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      I was beaten unconscious by Iranian government henchmen for listening to music – Fifa must kick my country out World Cup

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      AN IRANIAN schoolgirl beaten unconscious by government henchmen for listening to music has urged Fifa to kick her country out of the World Cup.Mahnaz, 17, was walking home with two friends when the brutes from the Basij morals militia began interrogating them.
      Fifa has been urged to kick Iran out of the World Cup after a teen girl was beaten by government henchmenCredit: AFP
      Iranian Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody following her arrest for not wearing her hijab correctlyCredit: Newsflash
      When Mahnaz — whose true ID we are concealing — questioned why they were stopped, one responded by punching her in the head, knocking her out.
      She has written about her ordeal for thesun.co.uk — and wants Fifa to act ahead of Iran’s cup opener against England in less than three weeks.
      Mahnaz said: “Ever since it happened I jump up in horror when someone rings our doorbell.
      “I am convinced that every siren I hear on the streets is meant for me or my family. This is normal life in Iran now but I don’t think the rest of the world realises how bad it has become.
      READ MORE ON IRAN
      “Hopefully, the attention of the World Cup will change that.
      “People love football here and have a huge pride in the national team.
      “But the protests have changed everything. People now feel the team represents not the nation of Iran but the regime and all of its aggression.”
      Mahnaz also demanded action over Iran’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The country has supplied kamikaze drones and deployed experts.
      Most read in The Sun
      She said: “How can Fifa support that?”
      At least 270 people have been killed and 14,000 arrested in the Iranian regime’s crackdown on protests.
      Read More on The Sun
      The uprising began when student Mahsa Amini, 22, died in custody following her arrest for not wearing her hijab correctly.
      Fifa declined to comment.
      Mahnaz’s plea
      WHEN I was younger I loved my life in Iran playing with my friends and going to school.
      I thought the life we had here was the same as for every other young girl in the world – but now I know different.
      Two weeks ago, I was walking home from school with two friends.
      We were gossiping about things at school and listening to music, just like teenage girls everywhere.
      But what happened next doesn’t happen in most other places.
      Three men in Basij uniforms stopped us and began asking us questions about the music and what we had in our bags.
      They pushed us and were very aggressive so I asked: “Who are you?”
      The answer came instantly – a fist to my eye.
      I fell to the ground in agony and then everything went black.
      The next thing I knew was when I was back at home. When I woke I couldn’t see very well and the light sent strokes of pain through my eyes into my head.
      My family was afraid to call a doctor so we contacted a nurse who lives in our block.
      It might sound crazy but my family was terrified that being hit by the Basij would be considered a sign of guilt.
      Ever since it happened I jump up in horror when someone rings our doorbell, terrified it is the Basij again.
      I am convinced that every siren I hear on the streets is meant for me or my family.
      I don’t know what I have done wrong, so I don’t know what they will punish me for.
      It wasn’t as if we were not wearing the hijab correctly, like some of the brave women in the recent protests.
      We were just walking home from school listening to music.
      I never thought this could happen here. My three brothers have a good business, my father is a well-respected war veteran and my mother educated many children as a school teacher.
      We are a good family and have never done anything wrong.
      But since the protests in Tehran everything changed and the Basij now roam the streets looking for people to challenge to enforce their rules – even teenage girls.
      This is normal life in Iran now, but I don’t think the rest of the world realises how bad it has become.
      Hopefully the attention of the World Cup will change that.
      People love football here and have a huge pride in the national team.
      We all celebrated when the team qualified for Qatar and we were really hoping they would do well – we even thought they might beat England!
      But the protests have changed everything. People now feel the team represents not the nation of Iran, but the regime and all of its aggression against its own people.
      How can we support the national team when the Basij are attacking people like me on the street on for no reason?
      And how can Fifa allow a country that acts like Iran to compete in the World Cup?
      Russia was banned for invading Ukraine but our government is now helping Russia fight in Ukraine.
      How can Fifa support that – and how can the rest of the world let it happen?
      Fifa must take a stand and ban Iran from the World Cup.
      But however bad it feels for us at the moment, there is still hope.
      As the regime tries to force the population to live in a certain way the weakest link naturally suffers the most.
      In Iran, the regime considers that women are the weakest link – but they are wrong.
      In an Iranian household, the mother calls the shots.
      It is from our mothers that we get our strength and determination – and our hope that one day change will happen in Iran.
      We have no idea when that change will come – but it will happen eventually, of that we are certain.
      And when it does girls will be able to listen to music on their way home from school once more – and we will all support our team at the World Cup again. More

