From @theathleticfc.bsky.social: The leader of an illegal streaming gang sentenced to 11 years in prison will face a further 10 years behind bars if he does not return £2.35 million ($3.1 million) within the next three months. nyti.ms/4djs3X2

News: Leader of UK illegal streaming service Flawless, jailed for 11yrs, faces further 10yrs unless he returns proceeds of £2.35m ($3.1m) in next 3 months 4 others have to pay £1.4m ($1.9m) combined to avoid further jail time @theathleticfc.bsky.social ⬇️Free read www.nytimes.com/athletic/724...

If you haven't seen the scene at FIFA Congress. This sums it up.

Some excellent images here of the incident at FIFA Congress via @jdnalton.bsky.social. The distance between the two FAs, and the desperation of Gianni as the plan doesn't come together is clear to see.

Embarrassing for FIFA Pres Infantino at Congress after Palestine FA Pres Rajoub doesn't go along with his wish to pose for photo/handshake with Israel FA VP Suliman. No surprise after Palestine official had outlined frustration with FIFA in speech. Football doesn't unite the world that easily Gianni

FIFA President Gianni Infantino starts his address at Congress in Vancouver by confirming that Iran will be participating at the World Cup and they will play in the USA.

At FIFA Congress in Vancouver they do a roll call of all 211 members nations — they actually read out every single one and say present or absent — like a morning registration at school. The only "absent" we heard was ... Iran. Due to one of the Iranian party being declined access to Canada.

1/2 Strong words from Geoff Pipoly representing Haitian challengers in Supreme Court hearing. Called DHS review into TPS cancellation a "sham" with agency staff "forced to include rationales" with "no empirical support" & true reason was Trump's "racial animus towards non-white immigrants"

1/2 Strong words from Geoff Pipoly representing Haitian challengers in Supreme Court hearing. Called DHS review into TPS cancellation a "sham" with agency staff "forced to include rationales" with "no empirical support" & true reason was Trump's "racial animus towards non-white immigrants"

Detailed summary (below) of TPS Haiti hearing from yesterday from @scotusblog.com, which looks to be close call. Likely decision late June/early July during WC means uncertainty for Haiti fans in US affected as discussed here for @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...

The court appeared divided over the Trump administration’s efforts to strip citizens of Haiti and Syria of protections under a program allowing foreign citizens to remain in the U.S. when the U.S. government believes it's not safe for them to go home.

Oral arguments into Haiti TPS case going on right now at Supreme Court: www.supremecourt.gov/oral_argumen... Story here re impact on 350k Haitians in US here for @theathleticfc.bsky.social & link to impact for WC fans: www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...

Earthquakes, president's killing, gang warfare & disease are part of WC nation Haiti's story (unable to play there since '21) Today a key Supreme Court hearing on 350k US-based Haitians right to remain adds to pre-WC uncertainty that also includes fear of ICE Free ⬇️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...

Earthquakes, president's killing, gang warfare & disease are part of WC nation Haiti's story (unable to play there since '21) Today a key Supreme Court hearing on 350k US-based Haitians right to remain adds to pre-WC uncertainty that also includes fear of ICE Free ⬇️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...

From @theathleticfc.bsky.social: While Haiti are looking forward to their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, their fans are closely monitoring a Supreme Court hearing on their right to remain in the U.S. “Being a Haitian in America right now is pretty frightening.”

“Being a Haitian in America now is pretty frightening. Everything feels like we’re on a pause. Fear, limbo & a whole lot of uncertainty" While Haiti looks forward to a first WC in 52 years, fans in US face uncertain future in immigration battle v Trump. Free read ⬇️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...

New: Haiti at first WC for 52yrs, but 350k US-based Haitians face uncertain future. Pres Trump ended temporary protected status & wants to send them back to a troubled nation US doesn't deem safe Free read on key forthcoming court date for @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/722...

Illegal streaming evidence inc... - Tehran apartments £3.5m/$4.7m - Bitcoin £2.9m/$3.9m - Barcelona apartment £1.5m/$2m - Mercs £250k/$340k - Rolex watches £45k/$60k ...from 8yr case v 'Dash, The Iranian' et al. Free read on @theathleticfc.bsky.social here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Illegal streaming evidence inc... - Tehran apartments £3.5m/$4.7m - Bitcoin £2.9m/$3.9m - Barcelona apartment £1.5m/$2m - Mercs £250k/$340k - Rolex watches £45k/$60k ...from 8yr case v 'Dash, The Iranian' et al. Free read on @theathleticfc.bsky.social here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Illegal streaming ringleader 'Dash, The Iranian' owner of Mercs, Rolex watches, luxury real estate in Spain & apartment block in Tehran jailed for 23 months & fined £7.5m ($10.2m). This for @theathleticfc.bsky.social (free read) goes behind scenes of 8yr operation. www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

FFS on BBC… …after the fake football shirts raid (read here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...) went on the beeb today to discuss that and wider investigative work I’ve carried out on this contentious element of the football industry. 🎧👇

An illegal streaming ringleader has been fined £7.5million ($10.2m) and sentenced to 23 months in prison following the conclusion of an eight-year investigation. Full story from @adamleventhal.bsky.social here ⬇️ 🔗 nyti.ms/4mIPmgb

