Iran’s allocation of fan tickets for the group stage of the World Cup has been revoked just days before the start of the tournament, says the country’s football federation.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 15 June and Belgium on 21 June – both in Los Angeles – before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

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 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”.

‘But I don’t even use sunbeds that often!’ I told the nurse. 

I’d just been diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma – an aggressive type of skin cancer – and told my love of tanning was to blame. 

It was a huge shock. I honestly had no idea they were dangerous. 

You see warnings on cigarette packets, and photos of people with lung cancer, but you never see a picture of a person with skin cancer in a tanning shop. 

It’s not just a lack of warning about the health risks.

Earlier this year, a BBC investigation found tanning companies spreading dangerous misinformation on social media about how sunbeds can actually be good for you; falsely claiming, for example, that doctors prescribe sunbeds for issues like seasonal depression and skin disorders.

I don’t want anyone to be convinced that sunbeds can be beneficial to our mental or physical health.

This is highly damaging misinformation, and it’s terrifying. I wish I hadn’t experienced the very real dangers of sunbeds first hand; but, as I learned that day with the nurse, I have.

And I paid the price.

I didn’t even think of myself as an excessive user. I might have gone two or three times a week before a holiday or night out. But then I wouldn’t go again for months. 

‘That’s still a form of sunbed abuse,’ the nurse told me. She likened it to binge drinking – avoiding booze all week and then getting drunk on a Saturday night. 

I was only 16 when I went on a sunbed for the first time. Everyone I knew did it – my mum, aunts, cousins and friends.

My mum was going to the tanning shop and asked if I wanted to go with her. I had a three-minute tan that first time and afterwards I felt great – like I was glowing. 

I found out later that it’s actually illegal for tanning shops, beauty salons and other commercial premises in the UK to allow anyone under 18 to use a sunbed, but no one ever asked my age. 

But I was hooked. I started tanning regularly. I’m very pale, with a lot of moles, so I felt like it gave my skin a base colour. 

Everyone around me was doing it. 

On the weekends, my friends and I would make a trip to our local salon. I rarely went alone – it was more of a social thing. If somebody else was going, I’d tag along. 

I left school at 16 and went into hairdressing so there was a big focus on beauty. You got your hair done, you got your nails done and you got a tan. 

I grew up in Belfast, which is one of the UK’s sunbed hotspots – according to charity Melanoma Focus, 37% of adults in Belfast use sunbeds. It’s just the done thing. 

By the time I turned 20 I fell pregnant with my daughter Connie, now four, and during my pregnancy I didn’t go near sunbeds. To me it felt like smoking or drinking while pregnant – it was just something I didn’t think it was right to do.

But after giving birth I went back to the tanning shops. It felt like a wee treat and a bit of ‘me time’. 

In the chaos of being a first-time mum, I found it was also a lot quicker than getting my nails or hair done – it was easier to fit in around childcare. 

Then, in the summer of 2022 I noticed a black mole growing on my right cheek. 

I’m a fairly moley person so at first I wasn’t too worried, but then it started looking different to my other moles – it kept scabbing over, dropping off, then growing again. This went on for a couple of months.

I sent photos to my GP. They weren’t worried either but they referred me to a dermatologist just to be on the safe side.

In September 2022 I had the mole removed at a dermatology clinic and sent away to be biopsied. It would take six weeks to get my results, and during that time I didn’t really think about it. There hadn’t been any red flags yet.

Finally, the clinic called me and invited me to go in for my results. 

It was awkward to arrange childcare, so I asked them why I couldn’t get them over the phone. 

They told me I needed to go in person and to bring someone with me. That’s when I first realised. 

Driving to the clinic, I started to feel anxious. The phone call had unsettled me, something didn’t feel right. 

At first, they said it looked like Stage 2 Melanoma and referred me to the Ulster Hospital, in Belfast, to have a larger section of tissue on my face – where the mole had been – removed. 

They couldn’t tell me what my face would look like afterwards or how big the scar would be, but by that time my priority was staying alive. 

