington next week over what it described as ‘unsportsmanlike actions’ by US officials

Events

42 h. ago Iran to boycott World Cup draw over lack of visa for federation president

Iran among nations under restrictions issued by TrumpSnub for Washington event deemed ‘unrelated to sport’Iran are to boycott next week’s World Cup draw in Washington after the president of the country’s football federation was denied a visa to enter the United States.A spokesperson for the Iranian football federation (FFIRI) described the decision to reject the visa application as “unrelated to sport” and the move raises the prospect of Iran withdrawing from the tournament altogether. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago I'm a Celeb star makes 'lesbian' sex jokes and puts ball back in bag in 'worst cup draw ever'

The Women's League Cup draw descended into chaos and wild sexual innuendo with former I'm a Celeb star GK Barry and her England ace girlfriend Ella Rutherford at the helm

Politics

3 d. ago GK Barry's chaotic hosting of League Cup draw leaves clubs furious: Teams demand answers after I'm A Celeb star made crude sex jokes, put a ball back in the bag

Furious clubs are considering further action with the WSL following Tuesday night's chaotic League Cup draw.

Politics

1 week ago What are the changes in Shabana Mahmood’s asylum crackdown – and how serious is Labour backlash?

Inspired by Denmark’s strict system on asylum seekers, Shabana Mahmood has unveiled her own version to the Commons – but what will it mean, and what has the reaction been to it so far?

Events

1 week ago US slaps new visa restrictions on Nicaraguan travel agencies and tour operators

The United States imposed visa restrictions in April on more than 250 officials of the Nicaraguan government

Transport

1 week ago How Labour’s controversial immigration crackdown could make Britain’s asylum rules among the toughest in Europe

Inspired by Denmark’s strict system on asylum seekers, Shabana Mahmood will unveil her own version in the Commons on Monday - but what will it mean, and what has the reaction been to it so far?

Events

1 week ago World Cup qualifier descends into chaos as furious coach rushes to confront rivals amid penalty shootout ‘voodoo’ row

DR CONGO have denied that they were "doing some voodoo" after claims from Nigeria manager Eric Chelle following the dramatic World Cup play-off on Sunday. Nigeria were beaten by their opponents in the Confederation of Africa (CAF) final on penalties after a 1-1 draw but the game descended into drama. The defeat ends their hopes...

Events

2 w. ago What Scotland need from Denmark showdown to qualify for World Cup 2026 after chaotic penultimate clashes

SO it all comes down to Hampden on Tuesday. A win against Denmark will seal Scotland's place at a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. It's after a remarkable night of drama both in Greece and Denmark. Scotland trailed 3-0 to the Greeks with little over an hour played. It was a...

Politics

2 w. ago Venezuelans sent by Trump to El Salvador endured systematic torture, report finds

Human rights groups accuse Trump officials of complicity and draw comparison with scandal at Abu Ghraib prisonMore than 252 Venezuelans expelled to El Salvador under Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy suffered systematic and prolonged torture and abuse, including sexual assault, during their detention, according to a report published on Wednesday.The report, compiled jointly by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Cristosal – a group investigating violations in Central America – says conditions at El Salvador’s sprawling “terrorist continent center” (Cecot) breached the UN’s standard minimal rules for the treatment of prisoners. It cites “inhumane prison conditions, including prolonged incommunicado detention, inadequate food” and other shortcomings. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Jail with 42 staff recruited from overseas would be left in crisis under new visa rules, warns prisons boss

THE Chief Inspector of prisons has warned that a jail with 42 staff recruited from overseas would be left in crisis if the new visa restrictions are not reversed. Britain’s prisons are facing a staffing shortage as visa rules threaten to force a wave of foreign recruits to return home. There has been a surge...

Events

3 w. ago EU tightens visa restrictions on Russians over the Ukraine war and acts of sabotage

The European Union is making it harder for Russian citizens to enter Europe’s ID-check free travel area

Events

3 w. ago Why Starbucks’ Red Cup Day could be chaotic in 25 cities this year

CEO Brian Niccol has been working to overhaul U.S. store operations in a bid to win back customers

Politics

3 w. ago Fifa create brand new Peace Prize award – with Infantino set to hand it to Donald Trump at World Cup 2026 draw

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino is set to award the organisation’s new “Peace Prize” - to US President Donald Trump. Zurich chiefs announced the establishment of the new award under the tag-line “Football Unites the World”. Fifa said the inaugural prize was be awarded at the finals draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington DC next month....

Politics

3 w. ago Trump ally Infantino to award first Fifa Peace Prize at World Cup draw in DC

New Fifa Peace Prize announced on WednesdayInfantino to present first award on 5 DecemberCeremony set for World Cup draw in WashingtonFifa has announced the creation of a peace prize, which it plans to award at the draw for the World Cup on 5 December in Washington.The award, called the Fifa Peace Prize, will “recognize exceptional actions for peace”, soccer’s governing body said Wednesday. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Celtic v Rangers live: Old Firm chaos continues as Celtic lead League Cup semi

Both Celtic and Rangers have changed managers since the last Old Firm and meet for a place in the League Cup final

Events

3 w. ago Celtic v Rangers live: Old Firm chaos continues as rivals clash in League Cup semi

Both Celtic and Rangers have changed managers since the last Old Firm and meet for a place in the League Cup final

Events