Australia has granted asylum to seven members of the Iran women's national football team, including two additional players who recently sought protection after initially remaining behind. The group had traveled abroad for a tournament but refused to return to Iran amid fears of retaliation during the ongoing war climate.

Earlier, five players were granted asylum by Australia, while another player and a member of the coaching staff later chose to stay and apply for protection as well. The athletes reportedly faced intense backlash at home and were branded “war-time traitors” by hardline voices after their decision not to return.

Iran Women’s Football Players Granted Asylum In Australia After ‘Traitor’ Backlash

Narongsak Osottanakorn, the revered Thai official known as the "Wild Boar Governor" for his instrumental role in the dramatic cave rescue of 12 boys and their football coach in 2018, has tragically lost his battle with cancer.

At the age of 58, Narongsak passed away, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the remarkable rescue mission that captivated the world. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters.

The hero's untimely death follows the recent loss of the Wild Boars' captain, 17-year-old Duangphet Phromthep, who succumbed to a head injury in the UK, reported the BBC.

As the governor of Thailand's Chiang Rai province, Narongsak spearheaded the extraordinary operation to save the boys and their coach, who were trapped deep inside the flooded Tham Luang cave for 18 perilous days.

Throughout the&nbsp;ordeal, Narongsak led the multinational rescue effort, coordinating teams from the UK, US, China, and other nations.

His presence near the cave entrance, supervising the complex rescue operations and providing daily press briefings, earned him widespread praise in Thailand and beyond. The mission, as he eloquently stated, "united humanity as a whole," a sentiment that resonated deeply with the global community.

Recognising his exceptional leadership, Narongsak received a prestigious award from the non-profit organisation Asia Society in 2018. Graciously accepting the honour, he acknowledged the collective effort of over 10,000 individuals involved in the rescue, emphasising the critical role each one played in achieving success.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dac9521d-12a7-46a7-aa92-5bbece196253" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv-18.jpg" />

Members of the Wild Boar football team, who were rescued from the Tham Luang cave. Photo credits: Reuters

<h2>Tributes pour in for leader who united humanity in daring rescue</h2>

Upon learning of Narongsak's passing, two of the cave survivors, including the coach, paused their football practice to offer prayers and expressed their gratitude in a touching video shared on Facebook.

Tributes poured in on Twitter, with one user sharing an evocative illustration depicting Narongsak as an elephant leading a group of wild boars out of the cave, juggling a football with his trunk. Others praised his extraordinary leadership during a pivotal moment and commended his enduring legacy.

Narongsak's last public appearance took place just six days before his demise, at his daughter's wedding. Despite his frailty, the governor participated in the ceremony, masked and seated in a wheelchair. Having battled cancer for five years, his funeral is being held at a temple in Bangkok, with wreaths and holy water sent by the Thai royal family to perform the traditional bathing rites. The Wild Boars players are set to participate in a Buddhist ritual to pay homage to their beloved rescuer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thai-cave-where-boys-were-trapped-now-a-thriving-tourist-destination-228381">Thai cave where boys were trapped now a thriving tourist destination</a>

Born in 1965, Narongsak Osottanakorn had a distinguished career in public service, serving in various roles, including the Ministry of Interior. He assumed the position of governor of Chiang Rai in 2017, with plans to transfer to Phayao province before the cave crisis unfolded. However, the government postponed his relocation to ensure his leadership in the rescue operation. Narongsak held a master's degree in Geodetic Science, specialising in precise earth measurement, reported the BBC.

Also watch |&nbsp;Thailand invites ASEAN Foreign Ministers including Myanmar official for talks

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As Thailand mourns the loss of a true hero, Narongsak's unwavering courage and selflessness will forever be etched in the nation's history, reminding the world of the extraordinary lengths individuals can go to save lives and unite humanity.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Narongsak Osottanakorn, the revered Thai official known as the "Wild Boar Governor" for his instrumental role in the dramatic cave rescue of 12 boys and their football coach in 2018, has tragically lost his battle with cancer.

