Iran’s allocation of fan tickets for the group stage of the World Cup has been revoked just days before the start of the tournament, says the country’s football federation.
The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, begins on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21– both in Los Angeles- before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iran’s governing body says FIFA regulations state each federation involved in the World Cup receives 8% of the tickets for each of their matches, to distribute to supporters.
It added that it had already begun selling tickets but can no longer provide them to fans, some of whom have already made travel arrangements.
“Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries,” the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) statement said.
“This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world’s biggest football event.”
The FFIRI also called on FIFA “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations”.
Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns.
On May 25, Iran moved their training base from Tucson, Arizona to the Mexican city of Tijuana, claiming the US were unwilling to host them.
Under the conditions of their visas, they will have to fly in and out of the United States on matchday for each of their three group games.
The FFIRI had previously presented FIFA with a list of 10 conditions for their participation in the World Cup, including allowing players, coaches and officials who have completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said Iran’s players will be welcome at the tournament, but individuals with links to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.
Iran was the only country not present at FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver in April after a delegation of FFIRI officials, including president Medhi Taj, were turned away at the Canadian border. (BBC)
Victor Wembanyama scored 32 points as the San Antonio Spurs cut the New York Knicks’ lead in the NBA Finals to 2-1 with a 115-111 win at Madison Square Garden.
US President Donald Trump, in the crowd as the iconic venue hosted its first Finals game since 1999, was booed when he was shown on the big screen during the national anthem.
He is the first sitting president to attend the championship series.
Wembanyama, whose errors cost the Spurs in game two, added eight rebounds and six assists.
He was supported by 23 points from Stephon Castle and 13 off the bench from Dylan Harper as the Spurs avoided going 3-0 down- a deficit from which no team has recovered in the Finals.
Defeat ended a 13-game winning streak for the Knicks- two short of the Golden State Warriors’ 2017 record- as they chase their first championship since 1973.
Only five of the 37 teams who have led 2-0 have failed to win the Finals.
“We’ve done what we were supposed to do but the job is absolutely not done,” said Wembanyama.
“We’re not even halfway. The hardest is yet to come.”
The Spurs trailed 64-57 at half-time, but went ahead with a 35-point third quarter.
A three-pointer from Castle with one minutes 53 seconds left extended their lead to 111-104 and- unlike in game one, when they came unstuck against a late surge from the Knicks- the Spurs held firm.
Although OG Anunoby hit a late three-pointer to cut the Spurs’ lead to two points, Castle scored two free throws in the final 10 seconds.
Anunoby finished with 28 points and Jalen Brunson 32 for the Knicks.
The best-of-seven series continues at the same venue on Wednesday before the teams return to San Antonio for game five on Saturday. (BBC)
The spirit of discipline, excellence, and competition was on full display as ISKF Guyana successfully hosted its Annual Independence Karate Tournament on June 6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The tournament was officially declared open by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, and commenced with a simple but meaningful opening ceremony featuring karate demonstrations by dojo members and a cultural dance performance.
The championships attracted one of the largest and most diverse fields in recent years, bringing together karatekas ranging in age from five to 55 years old and representing ranks from yellow belt through black belt.
Athletes competed in individual and team events across the two disciplines of traditional Shotokan Karate: Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring).
Throughout the day, competitors demonstrated remarkable determination, sportsmanship, and technical ability.
The Kata events showcased precision, speed, power, focus, and technical execution, while the Kumite divisions delivered exciting exchanges of punches, kicks, sweeps, and counterattacks that kept spectators engaged from start to finish.
Veteran competitors displayed the benefits of years of training and experience, while newer karatekas gained invaluable exposure to tournament competitions and the opportunity to test themselves under pressure.
The tournament also highlighted the strength of ISKF Guyana’s emerging talent pipeline, with several competitors capturing both Kata and Kumite titles in their respective divisions.
