FIFA optimistic amid chaos 100 days out from the World Cup
The Straits Times
Co-host US joined Israel last weekend in starting a war with Iran, which has qualifed for football's showpiece. Read more at straitstimes.com.
NEW YORK – Despite the unprecedented situation of a host country being at war with a World Cup qualifier, FIFA is still optimistic about its upcoming tournament that is 100 days away from kicking off.
The US joined Israel last weekend in starting a war with Iran, which is scheduled to play its first World Cup match in mid-June in Los Angeles. No decision has been made on Iran’s participation, with a FIFA official saying on Feb 28 that the organiser is monitoring the situation.
The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, warned within hours of the start of the war that his nation could refuse to play in the tournament, saying “we cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope”.
US President Donald Trump said on March 3 that he did not care whether Iran participated in the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s message on March 3 to mark 100 days to go until kick-off, avoided directly mentioning the war, saying only the World Cup “will have the world coming together, and this is probably the most important fact in this particular period of time”.
However, Amy Hopfinger, FIFA’s chief business and strategy officer, said on March 3 during an interview for the Bloomberg Business of Soccer podcast that the organisation was working closely with host cities and governments to “make sure that we are delivering the most safe and secure World Cup that we possibly can.”
March 15 - World number two Jannik Sinner said Daniil Medvedev had found his best form again ahead of Sunday's Indian Wells title clash between the duo, heaping praise on the Russian's serving and returns in a solid start to the season. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 15 - Toko Koga scored twice as Japan stayed on course for a third Women's Asian Cup title with a 7-0 win over the Philippines in Sydney on Sunday, setting up a semi-final against South Korea. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 15 - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reprimanded Pakistan batter Salman Agha for his reaction to a controversial run-out in the second One-Day International against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 15 - Daniil Medvedev said his Indian Wells semi-final win over Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday would prove nothing more than a temporary setback for the Spaniard, and that he and Jannik Sinner were playing at a totally different level from the rest of the tour. Read more at straitstimes.com.
PARIS, March 15 - France head coach Fabien Galthie hailed Louis Bielle-Biarrey as a “lethal weapon” following in the footsteps of Antoine Dupont after the winger’s four-try masterclass helped secure a dramatic Six Nations title-clinching victory over England on Saturday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - All who wander up and down the leaderboard are not lost. Read more at straitstimes.com.
People feared for the safety of seven delegation members after they refused to sing Iran's national anthem. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The fourth-placed Lakers are currently on a four-game winning streak. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 14 - The U.S. and Israel's conflict with Iran has led to sporting events being postponed in the region, while competitions elsewhere have been hit by travel disruption, with thousands of flights cancelled in some of the world's busiest transit hubs. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The 52-year-old sits atop the leaderboard with Joaquin Niemann heading into the final round. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 14 - World number one Aryna Sabalenka said players must halt points straightaway to seek a video review for hindrance and not wait to decide, after Daniil Medvedev's dispute with Jack Draper sparked controversy at Indian Wells. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Victory also ensured their direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 13 - Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina moved into the Indian Wells final with straight-sets victories over Linda Noskova and Elina Svitolina on Friday, setting up a rematch of their Australian Open Grand Slam title clash. Read more at straitstimes.com.