Its looking increasingly likely that Iran will not be participating in this summer’s World Cup.

This, after US president Donald Trump said it would not be appropriate for the team to be at the tournament, for their own safety.

This, as Iran’s sports minister earlier said that they are not in a position to be playing matches in the US…at a time when American forces are bombing the republic.

-

In selected Europa League last-16 first leg results…

Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game as Aston Villa defeated Lille 1-0.

While Nottingham Forest wasted several good chances before going down 1-0 to Midtjylland.

-

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Cypriot club AEK Larnaca played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League last-16 tie.

-

In other news…

Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai are the only Malaysians left at the Swiss Badminton Open after a surprise three-sets win over their higher-ranked Indonesian opponents in the last-16 of the men’s doubles.

-

And, S. Sivasanggari has made the semifinals of the Australian Squash Open after Aira Azman had to pull out of their all-Malaysian quarterfinal clash due to a hamstring injury.