Narongsak Osottanakorn, the revered Thai official known as the "Wild Boar Governor" for his instrumental role in the dramatic cave rescue of 12 boys and their football coach in 2018, has tragically lost his battle with cancer. At the age of 58, Narongsak passed away, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the remarkable rescue mission that captivated the world. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. The hero's untimely death follows the recent loss of the Wild Boars' captain, 17-year-old Duangphet Phromthep, who succumbed to a head injury in the UK, reported the BBC. As the governor of Thailand's Chiang Rai province, Narongsak spearheaded the extraordinary operation to save the boys and their coach, who were trapped deep inside the flooded Tham Luang cave for 18 perilous days. Throughout the ordeal, Narongsak led the multinational rescue effort, coordinating teams from the UK, US, China, and other nations. His presence near the cave entrance, supervising the complex rescue operations and providing daily press briefings, earned him widespread praise in Thailand and beyond. The mission, as he eloquently stated, "united humanity as a whole," a sentiment that resonated deeply with the global community. Recognising his exceptional leadership, Narongsak received a prestigious award from the non-profit organisation Asia Society in 2018. Graciously accepting the honour, he acknowledged the collective effort of over 10,000 individuals involved in the rescue, emphasising the critical role each one played in achieving success. Members of the Wild Boar football team, who were rescued from the Tham Luang cave. Photo credits: Reuters Tributes pour in for leader who united humanity in daring rescue Upon learning of Narongsak's passing, two of the cave survivors, including the coach, paused their football practice to offer prayers and expressed their gratitude in a touching video shared on Facebook. Tributes poured in on Twitter, with one user sharing an evocative illustration depicting Narongsak as an elephant leading a group of wild boars out of the cave, juggling a football with his trunk. Others praised his extraordinary leadership during a pivotal moment and commended his enduring legacy. Narongsak's last public appearance took place just six days before his demise, at his daughter's wedding. Despite his frailty, the governor participated in the ceremony, masked and seated in a wheelchair. Having battled cancer for five years, his funeral is being held at a temple in Bangkok, with wreaths and holy water sent by the Thai royal family to perform the traditional bathing rites. The Wild Boars players are set to participate in a Buddhist ritual to pay homage to their beloved rescuer. Also read | Thai cave where boys were trapped now a thriving tourist destination Born in 1965, Narongsak Osottanakorn had a distinguished career in public service, serving in various roles, including the Ministry of Interior. He assumed the position of governor of Chiang Rai in 2017, with plans to transfer to Phayao province before the cave crisis unfolded. However, the government postponed his relocation to ensure his leadership in the rescue operation. Narongsak held a master's degree in Geodetic Science, specialising in precise earth measurement, reported the BBC. Also watch | Thailand invites ASEAN Foreign Ministers including Myanmar official for talks As Thailand mourns the loss of a true hero, Narongsak's unwavering courage and selflessness will forever be etched in the nation's history, reminding the world of the extraordinary lengths individuals can go to save lives and unite humanity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thai cave rescue: Official behind heroic operations dies

In the latest episode of gun violence in US colleges, three football players have been shot and killed on campus at the University of Virginia. A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested.

Virginia: 3 members of university team killed in gun violence; shooting suspect arrested

On a sweltering day in eastern China, a squad of footballers wearing blindfolds hurtles after a ringing ball, occasionally clattering painfully into each other. But Jiangsu province's blind football team hardly care -- even when they break the odd bone -- because the sport is a rewarding break from the massage parlours, where many of China's visually impaired population are employed.

Football team of masseurs casts spotlight on China's blind

For the two dozen players that make up the Bigtboys soccer squad in Brazil, the training pitch is one of the few places where they feel at ease and can talk about their experiences, good and bad, without fear.

Brazil transgender football team fights prejudice

David Beckham has less than a year before his new Major League football team, Inter Miami, takes the field and is finally turning his focus to bringing in players with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on his mind.

When Beckham announced he would create an MLS franchise in Miami, five years ago, there was speculation that he would look to entice some of the biggest names in the game with talk of Messi or Ronaldo possibly ending their careers in Florida.

But, although Juventus forward Ronaldo is 34 and Barcelona's Messi will be 32 in June, former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham knows it will be tough to get them to move - even if he has not given up on the prospect.

"Everyone has their wish list - everyone does! But if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don't see it ending for them," he told a small group of reporters.

"They’re playing at such a high level that it’s hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at. But we will see. You never know what can happen in football."

Beckham, who played for MLS side LA Galaxy later in his career, and his small staff are beginning the process of identifying players and seeking to bring them in for the 2020 season.

"As an organisation, as a club, we are starting to look at players, and possibilities, at what is possible. We’ve got a great team here and we’ll start piecing the things together. But we have to do that quick because it’s only a year away," he said.

Beckham's contacts in the game will surely help him attract talent and he also needs to find a manager and coaching staff for his club.

Among those the 43-year-old former England captain has turned to for advice about his new role as an owner is former Manchester United chief executive David Gill.

"I’ve been speaking to people over that time. People like David Gill, who is someone who has a huge amount of experience at Manchester United, asking him about the job he did there," he said.

"But there are also other clubs and football people I’ve been around over my career and been able to have and gain experience from. I also have some great partners here in Miami, who understand the U.S market and the MLS.

"It’s a different world from the European leagues but it’s catching up really quickly and the excitement is there."

SALFORD CONNECTION

As well as getting his club off the ground, including negotiating a deal for a training complex and stadium in Fort Lauderdale [nL1N2111IC], Beckham has also joined his fellow 'Class of 92' United alumni including Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, in taking a ten percent ownership stake in National League (fifth tier) English club Salford City.

The former midfielder says it is possible that the two clubs will co-operate, with academy and player development two areas that could see joint work.

"Who knows? With Salford the hard work has been done over the last few years, with bringing the club up to the level they’ve got to now. The lads have done such a great job and for myself to be part of that now is great," he said.

"There could be a crossover. The academy system is such an important part of it. Everybody in Europe knows how important that system is.

"To have an academy system that utilises the talent that runs through Miami is such important part, not just of our organisation but the entire MLS and the future of the sport in general."