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      Ukraine appeal for England opponents Iran to be KICKED OUT of World Cup for ‘supplying weapons to Russia’

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      UKRAINE have appealed for Fifa to ban Iran from the World Cup for allegedly supplying weapons to Russia. Iran are scheduled to be in Group B with England, Wales and United States – with their first match against the Three Lions three weeks today.
      Iran, managed by Carlos Queiroz, are at risk of being booted out of the World CupCredit: Getty
      However, Sky Sports state the executive committee of the Ukrainian FA want to see the country booted out of the tournament before a ball is kicked – and have sent a formal request to Fifa.
      The war-ravaged nation has already accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia to aid their illegal invasion of Ukraine.
      And now the national association are joining with Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin in demanding Iran’s elimination.
      There are also growing calls for Fifa to banish Iran from Qatar 2022 due to their oppressive regime and human rights record – which the Ukrainian FA state is a violation of Articles 3 and 4 of Fifa’s laws.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Ukraine cited “systematic manifestations of human right violations in Iran and the “alleged involvement of Iran in the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine” as part of their appeal to have the Middle Eastern national excluded from the World Cup.
      Should Iran be disqualified, Fifa would need to find a late replacement in Group B.
      Ukraine lost to Wales in their qualifying play-off for a place at the tournament and would be many people’s choice given the ongoing war, which has already led to Russia’s suspension.
      However, there is no precedent for this and the slot would more likely be filled by going back through the qualification steps.
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      Iran topped AFC qualifying Group A ahead of South Korea in second – with both sides advancing to the tournament automatically and third-placed UAE going into a play-off.
      There, they lost to Australia who then beat Peru to secure their place.
      Fifa has a limit of two European nations per World Cup group so Ukraine would likely be overlooked meaning Iran or possibly Peru step in should Iran be booted out 21 days before they start their campaign.
      Former Iran captain Ali Karimi was the target of an attempted kidnapping in the UAE.
      The 127-cap hero went public with comments following the shocking arrest and death in custody three days later of Mahsa Amini, 22, in September for wearing her hijab incorrectly.
      As reported by The Times, that resulted in an arrest warrant, accusing Karimi of “collusion with the intention of acting against national security”.
      Mehdi Rostampour has detailed how an elaborate social media plan to capture the former Bayern Munich playmaker was devised.

      Wales beat Ukraine to secure their spot at Qatar 2022Credit: The Times More

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      Chelsea and Lionesses star Lauren James on Fifa 23 inspiration, chats with brother Reece and staying humble