Outstanding performances were recorded throughout the day by athletes across all age categories, reflecting the continued growth and development of traditional Shotokan Karate in Guyana.
Medal winners of the ISKF Guyana Independence tournament
At the conclusion of the tournament, medals were awarded to the top three finishers in each category by senior black belts Sensei Marlon George, Sensei Marvin Singh, and Sensei Stephanie Kerry.
Special recognition was also presented to outstanding performers whose achievements distinguished them throughout the competition.
The prestigious Master Gichin Funakoshi Award, named in honour of the founder of modern Shotokan Karate, was presented to Agnes Siju and Javier Collins in recognition of their exemplary discipline, commitment, character, and dedication to the principles of Shotokan Karate.
Among the junior competitors, Chelsea Harrison captured the Best Junior Female award, while Amario Tyrrell secured the Best Junior Male title.
The tournament’s highest honours went to two of ISKF Guyana’s most accomplished senior athletes.
Talitha Kissoon dominated the female black belt divisions, capturing first-place finishes in Kata, Kumite, and Team Kata, and was crowned Best Senior Female Kata and Kumite Champion.
Similarly, Kristian Chaves delivered an exceptional performance, securing first-place finishes in Black Belt Kata, Black Belt Kumite, Team Kata, and Team Kumite.
His commanding display earned him the distinction of Best Senior Male Kata and Kumite Champion, cementing his position as one of Guyana’s leading Shotokan Karate competitors.
The championships also served as a key evaluation platform as ISKF Guyana finalises preparations for its upcoming international campaign.
Athletes will travel this week to participate in the 2026 ISKF Master Camp and International Goodwill Tournament at Camp Green Lane, Pennsylvania, USA, before turning their attention to the highly anticipated 5th ISKF World Shoto Cup, scheduled for October 2026 in Merida, Yucatán, Mexico.
Several of the day’s standout performers are expected to play pivotal roles as Guyana seeks success on the international stage against some of the finest Shotokan Karate practitioners from around the world.
ISKF Guyana extends sincere appreciation to its sponsors whose support contributed to the success of the event.
Special thanks are extended to Guyana Beverage Inc., under its Oasis brand, for providing refreshments throughout the tournament; Melisa Alphonso for supporting the medal programme; Trophy Stall; and Errol Baptiste of Ruff Ltd. Automotive and Industrial Supplies for generously providing the championship trophies.
The organisation also recognises the invaluable contribution of its referees, judges, table officials, ring managers, tournament doctors, volunteers, and support teams whose dedication ensured the smooth execution of the event.
Their collective efforts continue to strengthen the development of traditional Shotokan Karate in Guyana.
Special recognition is extended to:
Referees and Judges: Christopher Chaves, Marlon George, Kristalia Chaves, Kristian Chaves, Alex Rodrigues, Shawn Jemmott, Talitha Kissoon, Stephanie Kerry, Jessica Callender, Marvin Singh, and Justin Sampson.
Table Management: Tempest Katchay, Ieda Harrison, Mena Chetty, Rosita Katchay, Tammy Jeffery, and Britney Bettencourt.
Ring Management: Feonia Yong, Jonathan Yong, Chelsea Harrison, Matthew Harrison, and Emily Ibbott.
Tournament Doctors: Dr. Randell Collins and Dr. Tiffany Collins.
Entry Door Management: Deslyn Rawlins, Shellana Washington, and Angeline Christie.
Snack and Beverage Team: Navinie Persaud, Maria Parsram, Latoya Fordyce, Christopher Bacchus, Emily Chand, Jeremy Persaud, Govinda Prasad, and Nikita Dyer.
Other Volunteers: Jonathan Butters, Sheina Carter, and Adona Marcus.
As ISKF Guyana looks ahead to upcoming international competition, the association remains committed to developing disciplined athletes, fostering strong character, and proudly representing Guyana on the regional and world stage.
For more information about ISKF Guyana, visit ISKF Guyana on Facebook or contact the association via WhatsApp at 649-0761.
Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States.
Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.
No reason for Artan’s repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
After speaking to the US authorities, world governing body FIFA said Artan will miss the tournament.
“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” read a statement.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
A senior adviser to Somalia’s ministry of youth and sports confirmed the denial of entry to the BBC and said Artan had been travelling with valid documents.
A Somali embassy official in Nairobi told the BBC that Artan’s diplomatic passport had been issued specifically to ease his travel after earlier visa difficulties.
The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has contacted FIFA seeking urgent clarification.
Speaking to BBC World Service, Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, said: “While I can’t go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision.”
Artan was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a FIFA referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). (BBC)
For the second game running in Kingston, persistent rain forced an ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.
This one- the third and final ODI in this series at Sabina Park- meant Sri Lanka secured the trophy with a 1-0 margin, courtesy the 41-run victory they enjoyed in the series opener.
The umpires had several inspections, but after discussing with curators they decided that getting play started by the cut off of 8.02pm for a 20-over-shootout was almost impossible.
While the mood around both camps might be damp, both literally and metaphorically following two straight washouts, the outcome is still a landmark one for the visiting Lions. It is their first ODI-series victory in the Caribbean in 23 years – the last coming in 2003.
A positive start for their newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten and their new ODI captain Kusal Mendis, although they would’ve liked to have seen more in-game action from the players.
“Very happy to win the series, we did really well in that one game – in all three departments,” Mendis said. “There are not a lot of matches ahead of next year’s World Cup, happy with my first series victory as captain. Got support of the staff too.” He also praised the bowling unit.
For West Indies, the weather and the subsequent series result is undoubtedly a frustrating blow.
Denied a chance to avenge their opening game defeat, it’s not only a first series loss at home in three years but, more critically, it’s a result that hinders their pursuit of vital ICC ranking points required for automatic, direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
West Indies, for now, remain in tenth place in the ODI rankings, just outside of the top eight qualifying spots. They have ODI series campaigns against New Zealand (World No. 2) and India (No. 1) coming up next.
“You can’t control mother nature,” Shai Hope said.
“Credit just be given to the Sri Lankan team for the way they played in the first game. [T20I series next] We need to look ahead, understand conditions. Adaptability will be key in Jamaica. We’ve got some experience, hope to bounce back there.”
Both sides will rapidly shift focus to the shortest format as a three-match T20I series is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, June 11, with subsequent matches on June 13 and June 14.
However, the teams will not be changing hotels just yet; all three T20Is are slated to take place at the exact same venue in Kingston.
With rain expected to be a presence across Jamaica over the coming week, groundstaff will have their work cut out for them to ensure the upcoming matches escape a similar watery fate. Those matches will all start at 20:30h Guyana time. (ESPNcricinfo)
In the heart of a pulsating crowd at the Guyana Electronic Music Festival (GEMF), the traditional barriers of social reservation appeared to dissolve, not just through the rhythm of the music, but through the glow of smartphone screens.
This year’s festival, headlined by international acts like Firebeatz and Thomas Newson, saw an unexpected guest take centre stage: a social engagement app called Hooked.
The partnership between BPM Guyana and Hooked was designed to tackle a common festival dilemma—how to connect solo ravers and single attendees in a sea of thousands.
By utilising a “digital first” approach to real-world socialising, the platform allowed party-goers to see who else was single at the event in real-time.
Through a system of early access codes and on-site QR codes, attendees could match with others, exchange messages, and eventually meet face-to-face on the dance floor.
The results of the collaboration have challenged long-standing assumptions about the local social landscape.
Tariq Dakhil, representing BPM Guyana, noted that the initiative was born from a desire to bring something technologically driven and fresh to the audience.
He admitted that while Guyanese audiences are often perceived as reserved about new event technologies, the app’s enthusiastic embrace proved otherwise.
According to internal analytics from the event, the engagement was significant. With 125 total users registered specifically for the festival’s digital community, the group generated over 800 “likes” and 480 messages, resulting in 67 successful matches.
