From @theathleticfc.bsky.social: When the Iran team landed in Mexico for the World Cup, players wore pins that read "#168."
The design commemorates the number of children killed at a school on the first day of the U.S.-Iran conflict. nyti.ms/4vDgEI6
The New York Times
With the same sense of timing “Le Roi” showed in the number 10 jersey for Juve & France, Michel Platini has popped up in World Cup week to start civil & criminal proceedings against FIFA & its president Gianni Infantino. Revenge is a dish…
www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...
Joined World Sport on @cnn.com to talk about Iran's World Cup preparations after my reporting from their training camp in Turkiye.
You can read more on that story here (free): www.nytimes.com/athletic/733...
👀 New episode of @theathleticfc.bsky.social just dropped
Panel alongside me @mjslater.bsky.social @adamcrafton.bsky.social & Jay Harris
Enjoy & drop in your comments
youtu.be/ml7GSyYZo0M
Iran wore '#168' pins honouring no. of children reportedly lost in Minab attack, on Mexico arrival. They held up school bags & pictures during March friendlies.
Act of remembrance or political messaging & what now at WC?
Free read on @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...
🎧 I’m going to be presenting @theathleticfc.bsky.social shows during the World Cup.
First one today looking at what will make the tournament a success on and off the field with @adamcrafton.bsky.social @mjslater.bsky.social & Jay Harris
Pop it in your ears ⬇️
pod.fo/e/42d143
When war started this moment looked unlikely, but Iran have now departed for WC. Spent 4 days with in Türkiye as they prepared. Watched training, match & spoke to players & officials as visa row went into last 24hrs.
Read free on @theathleticfc.bsky.social here ⬇️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/733...
Speaking re Iran at World Cup with @bbc5live.bsky.social this morning.
Iran want FIFA to step in re visa issues which is complicated further by resumption of conflict in real world.
Uncertainty all the way until nation's first game against NZ to continue, and potentially throughout tournament.
Iran on their way to the WC as we speak. Spent 4 days with them as they prepared to depart in Antalya, Türkiye. Includes interviews and insight from players and staff with war & visa issues still front & centre.
Gift link, free to read on @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/733...
The Iranian team previously held up school bags before a friendly match in March as symbols of commemoration.