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      LAUREN JAMES admits herself that she is a woman of few words.When she received a phone call from an unknown number in August, a combination of her shyness and easy-going nature meant she let it ring out, only to realise it was Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman telling her she would be making her England debut.
      Lauren James admits she hopes to “inspire” with Fifa 23 her introduction
      The Chelsea forward made her senior England debut earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      Spending time with her older brother Reece, they rarely talk about their joint experiences of playing for Chelsea and their country, preferring to keep football separate if they can.
      And even when asked if she is happy with her rating of 73 on Fifa 23 – a game that includes women’s clubs for the first time – she simply replied: “Nah.”
      After a wry smile, speaking at the Women’s Football Summit, presented by EA SPORTS, she continued: “I guess the stats are based on last season.
      “Hopefully I have a good season and next year my ratings go up.
      Read more on Chelsea
      “But, it is inspiration for young girls, being able to actually play with women on Fifa.
      “When I was growing up, I could only play with the men.
      “Had I been able to play the game as a kid and see women’s faces, I would have thought: ‘That could be me one day’.
      “And now, it makes them think: ‘I want to be up there playing’.
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      “They will see us on the screens and want to be like us. It has come a long way.”
      James, 21, has also come a long way, having made her name as a teenager at Arsenal before moves to Manchester United and now Emma Hayes’ Blues.
      Her meteoric rise reached stratospheric levels when recently donning the Lionesses badge for the first time against Austria and Czech Republic.
      James said: “My name has been around for a few years but I still feel young. I am still fresh.
      “Sometimes it can be forgotten about, my age. I guess I do have a lot to learn and improve and still to prove myself.
      “As long as I keep doing myself and what I am doing each day with the games coming up, it gives me a chance to prove that.
      “There are a lot of superstars at Chelsea. I have had the right support system around me to keep me grounded and trying not to let the pressure hit me.
      “As you can tell I am quite a chilled person so I try not to let it affect me.”
      On whether Reece is part of that support system, she said: “We are both proud of each other but we don’t really talk about football together.
      James is shining for the Blues after an injury-hampered first seasonCredit: Getty
      Lauren says her brother Reece played a huge part in her developmentCredit: Getty
      “We have a really close relationship but we tend to keep football separate.
      “If something needs to be said then we talk about it but because we live and breathe it and do it every day, it is nice to talk about other things.”
      James’ move to Chelsea last summer was hampered by injuries, with question marks over whether her big move to west London was a mistake.
      But she is now a mainstay in a classy Chelsea side that includes the likes of Millie Bright, Erin Cuthbert and Fifa cover-star Sam Kerr.
      James agrees it has been nice to prove the doubters wrong, adding: “It is also a kind of an eye opener to think: ‘Lauren is coming back’, I am just enjoying my football again.
      “I don’t let the external noise annoy me. Emma [Hayes] has helped me through it. She also understands the person I am. It is always nice for someone to understand you.”
      ***Lauren James was speaking at the Women’s Football Summit, presented by EA SPORTS. FIFA 23, is available worldwide on all platforms now*** More

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      Fifa deserves all the flak it gets over Qatar 2022 call but it’s too late now to address horrified activists’ complaints

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      IT was as inevitable as Erling Haaland scoring lots of goals that there would be demands for action against the World Cup in Qatar.Don’t say Fifa bosses didn’t ask for it, because they did.
      No less than 650 men are believed to have died constructing stadiumsCredit: AFP
      Horrified activists began campaigns for change after it was announced Qatar would host the World CupCredit: Reuters
      The moment the highly questionable executive committee voted for Russia and Qatar to host the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, horrified activists began campaigns for change.
      There was plenty to campaign about, too. Russian sport is riddled with drugs crime and Vladimir Putin’s policies are accelerating towards tyranny.
      After questions about where exactly Qatar is, it also became clear oil money was its lifeblood and that its rulers cared as much about stadium workers’ welfare as women’s rights. So, not much at all.
      No less than 650 men are believed to have died constructing stadiums.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      And although worldwide protests have helped improve pay and conditions, we still have the feeling foreign brickies in the Arab state were ranked just above slaves.
      With the World Cup three weeks away, it is probably too late to do much about the latest challenges — but it is surely right to air them.
      Such is the anger at Putin’s war on Ukraine, that a side issue concerning Iran’s sale of bomb-charged drones to Russia has angered protesters to the point of demanding the replacement of the Islamic republic’s team with Ukraine.
      For all sorts of reasons, this isn’t going to happen.
      Most read in Football
      Much as many people may see it as justice, it would be an open goal to barring many countries from numerous international competitions.
      The idea of a World Cup of the Innocents might be fun for those nations without fault, although my guess is such total purity does not exist anywhere or in anyone.
      Iceland might edge in on the basis of lowest crime rate, although not judging by the number of wicked whodunits on TV recently.
      An Iceland v Tonga final may not be a big attraction…
      Sadly, Ukraine will have to concentrate on matters closer to home.
      I have more sympathy with the bid to oust Iran, through the shocking treatment of protesters who refuse to accept their government’s refusal to do anything about the brutal murder, in police custody, of Mahsa Amini for taking off her hijab.
      Many since — including women and children — have been killed demanding women’s rights.
      Again, barring the Iran team would be widely applauded. But I am far from sure that it would further those demands.
      There is a scant record of boycott success in sport.
      Olympic boycotts haven’t worked and, realistically, the only one that did was against apartheid, which was started by England’s cancellation of the 1968-69 cricket Test series against South Africa.
      One promise we can make is that boycott campaigns will continue to flourish.
      Protesters have found it hard to impress themselves on football but I fear it won’t be too long before the green movement, for one, concentrates on the biggest sport there is.
      We should be careful how we treat people who want change for the better.
      Improving human rights has to be one of those.
      Read More on The Sun
      Racism and undervaluing women are the most blatant and, I’m afraid, many politicians are slow in acting to improve these.
      Football is huge across the world and has the muscle to boot their reluctance over the grandstand.
      The decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar has always been deemed controversialCredit: AFP
      A worker walking at the Caravan City, an ongoing project to host fans during the Qatar 2022 Fifa World CupCredit: AFP More