Illegal streaming ringleader 'Dash, The Iranian' owner of Mercs, Rolex watches, luxury real estate in Spain & apartment block in Tehran jailed for 23 months & fined £7.5m ($10.2m). This for @theathleticfc.bsky.social (free read) goes behind scenes of 8yr operation. www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Excl: joined police at one of largest UK open markets, 4400 fake shirts seized in pre-WC raid. Loss to legit market approx £400k($540k). 1 arrested on suspicion of distributing counterfeits. Fakes rise due to genuine prices (£20v£80+). Read @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

Excl: joined police at one of largest UK open markets, 4400 fake shirts seized in pre-WC raid. Loss to legit market approx £400k($540k). 1 arrested on suspicion of distributing counterfeits. Fakes rise due to genuine prices (£20v£80+). Read @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

From @theathleticfc.bsky.social: More than 4,400 fake football shirts have been seized by UK police in the biggest raid of a pre-World Cup crackdown. nyti.ms/42k7bZo

Over 4,400 fake football shirts have been seized by UK police in the biggest raid of a new pre-World Cup crackdown. The early morning operation took place in the Midlands on Saturday at one of the largest outdoor markets in the country. Full story from @adamleventhal.bsky.social 🔗 nyti.ms/48dNoyi

Excl: 4400 fake football shirts seized by UK Police in biggest raid of new pre-WC crackdown. Op at one of the largest open markets in the UK on Saturday. Fans fed up with high prices but police warn of wider criminality. Free read here @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

I’ll be honest I don’t know what gets traction on here, but I saw this today in Lausanne and I thought I’d share it as people might like it, especially in the current climate.

And that’s what it all means - the full World Cup 2026 12 group & 48 team breakdown including the 6 play-off winners. Image: @theathleticfc.bsky.social

And now all 6 remaining World Cup places are sorted - Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czechia, Turkey and Sweden go through from Europe. With DR Congo & Iraq making it from the intercontinentals The full 48 (inc Iran according to Infantino) that will play in U.S. / Canada / Mexico are locked in.

So 4 of the 6 remaining World Cup places sorted - Bosnia & Herzegovina (and not Italy), Czechia, Turkey and Sweden go through from Europe. DR Congo/Jamaica in play right now and Iraq/Bolivia later. Then we’ll know all 48 that will play in U.S. / Canada / Mexico.

By the way, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was at Iran's game with Costa Rica earlier today in Turkey & met with Iran Football Fed officials, had photos with them & the team and basically says everything is fine, they will be at the WC and play in the US. More here www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

Live updates from @theathleticfc.bsky.social's team of reporters at grounds keeping tabs on the WC play-off finals tonight. I'm keeping a close eye on the Danes in Prague... www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0 in warm-up game ahead of World Cup this afternoon. Match took place in Antalya, Turkey where they faced Nigeria (1-2) last week due to being unable to play in Tehran. Next scheduled game v NZ, June 15 at Sofi in LA in WC group stage, but so much to be finalised before then

Iran men’s soccer team makes schoolbag tribute in anthem as World Cup uncertainty remains. @colinmillar.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

World Cup play-offs: Who went through? What are the match-ups in the finals? www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

Enjoyed watching the Danes win their PO semi v North Macedonia 4-0 tonight. Ended the game hand in hand celebrating with their fans, in contrast to heads in hands after Hampden, the half way line and all that against Scotland. @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

Just to keep you (ahem) posted that I’m at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the International Sports Convention. International break breather from football here.

Nigel Farage, Ipswich Town and a curious row over a party political video from @dansheldon.bsky.social Ipswich: "apolitical" & "does not support or endorse any individual or party." But allowing such overt political show in your ground looks to be a real own goal. www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

Important World Cup questions answered here www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

Should be a really interesting international break, which isn't always the case tbh. Final 6 (of 48!) WC spots from 22 Euro and Intercontinental teams to whittle down. Joined big @theathleticfc.bsky.social cast of writers to get you ready. 🎁 Gift link / free read. www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

Main catalyst for new law, explained by @mjslater.bsky.social below, was invaders into Wembley pre Euros final in 2021 as relaxation of lockdown rules created dangerous atmosphere & fans stormed perimeter & then tailgated & much more. Filmed this as I stood outside that day.

Iran women back home after week-long journey, 2 remain in Australia. 5 opted to reject humanitarian visas & met teammates in Malaysia after leaving Australia. Squad then flew to Turkey via Oman before road crossing into Iran on Weds. @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

Amazing experience to be at Camp Nou to see Barca (and the stadium rebuild) in the flesh this evening for the 7-2 goal fest. Incredible atmosphere and lucky (thanks to friends) to have vantage point right next to the dugouts. 😎

Bonkers story this… Morocco crowned AFCON winners 57 days after final as Senegal’s victory declared void. Explained by @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/712...

Iran negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup matches from United States to Mexico, says embassy. @theathleticfc.bsky.social - free to read. www.nytimes.com/athletic/712...

Developments in the Iran Women - Australia humanitarian asylum story yesterday. Three more Iran players decide to return home after claiming asylum, says Australian immigration minister. Details @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social & @samjoseph17.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

Infantino’s approach has been a procession of knee-bending public gestures, which, when taken together, lay bare the extent to which he's been prepared to degrade both his & FIFA’s reputation at the altar of Trump’s good graces. Analysis @adamcrafton.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

What happens when athletes, like the Iranian footballers, defect? This is a piece about some of them, including an amazing man called Paul Szabo, a Romanian fencer who walked out of the Olympic village in 1976 & has been in Canada ever since www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...