I knew things were more serious than I’d first thought. 

I had the surgery in February 2023 and also woke up with a scar on my neck where an associated lymph node had been removed – to test to see if the cancer had spread. 

Waiting for the next set of results to find out if it had spread into my lymph nodes – six weeks felt like six years. 

I was crying a lot, although of course I tried to hide my upset from Connie. I just told her mummy was poorly and needed to go to hospital to get better.

The results showed the melanoma had spread to my lymph nodes so it was upgraded to Stage 3 and I was referred to Belfast City Hospital’s Cancer Centre for MRI and CT scans to check it hadn’t spread anywhere else, which thankfully it hadn’t.

That’s when it really began to sink in that I had cancer. People think if they get a bad mole it will just be removed and that’s that, but melanoma means cancer. 

My family and friends were a huge support, and also helped keep Connie occupied and entertained.

This month, I’ve come to the end of a year of targeted immunotherapy treatment, and I’m now cancer-free.

But it isn’t over – I’ll now have five years of monitoring scans every six months, to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.

They will also do mole-mapping – it’s where I have to stand in my underwear and every single mole on my body is measured and photographed. They can then track any changes every time they check my moles.

My mum and other family members have stopped using sunbeds now. A lot of my friends have stopped too, but not all – people still think it won’t happen to them. 

That’s what I thought until it happened to me.

It’s not just sunbeds – getting sunburnt is another risk factor for developing skin cancer, and I remember getting burnt on family holidays as a child. 

One year, as a 10-year-old, in Egypt was particularly bad – I remember my shoulders were so blistered that my mum applied Greek yoghurt from the hotel bar to cool our skin. 

We always think our sunburns are just something we need to quickly recover from, and never consider the long-term effects.

And now, my biggest fear now is not being around to see Connie grow up. 

I’m a mum and she needs me. I’ve seen other people my age, with the same diagnosis, tragically pass away. 

This is very real and skin cancer needs to be taken more seriously – as do the claims that some unscrupulous companies are putting in front of impressionable teenagers.

If I could travel back in time I’d tell my younger self that having a tan is just not worth it, and I would tell everyone else to look at everything you have – and not be tempted to play Russian roulette with your life.

As told to Jade Beecroft

This article was originally published on February 11, 2026.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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Stephen Bradford and Dale Simpson took over the Ganton Greyhound Inn last month, replacing Steve and Sharon Padfield, who had ran it since 2019.

The pub, with its restaurant and guest house had been on the market since last autumn for £895,000.

Stephen was born in Middlesborough and raised in Redcar. He initially worked as a carpenter/ joiner in Middlesborough before travelling the world and on to New Zealand, aged 21, where he worked in hospitality.

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He spent 10 years working bars, pubs, restaurants and then hotels. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to management.

Stephen returned to the UK in 2015, where he managed hotels and renovated properties, before launching a hospitality development company in 2018.

On his first project, a guest house in Llandudno, Wales, he met his wife Helen.

After making a success of this project, he sought another project and began talking to a childhood friend he used to have business ideas with 25 years ago, leading to a new partnership.

Helen, Stephen, Dale and Jodi outside the pub (Image: Pic supplied)

Dale grew up in Skelton, Cleveland, attending school in Saltburn, where he met his partner Jodi and raised their three children there.

After 25 years in the army, Dale was ready for a new mission, leading him to partner with his close friend Stephen.

Dale said: “’Throughout my military service, I’ve learned that success relies entirely on two things: meticulous attention to detail and taking care of the people around you.  Today, my co-owner and I are applying those exact principles to hospitality.

“Whether you are stopping by our restaurant for a hearty, locally sourced meal, staying in one of our 15 beautiful rooms, or relaxing in the bar after a round at Ganton Golf Club or quenching your thirst after watching the Ganton Cricket team, our goal is to provide a seamless, welcoming, “home-from-home” experience.