David Beckham has less than a year before his new Major League football team, Inter Miami, takes the field and is finally turning his focus to bringing in players with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on his mind.

David Beckham has less than a year before his new Major League football team, Inter Miami, takes the field and is finally turning his focus to bringing in players with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on his mind. When Beckham announced he would create an MLS franchise in Miami, five years ago, there was speculation that he would look to entice some of the biggest names in the game with talk of Messi or Ronaldo possibly ending their careers in Florida. But, although Juventus forward Ronaldo is 34 and Barcelona's Messi will be 32 in June, former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder Beckham knows it will be tough to get them to move - even if he has not given up on the prospect. "Everyone has their wish list - everyone does! But if you look at the way Leo and Cristiano are still playing, even at what you might think is the later stage of their careers, I don't see it ending for them," he told a small group of reporters. "They’re playing at such a high level that it’s hard to see them leaving the clubs they are at. But we will see. You never know what can happen in football." Beckham, who played for MLS side LA Galaxy later in his career, and his small staff are beginning the process of identifying players and seeking to bring them in for the 2020 season. "As an organisation, as a club, we are starting to look at players, and possibilities, at what is possible. We’ve got a great team here and we’ll start piecing the things together. But we have to do that quick because it’s only a year away," he said. Beckham's contacts in the game will surely help him attract talent and he also needs to find a manager and coaching staff for his club. Among those the 43-year-old former England captain has turned to for advice about his new role as an owner is former Manchester United chief executive David Gill. "I’ve been speaking to people over that time. People like David Gill, who is someone who has a huge amount of experience at Manchester United, asking him about the job he did there," he said. "But there are also other clubs and football people I’ve been around over my career and been able to have and gain experience from. I also have some great partners here in Miami, who understand the U.S market and the MLS. "It’s a different world from the European leagues but it’s catching up really quickly and the excitement is there." SALFORD CONNECTION As well as getting his club off the ground, including negotiating a deal for a training complex and stadium in Fort Lauderdale [nL1N2111IC], Beckham has also joined his fellow 'Class of 92' United alumni including Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, in taking a ten percent ownership stake in National League (fifth tier) English club Salford City. The former midfielder says it is possible that the two clubs will co-operate, with academy and player development two areas that could see joint work. "Who knows? With Salford the hard work has been done over the last few years, with bringing the club up to the level they’ve got to now. The lads have done such a great job and for myself to be part of that now is great," he said. "There could be a crossover. The academy system is such an important part of it. Everybody in Europe knows how important that system is. "To have an academy system that utilises the talent that runs through Miami is such important part, not just of our organisation but the entire MLS and the future of the sport in general."

Dreaming of Messi and Ronaldo, Beckham looks for Miami signings

Spain's famous football club FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to post an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion.

The La Liga champions, who presented their annual accounts, showed earnings of $1.05 billion for the 2017-18 fiscal year, breaking its own income record for the fifth successive year and posting a profit for the eighth consecutive year.

Manchester United, considered as the world's most valuable soccer team, recorded record revenue of $794 million and operating income of $238 million in the fiscal year ending June, 2018.&nbsp;

The rise in revenue was driven by increased income from television rights from the Champions League and the August 2017 sale of Brazilian forward Neymar to Paris St Germain for a record 222 million euros ($257 million) transfer fee.

"The extraordinary income from payment of Neymar Jr's buyout clause has been compensated in next year's budget through improved commercial and sponsorship revenue, media rights, exploitation of the stadium and transfer of players,” the club said in a statement.

"This is the first time that revenue has surpassed $1bn, a huge step up from 2016/17," it added.&nbsp;

The club also announced a record budget of $1.105 billion for this season, which needs to be approved at a general assembly on October 20.

The club added that its debt amounted to $181.3 million as of June 30.

Spain's famous football club FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to post an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. The La Liga champions, who presented their annual accounts, showed earnings of $1.

Spain's famous football club FC Barcelona has become the first sports club to post an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. The La Liga champions, who presented their annual accounts, showed earnings of $1.05 billion for the 2017-18 fiscal year, breaking its own income record for the fifth successive year and posting a profit for the eighth consecutive year. Manchester United, considered as the world's most valuable soccer team, recorded record revenue of $794 million and operating income of $238 million in the fiscal year ending June, 2018. The rise in revenue was driven by increased income from television rights from the Champions League and the August 2017 sale of Brazilian forward Neymar to Paris St Germain for a record 222 million euros ($257 million) transfer fee. "The extraordinary income from payment of Neymar Jr's buyout clause has been compensated in next year's budget through improved commercial and sponsorship revenue, media rights, exploitation of the stadium and transfer of players,” the club said in a statement. "This is the first time that revenue has surpassed $1bn, a huge step up from 2016/17," it added. The club also announced a record budget of $1.105 billion for this season, which needs to be approved at a general assembly on October 20. The club added that its debt amounted to $181.3 million as of June 30.

Neymar effect: Barcelona first sports club to break $1 billion revenue mark

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