Iran’s World Cup campaign has come to an end with a stinging statement aimed at the treatment they endured throughout their time at the tournament.

A 1-1 draw with Egypt on Saturday, in which a late Iran goal was controversially disallowed following a lengthy VAR review, wasn’t enough to send Iran through to the knockout stages, finishing in ninth place in the third-place table and missing out on goal difference.

It ends a World Cup campaign overshadowed by logistical issues and ongoing tensions stemming from Iran’s conflict with the United States, with the team forced to base themselves in Mexico rather than their original Arizona location.

After the switch of training bases, strict restrictions on how long they could stay in the US for led to the Iran Football Federation making a complaint to FIFA.

Iran’s Federation Hits Out in Farewell Statement

REUTERS/Matthew Childs

As the squad prepared to head home, the Iranian federation released a statement thanking the media for their coverage of the situation, while making clear their frustrations with how they’d been treated throughout the tournament. They said, per RTE:

The federation also praised the people of Mexico, adding: “We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the wonderful people of Mexico, especially the beautiful city of Tijuana and its kind and warm-hearted residents. You welcomed us with generosity and genuine hospitality that made us feel at home. For all of us, leaving Tijuana is truly difficult.

“The memories we created here, the friendships we built, and the affection we received will remain forever in the hearts of every member of the Iran National Football Team.

“We will always be grateful to the great and generous people of Mexico, as well as to the Government of Mexico, for their hospitality and respect.”

It’s not the first gesture of gratitude Iran has shown during their stay. After their group games in Los Angeles and Seattle, handwritten notes were left in their dressing rooms thanking each host city for its hospitality.

Mehdi Taremi Calls World Cup a “Disaster”

Iranian captain Mehdi Taremi had some scathing words for FIFA and the Trump Administration after the Egypt game, branding the experience a “disaster” and revealing logistical staff had been unable to secure visas throughout the tournament. “We don’t have our logistic people here – they don’t have a visa. How is it possible we always have to travel from Tijuana?

Much like the notes that were left, Taremi was keen to praise the hospitality shown by their hosts in Mexico, insisting the issues lay solely with the tournament’s organisation rather than the people who welcomed them throughout their stay.

Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their attempt to replace Mohamed Salah this summer, but may now have found a solution to the setback.

The Reds were hoping to make 19-year-old RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande their statement signing this summer. However, it now looks as though the winger’s preference would be to join Paris Saint-Germain instead.

Liverpool had shown a willingness of proposing a €100million package for the teenager, but Leipzig were hoping for €130million if they can’t lure Diomande to a new deal.

Paris is believed to be the Ivorian’s preferred destination if he is to leave Leipzig this summer and GIVEMESPORT understands that Liverpool have now accepted that they will have to seek alternatives, which they may have already found.

Liverpool plan talks with Barcola

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According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Liverpool are “planning new contacts” with PSG winger Bradley Barcola.

Moretto said before last season concluded that the Reds had a three-man shortlist to replace Salah, including Barcola and Diomande, while Bayern Munich star Michael Olise was deemed “almost an impossible dream”.

Barcola would likely cost less than the proposed figure Leipzig are demanding for Diomande while, in an interesting twist, his gametime in Paris could be reduced as a result of the potential arrival of the Ivorian.

The 23-year-old joined PSG from Lyon almost three years ago and has gone from strength to strength in the French capital.

Last season saw the winger make 49 appearances across all competitions as PSG lifted the Champions League for a second consecutive season, netting 13 goals and registering seven assists. He has also gotten his World Cup off to a positive start, scoring and assisting once for France.

Barcola is a suitable Diomande alternative

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Although Diomande registered better numbers in front of goal last season with 23 goal contributions in 36 appearances, and is four years Barcola’s junior, the Frenchman is still one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.

Described as “one of the world’s best wingers”, the 23-year-old is arguably underappreciated in Paris considering the wealth of attacking talent they have with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Boasting blistering pace and skill, Barcola could prove to be an extremely useful addition for new boss Andoni Iraola. At 23, the Frenchman still boasts plenty of potential but has already lifted an array of silverware with PSG and is expected to go far in the World Cup with France. His versatility also means he can fit on either flank.

The winger has two years left on his contract at the Parc des Princes and isn’t expected to cost as much as Diomande, especially if the Ivorian’s destination is Paris.

British No.1 Emma Raducanu has secured a lucrative pay day despite pulling out of Wimbledon due to injury the day before the tournament was set to begin.

The 2021 US Open winner underwent scans on Sunday evening that revealed she has a stress fracture in her lower right leg. The 23-year-old had been managing an issue in the leg for some weeks now, including wearing a protective boot and missing training sessions in order to rest.

However, the tests confirmed Raducanu’s attempts to recover in time to play at the All England Club have proved unsuccessful.

Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon Earnings Revealed

Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

Despite her withdrawal, Raducanu, who was seeded 30th, will collect half of her first-round prize money as this is guaranteed to her under the rules of the tournament.

All first-round participants earn £80,000, so Raducanu – currently 33rd in the WTA rankings – has secured a £40,000 pay day.

At a Wimbledon press conference, she said she had been dealing with a lower leg niggle that she had been managing since before Queen’s and the back end of the clay court season.

She said she had done everything possible to try and be fit for her home Grand Slam, but ultimately, this was not possible.

Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

On Sunday, she had practised and earlier in the day told the media she was prepared to accept more risk to try and take part because it is Wimbledon.

Raducanu’s Wimbledon Withdrawal Statement

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly, I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu confirmed on her Instagram.

“Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.”

Andrew Couldridge via Reuters

Raducanu had been scheduled to face Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic on Court 1 on Monday, but said she had been medically advised to not take part. Her replacement has been named as Latvian Darja Semenistaja. Ranked 112th in the world, she was the sixth seed in qualifying and lost in straight sets to Russia’s Anastasia Gasanova.

Elsewhere at the All England Club, Serena Williams will return to play singles for the first time in four years, 10 years after the most recent of her seven championship wins.

The total prize money for the championships in 2026 is £64,200,000, with the ladies’ and men’s singles champions each receiving £3,600,000. Total prize money has increased 20% on the prior year.