“I look forward to greeting you at the bar and ensuring your stay in North Yorkshire is nothing short of exceptional!’

The pair say they were attracted to the pub as it was a landmark, freehold 18th Century property, which gives them the freedom to run the business how they like.

It is free of brewery ties, allowing them to source the Yorkshire ales, spirits and wines from whichever independent suppliers they choose.

The prime location by the A64 gives “an incredible volume of passing trade.”

The pair also note the pub is right next to the top-class Ganton Golf Course, making it the perfect 19th hole. The area is a haven for walkers and tourists.

The pub itself is an iconic historic coaching inn, widely celebrated for its cosy, traditional atmosphere, complete with complete with open log fires, exposed beams, and a sprawling beer garden for the summer months. 

It also delivers three revenue streams from its bar lounge, home-cooked food and 15 en-suite guest letting rooms.

Dale and Stephen say business has been fantastic since they took over, with them receiving a warm welcome from locals and passing travellers.

Dale said: “Taking over from the previous long-term custodians, meant we stepped into an already running business with a very healthy book of forward reservations already stretching into the year.”

They plan to extend the opening hours, including opening on Sundays, which the previous owners did not. Sunday service will include Sunday roast.

The pair are refreshing the menu, with a focus on freshly-prepared local produce, classic pub favourites with a modern culinary twist.

There will be some updates to the bar area and some bedrooms, whilst maintaining the pub’s character.

Dale added: “Stephen and I would like to thank everyone that has supported us so far, our family and friends and the locals that are most welcome back to their local The Ganton Greyhound. Special Thanks to our parents who continue to support us, without their input this would never be possible.”

Have you been to the Ganton Greyhound Inn? What did you think? Share your memories in the comments below.

DJ Afrojack has said he’s lucky to be alive after narrowly escaping a metal blade that smashed through his car’s windscreen and likened the moment to Final Destination

DJ Afrojack has shared that he almost died when a metal blade smashed through his car’s windscreen and only narrowly missed his face. The 38-year-old DJ posted a clip to social media, where he likened the moment to something from the film Final Destination.

In the video posted to Instagram, he showed his cracked windscreen with the metal blade still stuck in it. The position of the blade showed that it had crashed through the windscreen over the central console, and will have landed very close to both the driver and any front seat passengers. DJ Afrojack, whose real name is Nick Leonardus van de Wall, wrote over the video: “POV: Final Destination but it’s not a movie.”

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Final Destination is a film franchise that follows a group of people who escape death only to be killed off in a series of unlikely incidents orchestrated by Death itself.

He also said in the caption that he felt “lucky” to have survived it: “We got lucky, will post full update later.” The caption was accompanied by a series of distressed face emojis.

Fans quickly shared their support for Afrojack. One wrote: “Brother… so glad you’re safe.” Another said: “Glad you are ok bro. God’s protection is with you.” A third added: “OMG so glad you’re ok fam. That’s scary AF.”

The DJ later shared another series of videos and pictures of the car with the blade in the window, which was being driven by his friend Nick Fuso. He said in the caption: “Sometime life sends me a reminder of how lucky I am to be here..

“Blessed with my family, blessed with my friends, and blessed with breathing. This was the scariest thing i’ve ever seen and my friend @nickfuso too, for @fritsvandeclips the second scariest thing.

“Thanks for the warning, thanks for this life, lets go get more life n more music!! Thanks @nickfuso for not crashing the car after your final destination moment, and tnx to my team (and @officialhardrock ) for still getting us to the finish line!!”

He finished by sending a “big thanks” to his wife, Elettra Lamborghini, “for always being there for me even in the scariest moments”. DJ Afrojack married the Geordie Shore star in 2020 in a Lake Como wedding.

Their wedding was a spectacle where their family and friends watched them exchange their vows. Elettra has her roots in the spotlight as the granddaughter of car founder Ferruccio Lamborghini and she had her own taste of fame on Geordie Shore in 2017. The two were engaged for 10 months before getting married.