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      Tunisia could be KICKED OUT of 2022 World Cup in Qatar if their government interferes in footballing matters, warn Fifa

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      TUNISIA could be EXCLUDED from next month’s World Cup if their government interferes in footballing matters, FIFA have revealed.The member federations within Fifa are required to be free from legal and political interference.
      Tunisia could yet be banned from the World Cup just weeks before the tournamentCredit: Getty
      But, according to BBC Sport, football’s world governing body have become concerned by comments from Tunisia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Kamel Deguiche, who has spoken about the idea of “dissolving federal bureaux”.
      And a letter from Kenny Jean-Marie, Fifa’s director of member associations, to FTF general secretary Wajdi Aouadi, clarified the possible repercussions for Tunisia.
      It read: “Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the Fifa laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”
      It adds that all members of Fifa are “legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties”, with Jean-Marie also calling for an explanation regarding Aouardi’s recent comments.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      A deadline of Friday has been set for Tunisia to respond.
      The African side are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against Denmark on November 22.
      They have also been drawn alongside Australia and reigning world champions France in Group D.
      Fifa’s stance on government interference has already been brought to the attention of member federations in recent times through the suspension of Kenya and Zimbabwe.
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      India were also banned in August due to “undue influence from third parties”, although their suspension was lifted just weeks later.
      The World Cup gets underway on November 20 when Qatar take on Ecuador.
      Tunisia have never progressed beyond the group stage of the competition – which they have qualified for six times.
      Their last appearance came in 2018 when they lost to England and Belgium, before beating Panama. More

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      Calls to kick Iran out of World Cup grow after sending military experts to help Russian troops in Ukraine

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      CALLS to kick Iran out of the World Cup are growing after it deployed military experts to Ukraine to help Russian troops.The strict Islamic state sent personnel to Crimea to assist with the deadly bombardment of Ukraine’s towns and cities with kamikaze drones.
      Calls to kick Iran out of the World Cup are growing after it deployed military experts to Ukraine to help Russian troopsCredit: AFP
      Iran sent personnel to Crimea to assist with the deadly bombardment of Ukraine’s towns and cities with kamikaze drones, aboveCredit: AP
      Protests are also raging after 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, arrested for not wearing a headscarf correctly, died in custodyCredit: Newsflash
      The country is already under fire for killing more than 200 protesters including 23 children. They rose up over the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, arrested for not wearing a headscarf correctly.
      Campaigners also urged Fifa to act because of its ban on women attending football matches, imposed in 1979 by clerics who said that letting them watch men play in shorts “promotes promiscuity”.
      Iran are due to face England on November 21 but a petition urging Fifa to kick them out has more than 22,000 signatures.
      One campaigner said: “Iranians believe the team is not representing them but a regime which is hurting its own people and violating their rights.
      READ MORE ON IRAN
      “Fifa claims to ‘Strive to promote the protection of human rights’ — so start striving Fifa and protect us and our rights.
      “Many countries have been banned from the World Cup before for the violation of human rights.
      “It’s time the Iranian regime pays the price.”
      This week it emerged Iranian IT experts were deployed to Crimea to help Russia operate the Shahed-136 drones which have blitzed power plants and residential areas.
      Most read in Football
      The Iranian-made weapons destroyed almost a third of the country’s power stations and killed at least four people.
      White House national security spokesman John Kirby said: “We assess that Iranian military personnel were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations.
      “Tehran is now directly engaged on the ground, and through the provision of weapons that are impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The US will pursue all means to expose, deter and confront Iran’s provision of these munitions against the Ukrainian people.”
      The Iranian regime is facing its biggest threat since the 1979 revolution after weeks of violence since student Mahsa died.
      Read More on The Sun
      Fifa kicked Russia out of their World Cup semi-final play-off in February after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
      Fifa has been contacted for comment. More