The campaign’s “make a move, irl” (in real life) mantra focused on turning these digital introductions into tangible experiences. To maintain the fleeting, high-energy nature of the rave, all profiles, matches, and chats were designed to disappear the following morning, mirroring the festival’s own ephemerality.
Organisers believe that this integration of social technology did more than just provide a matchmaking service; it fostered a deeper sense of community.
By providing a comfortable bridge for those attending alone, the festival successfully lowered the social stakes of networking.
Dakhil emphasised that the success of Hooked at GEMF has paved the way for future activations, suggesting that the intersection of live entertainment and interactive technology is a growth area for the Caribbean event industry. (Modified Press Release)
Kiskadee Watch, an online daily Guyanese newspaper is to be launched on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at www.kiskadeewatch.com. Its content will be freely available to all readers.
The new digital newspaper will be led by Anand Persaud who served as Editor-in-Chief of the former Stabroek News. Mr. Persaud will be aided by a team drawn from the former Stabroek News whose professional excellence and integrity over 35 years built the legacy of the recently closed newspaper.
We chose the kiskadee for our masthead as this bird is common and familiar up and down Guyana. Guyanese are surrounded by the familiar loud cries which gave the bird its name. The kiskadee is hardy and adaptable, as we Guyanese are: it survives the pesticides sprayed indiscriminately on fields and streets, the rarity of clean water in our garbage- infested trenches, the relentless replacement of fruits and flower plants with fence-to- fence concrete. The kiskadee (zoological name Pitanga sulphuratus from its yellow
feathers) has survived, and, with the support of fellow citizens and all who love Guyana, so will the Kiskadee Watch.
Following the closure of Stabroek News and concerns about the void in credible reporting that this created, a group of Guyanese here and abroad, along with others who care about the future of Guyana, worked together for the launching of Kiskadee Watch.
The vision for Kiskadee Watch is the reestablishing in Guyana of a trusted, independent, fact-based news institution that safeguards editorial freedom and strengthens democratic discourse. The production of a high-quality, weekly printed newspaper is expected before the end of the year.
Kiskadee Watch will draw on the financing model of the UK Guardian and the National Public Radio, USA. It is a hybrid model that is based on share ownership and contributors – individuals, organizations/foundations, civil society and the business sector.
The defence of press freedom and free expression comes at a significant cost. We invite Guyanese, here and abroad and all others who care about Guyana and the wider Caribbean to contribute to ensuring press freedom and accountability.
Members of the public can contribute/ subscribe to the newspaper
at www.kiskadeewatch.com or via its bank account, which will be publicised at a later date. Your support will also allow us to keep kiskadeewatch.com free for all readers across Guyana and in the diaspora.
Press freedom, accountability and accessibility require us all to be involved.
If interested in subscribing / advertising and or donating, please send us an email at sales@kiskadeewatch.com and our Marketing department will contact you for follow-up.
We welcome your support!
* Janette Bulkan
* Rhett Gordon
* Jocelyne Josiah
* GHK Lall
* Cheryl Springer
* Alissa Trotz
On behalf of the Steering Committee for Kiskadee Watch.
Paper committal proceedings involving four of the accused charged in connection with the deadly Mobil gas station explosion on Regent Street in October 2025 commenced on Monday.
The hearing experienced a brief delay after one of the accused, Krystal La Cruz, was late in joining the Zoom platform. All of the defendants are participating in the proceedings virtually. La Cruz eventually joined, allowing the matter to proceed.
During the hearing, acting chief magistrate Faith McGusty noted that attorney Mikhel Pooran, who represents one of the accused Johnny Boodram, was absent.
She informed the court that the hearing dates had been set “way in advance” and that she had received communication from Pooran requesting either a postponement until next Monday or for the matter to be called at 2:00 pm.
