Sports

Iran Women’s Team Facing Death Penalty Upon Return From Asian Cup

Published

4 months ago

March 9, 2026

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The Iranian women’s football team is facing a worrying return to their home country after being knocked out of the Asian Cup. The team have now left their training camp in Australia, but are said to potentially ‘face dire consequences’ upon their return to Iran.

The major concern for the footballers stems from their decision not to sing their country’s national anthem before their first game against South Korea last week. State-controlled television in Iran responded by labelling the protest ‘the pinnacle of dishonour’ and ‘the height of shamelessness and betrayal’.

That came just 48 hours after the USA and Israel assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Iran engaged in military conflict with both nations. Mohammad Reza Shahbazi, a presenter, warned on live TV (per Mail Sport):

“In times of war, traitors must be dealt with more harshly. Anyone who takes even a single step against the country during wartime must face stronger consequences.”

Fears are growing that the football players could face jail time or even the death penalty as a result of their protest, which they did not repeat in the following Asian Cup match. Corruption and treason are both punishable by execution in Iran.

It’s not the first instance of Iran’s football team taking a stand. The men’s side did the same at the 2022 World Cup, refusing to sing the anthem or celebrate any goals in their opening match against England in Qatar.

However, the situation has now turned scary as footage emerged on social media of the women’s team bus, with protestors carrying the Lion and Sun flag, which predates the 1979 Islamic Revolution and is used today as a symbol of resistance against the current regime.

Those protesting were seen banging on the side of the bus and yelling ‘let them go’ as over 46,000 people have signed a petition, urging Australia not to allow the players to return to danger in Iran.

At least one of the players is reported to have made the international SOS signal from inside the bus. She tucked her thumb into her palm and folded her fingers down over it, which is a signal of distress. Watch the worrying footage below:

Donald Trump Gets Involved Amid Strong Fears

President Donald J. Trump delivers the first State of the Union address

President of the United States, Donald Trump, has now weighed in on the matter shortly after it was reported that five Iranian players had successfully sought refuge in Australia.

The 79-year-old slammed Australia for potentially allowing the women to return to Iran to ‘most likely be killed’. He claimed that the United States of America would give asylum to the footballers if Australia didn’t. He posted to X:

“Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed.

“Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Sports

Rangers Readying Swap Deal for Premier League Goalkeeper

Published

17 minutes ago

June 26, 2026

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Rangers have set their sights on Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and are preparing a swap deal for the Croatian, according to Alan Nixon.

Pandur has emerged as a target as the Gers look to add a senior shot-stopper to new manager Derek McInnes’ squad. They are said to have also explored a move for Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, but are now focused on Hull’s number one.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a fine season with the Tigers, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He has been at MKM Stadium since January 2024 and has just one year left on his contract.

Rangers Ready Swap Deal For Pandur

Nixon claims on Patreon that Rangers don’t want to pay Hull’s £10million asking price for Pandur. Instead, they are willing to send Jack Butland in the opposite direction.

The 33-year-old was Danny Rohl’s number one throughout last season, appearing 55 times across competitions. A player plus cash deal could appeal to the newly-promoted Premier League side.

Pandur is currently on international duty with Croatia at the World Cup but could be on the move during the tournament. McInnes will expect to be backed in the summer transfer window, and the Croat could be the first of many new faces to arrive at Ibrox.

Sports

Crystal Palace Want £26m ‘Warrior’ to Replace Lacroix

Published

37 minutes ago

June 26, 2026

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Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell as a potential Maxence Lacroix replacement, according to Alan Nixon.

Lacroix looks likely to be headed for the exit door at Selhurst Park as Chelsea look to sign the French centre-back. Fabrizio Romano reports that the west London outfit have started talks to bring the 26-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Palace sold Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January for £20m, and losing Lacroix will be a massive blow. He’s been a rock in central defence ever since arriving from VfL Wolfsburg in August 2024 for £18m.