Finally, Afrojack posted a picture from his spot on a plane and poked fun at the incident, which happened on the way to the airport. He said: “Team no car made it to Monterrey.”

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Greater Manchester Police were called to Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road shortly after the start of the school day.

Emergency services, including police officers, paramedics and an air ambulance, attended the scene as the school was placed into lockdown.

Police confirmed that three people suffered injuries, ‘thought to be knife wounds, although none are believed to be serious at this stage.

Officers arrested a schoolgirl in connection with the incident and investigations remain ongoing.

Images from the scene showed several police and ambulance vehicles stationed both outside the school gates and within the school grounds, while a helicopter was seen circling overhead.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Officers are currently responding to an incident at a school on Plant Hill Road, Blackley where a schoolgirl has been arrested.

“Three people have been injured, however injuries aren’t believed to be serious at this time.”

The force added that emergency services remain at the scene and are working closely with the school.

Officers also sought to reassure parents and the wider community that there is no ongoing threat.

“There is not believed to be any wider threat to the pupils and staff in the school,” police said.

Co-op Academy Manchester, located on Plant Hill Road in Higher Blackley, serves around 1,600 pupils aged between 11 and 16.

Further updates are expected as enquiries continue.

A group of men were reported to police while driving laps around a Cambridgeshire city centre shouting verbal abuse at pedestrians

A group of men drove around Peterborough city centre shouting verbal abuse at pedestrians and trying to get women into a car, according to Cambridgeshire Police. Officers received a report about a group of men driving laps around the city centre during an evening, calling women names and trying to get them into the car.

The driver has since been given a community protection warning (CPW). This bans him from the city centre and other areas that have night-time economy businesses, between 8pm and 6am for three months.

A police spokesperson explained: “A CPW is a letter of warning which addresses the behaviours and may include conditions such as not to be in a specific location at certain hours. If the behaviour continues, a Community Protection Notice (CPN) may be issued, which details formal action required to be taken to prevent further behaviour. Failure to comply with a CPN is an arrestable offence and could lead to a criminal prosecution.

“The man was also handed a section 59 warning, which is given to those committing vehicle-related anti-social behaviour. The warning applies to both the vehicle and the driver. This means that if either is involved in anti-social behaviour the vehicle can be seized.”

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A man in his 40s was left with significant injuries to his face, neck and back after the brutal knife attack in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast shortly after 10.30pm on Monday

A man has been detained on suspicion of attempted murder following a savage knife attack that left another man in a critical condition in Belfast.

Officers revealed that the victim, a man in his 40s, sustained severe wounds to his face, neck and back during the assault in the Kinnaird Avenue area of north Belfast, shortly after 10.30pm on Monday.

A man in his 30s, understood to be Somalian, was apprehended at the scene and remains in police custody. The injured man was rushed to hospital, where his condition is described as serious.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has classified the incident as critical as detectives work to establish a motive behind the attack.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “This is a deeply concerning assault and I have declared this a critical incident. We have commenced an investigation to establish a motive.”

“This brutal attack will have sent shockwaves through the community causing real concern. I want to reassure the local community that we are treating this attack with the utmost seriousness.

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“Our investigation is continuing at pace. Community safety is our priority and we are currently engaging with local representatives and residents to provide reassurance and support.”

Footage of the attack has spread across social media, apparently depicting a man repeatedly plunging a knife into another before bystanders stepped in to intervene. Mr Henderson commended those who came to the aid of the victim. He said: “Our officers were on the scene within minutes and we wish to acknowledge the members of the public who strived to save the man from further attack. Their willingness to step forward to help another person shows incredible bravery and community spirit.”

Police have appealed to the public not to circulate the footage, cautioning that sharing it could inflict additional distress on the victim’s loved ones and potentially compromise the active investigation.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this deeply distressing time,” Mr Henderson added.

Local councillor Paul McCusker characterised the incident as “horrific” and commended residents who stepped in.

He said: “Horrific scenes on the streets of North Belfast tonight, terrifying for anyone to witness or watch this on social media.