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      Arsenal and Man Utd face losing South American stars for Premier League clash as Conmebol ask Fifa for early release

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could be without their South American stars for the final match before the World Cup as Conmebol requested they were allowed an early release. Conmebol, the equivalent of Uefa for South America, made a formal request to Fifa to grant their players are free to link up with the squad from Wednesday, November 9.
      Brazilian quarter Alisson, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino all want to go to the World CupCredit: AP
      That is earlier than initially expected – players were expected to go after that weekend’s matches – and could prompt the European, African, North American and Asian federations to make similar requests.
      TyC Sports report Fifa will now need to negotiate with clubs to work out the date players can jet off to Qatar.
      But South American countries are hoping it is just four weeks away – giving international managers at least 11 days to get ready for the tournament.
      Moises Caicedo’s Ecuador are involved in the opening game as they take on hosts Qatar in the curtain-raiser on November 20.
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      They are joined by five-time winners Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.
      And an early release date could prove a major blow for title-chasing Arsenal and Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United – with both sides brimming with South American talent.
      Arsenal’s team includes Brazilian stars Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Jesus – who all have ambitions of making the expanded 26-man squad.
      United, meanwhile, boast compatriots Fred, Casemiro and Antony as well as Argentine Lisandro Martinez.
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      The Gunners travel to Wolves on Saturday, November 12 while United head to Fulham on the Sunday.
      Liverpool could also be hit hard if Alisson, Roberto Firmino, Fabinho and Darwin Nunez are unavailable to face Southampton on November 12.
      Other South American stars eyeing a World Cup spot featuring in England’s top flight include Cristian Romero, Richarlison, Alexis Mac Allister, Ederson and Thiago Silva.
      United’s 4.30pm kick-off at Craven Cottage is the final Premier League fixture before the six-week World Cup break.
      Matches return on Boxing Day with the traditional bumper day of games.
      Moises Caicedo is likely to start for Ecuador in the opening match at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Antony could join them but may miss United’s trip to FulhamCredit: Reuters
      Tottenham pals Richarlison and Cristian Romero will be on opposite teams in QatarCredit: AFP More

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      Has Poland’s Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI will go down as one of the greatest players this generation.The Poland international has been one of the most prolific scorers in European football over the last 12 years, joining Borussia Dortmund in 2010, where he netted 103 goals in 187 appearances.
      Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski gives instructions during the Champions League group C soccer match between Inter Milan and Barcelona at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)Credit: AP
      Joining league rivals Bayern Munich, Lewandowski cemented his place as one of the greatest players of his generation as he netted an incredible 344 goals in 375 matches in Munich.
      However, this summer saw the end to his spell in the Bundesliga as Lewandowski sought a new challenge, joining Barcelona in La Liga.
      Read More Football
      Has Robert Lewandowski won the Ballon d’Or?
      Last season, Lewandowski finished as runner up in the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi claiming his 7th award ahead of the Poland star.
      This was the closest that Lewandowski has come to receiving the award.
      Robert Lewandowski has won FIFA’s Best Player award in recent seasonsCredit: AFP
      However, he was heavily tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in 2020, but the ceremony was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a winner was never named.
      Despite being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or, Lewandowski was recognised by FIFA as he received the ‘Best Player’ award in consecutive seasons, with the ceremony taking place in January each year.
      Lewandowski has had his say on not winning the Ballon d’Or, stating that he’d prefer to win the FIFA award instead.
      Most read in Football
      “I’ve been thinking about these two awards lately: FIFA Best Player and the Ballon d’Or,” he said.
      “I’ve come to the conclusion that the FIFA award does matter more. Only journalists vote in the latter – there’s no clear verification.”
      Lewandowski is unlikely to win the Ballon d’Or in his career now, with Karim Benzema the clear favourite for the 2022 accolade. More