Newly-appointed Eagles boss Pierre Sage will have been keen on working with the player who earned a call-up to France’s squad for the World Cup. Steve Parish’s transfer chiefs appear to be putting plans in place to try to deal with his exit and could turn to Cresswell.

New Crystal Palace boss is a big fan of Cresswell

Nixon reports on his Patreon that Palace are “looking into a deal for Cresswell” and Sage is a “big fan.” He’ll have come up against the former Leeds United man during his time coaching Lens and Lyon in Ligue 1.

Cresswell joined Toulouse from Leeds back in July 2024 for £3.8m, and he’s been a mainstay in the French team ever since. Last season, he made 32 appearances across competitions, even posting four goals and three assists.

Palace could sign the former England U21 international “if the price is right,” and he’s viewed as an ideal replacement for Lacroix. His powerful profile and “warrior” playing style could be a good fit.

Palace may not reinvest Lacroix money at all

There is a possibility that the South London outfit sticks with their current options. Chadi Riad has been excellent since returning from injury and has been a standout performer for Morocco at the World Cup.

Jaydee Canvot stepped up following Guehi’s departure and earned a regular starting berth in Oliver Glasner’s side. He partnered Lacroix and the always consistent Chris Richards in defence.

Cresswell could be a solid addition to Sage’s squad, but shouldn’t be viewed as a priority. A previous report from The Athletic claims that Toulouse values the player at around £26m after rebuffing an offer from Wolfsburg in January.

Palace could be aided by their relationship with the Ligue 1 club, from whom they signed Canvot last summer. They paid £23m for the young French centre-back and might be able to draw on prior business between the two clubs.

Crystal Palace Eyeing Move to Sign ‘Outstanding’ Celtic Star

Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing a move to sign a Celtic star.

Sports

Spurs Offer ‘Fast’ Star £275,000-a-Week Contract

Published

1 hour ago

June 26, 2026

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Tottenham have received a big boost in their reported bid to land a statement Premier League deal this summer. Spurs have been one of the busiest teams in the summer transfer window so far, snapping up four new signings already, including Martin Dubravka, who is their latest signing.

Roberto De Zerbi wants a whole new look to his Tottenham squad, and few can blame him, given how poorly Spurs have performed in the last two Premier League campaigns. There is a real ‘enough is enough’ feel to this particular Tottenham recruitment drive, and money will continue to be spent over the coming weeks and months.

Signing a midfielder is now at the top of Tottenham’s priority list, and there is good news for the North London on that front.

Tonali ready to make the move

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has emerged as one of Tottenham’s top targets in this window. In fact, Spurs have already seen a £75million offer for the Italian rejected, with Newcastle holding out for something between £80million and £90million.

There were reports doing the rounds that Tonali would prefer a move elsewhere as he looks to play Champions League football, but according to a fresh report from Sky Sports News. that is not the case.

According to the report, Tonali is, in fact, ready to join Tottenham, as long as they can reach a deal with a current club. It’s reported the midfielder is keen to play for De Zerbi, and he is said to have been offered £275,000-per-week to make the move to Hotspur Way.

Why do Tottenham want Tonali?

Sandro Tonali applauding the Newcastle United supporters

Tottenham are willing to spend big money to land Tonali, and that’s because they know they would be getting a proven Premier League player who is capable of playing in just about any midfield. De Zerbi wants this Spurs side to be dominant and attacking, and that’s what Tonali brings.

The Italian is an aggressive player whose game revolves around winning the ball back as quick as possible and driving up the pitch. Described as ‘fast’ and a ‘complete midfielder’ who is able to play as a six, eight and a 10 by The Athletic, Tonali – pardon the pun – is a tone-setting midfielder who demands those around him to play with an attacking mindset.

He is not the player for a more patient and structured team, but that is not how De Zerbi wants this Spurs team to play. He wants front-footed football, and Tonali can help make that happen.