However, by the time La Cruz joined the virtual proceedings, it was 1:59 pm and Pooran was still not present. Taking into account that the matter is a paper committal proceeding, the magistrate ruled that there was no real necessity to delay the hearing further and ordered that it continue.
Prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court that the prosecution had already laid over the original statements, documents and exhibits and was prepared to begin tendering the evidence.
The magistrate subsequently proceeded with the tendering of statements, which amounted to more than 100 documents. The matter was then adjourned to Tuesday for continuation.
A paper committal is a legal process in which a magistrate determines whether there is sufficient evidence to commit an accused person to stand trial in the High Court based solely on written evidence and legal submissions, rather than live witness testimony.
Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, is jointly charged alongside Alexander Bettencourt, Johnny Boodram and Krystal La Cruz.
Two other accused men, Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia, who were charged in a separate magisterial district, were freed in April after the court upheld a no-case submission in their favour.
During previous court appearances, Ramirez Poedemo repeatedly claimed responsibility for the attack and urged the court to release the other accused. Following an adjournment, the court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided to proceed with charges against the remaining defendants.
The deadly explosion resulted in the death of young Soraya Bourne.
Smriti Mandhana (39), Yastika Bhatia (36) and Shafali Verma (29) also made important contributions.
Sent in, Shafali and Mandhana- captaining in place of Harmanpreet Kaur- added 59 runs for the opening wicket in 5.2 overs before the latter fell to Aaliyah Alleyne.
Shafali hit five fours in her 13-ball 29, but fell to off-spinner Karishma Ramharack in the seventh over. Jemimah Rodrigues became the first of leg-spinner Afy Fletcher‘s four victims as India slipped to 85-3 in eight overs.
Bhatia and Fulmali, however, added 60 runs in seven overs as India raced towards 150. Bhatia struck six fours during her innings, while Fulmali hit six fours and a six as India racked up 179-8. For West Indies, Fletcher was easily the pick of the bowlers, returning 4-23.
West Indies began their chase well with Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle adding 63 runs in nine overs. But once Campbelle retired out for 25, Patil and Radha took over.
Patil got rid of Qiana Joseph, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow and Zaida James while Bhatia picked up Dottin, Alleyne and Chinelle Henry. Dottin top-scored for West Indies with 49 off 44, who were restricted to 153-8 after 20 overs. (ESPNcricinfo)
With no play possible in the second ODI, both teams go into the third game well-rested. Perhaps this is a chance for the IPL returnees in particular to have caught their breath. The rain, though, may not have cleared in Kingston completely.
According to the forecast, showers are likely in the afternoon and also possible in the evening, though there may be dry spells in between. There is a chance this will be a stop-start match in which DLS calculations come into play.
Play will begin at 15:30h, Guyana time.
With a series win now beyond them, West Indies will be especially motivated to avoid being blanked at home. There is also the matter of their current 10th-placed ranking, which is not enough for them to gain automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup (cut-off is end of March next year).
They need every ranking point they can get over the next two months. Sri Lanka are slightly more comfortable, at sixth position, and about 12 points clear of the current cut-off. But they’ll want to build more of a cushion themselves.
In the first ODI, Sri Lanka’s dominance in the middle overs is what had won them the match. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga were economical on a helpful surface, where West Indies’ frontline spinner Gudakesh Motie had been hit out of the attack.
And Sri Lanka’s top six also showed serious hustle, picking up the tempo and keeping the runs flowing after Sri Lanka had had a poor powerplay with the bat.
These remain two relatively evenly-matched teams, however. With a little more discipline from their bowlers, West Indies are capable of leveling the series.
Team news
West Indies may think about bringing Shimron Hetmyer into the XI to shake up the batting a little. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph will miss the third ODI due to personal reasons, but is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the start of the T20I series. Seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer could get a game in place of Joseph.
Sri Lanka may keep their winning XI, but with so many quicks to choose from, may be tempted to give Eshan Malinga a run, especially if it’s a shortened match.