“I have spoken to the police and the male who carried out the attack has been arrested and the victim is critical in hospital. I really hope he survives this attack and his family are getting support.

“The bravery of those residents was commendable.”

Police enquiries continue and officers are anticipated to maintain a visible presence in the vicinity while the investigation progresses.

Niall McGinn believes Stephen Robinson can transform Aberdeen FC into a major Scottish Premiership force — and says Northern Ireland midfielder Brad Lyons will be key to driving standards at Pittodrie

Niall McGinn believes that with adequate financial support, Stephen Robinson has what it takes to restore Aberdeen as a dominant force in the Scottish Premiership.

The ex-Dons player has previously worked alongside the current Aberdeen manager.

Robinson joined Michael O’Neill’s coaching team for Euro 2016, where Northern Ireland progressed to the round of 16.

McGinn is convinced he’s an excellent coach and accomplished manager who, with the proper resources, can revitalise Aberdeen’s prospects, reports the Daily Record.

He said: “I think he’ll do well, but it’s like anything. He obviously needs the backing, which he seems he’s going to get.”

“He knows the league very well, so that’s a big plus straight away.

“Stephen is coming into a league where he knows what the standards are. He knows what he’s come up against every week.”

Robinson has already begun reshaping his Aberdeen squad. He’s secured agreements to bring in Brad Lyons, Lewis Mayo, Alexander Briedl and Dan Happe. A transfer for Connor Ronan from Colorado Rapids is also expected to be finalised once the window opens.

The Aberdeen manager has emphasised his desire for greater physicality and strength, combined with substantial British experience.

“It’s not going to be pretty at times,” McGinn stated. “It’s going to be hard graft.

“He’s been saying that over the course of the last six weeks of how the games are and moments such as set-pieces.

“Just really fine moments over the course of 90 minutes which games can be won or lost.

“You want to play free-flowing football and you want to excite the fans.

“He’ll obviously do well, but more importantly, he’ll want to win games.

“Ultimately, he’ll just be wanting to win games straight away.”

McGinn was delighted to see his fellow countryman secure the top job at Pittodrie, following his success in guiding St Mirren to Premier Sports Cup triumph.

He said: “He was assistant coach at the 2016 Euros. I just knew how brilliant of a coach he was. Obviously, I haven’t worked under him as a manager, which is a wee bit different.

“But from speaking to other players and knowing how he is, I’ve spoken to him a few times since he’s arrived.

“He’s just wanting to do very well, first and foremost for himself and more importantly for the group of players and obviously the fans as well.

“It’ll be a united effort. Yes, he’ll need a bit of time.

“He’ll need a bit of adaptation regarding pre-season, regarding the players coming in, regarding everyone gelling together, with the current squad and the players he’s bringing in.

“He will be looking to do that over pre-season.”

McGinn is equally pleased to welcome another Northern Irish international to Aberdeen, with midfielder Lyons arriving from Kilmarnock.

He said: “First of all, delighted to see somebody from the north coming into the Aberdeen squad.

“Looking from the outside in and knowing him briefly but not too much. I have watched him closely over the years to see his progression from Coleraine and Kilmarnock.

“He then made his international debut and has won a few caps, so he has quality. He’s just a hard working, honest guy.

“He’ll work box to box, he’ll maybe chip in a goal or two but he’ll just drive standards.”

Lyons brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Aberdeen captain. McGinn understands the value of recruiting such personalities, particularly as the Dons look to fill the void left by departing skipper Graeme Shinnie, who has headed back to Inverness.

“Brad is a good honest footballer and a good type,” said the former Dons star, who featured in the Craig Brown charity Cup game at the weekend.

“It’s going to be important because when you lose the likes of Graeme Shinnie you need characters to come in and get up to the standards straight away.

“He’s one of those boys who will drive standards.”

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Outside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where Iran will face New Zealand on 15 June, those tensions are on full display.

Opponents of the government in Tehran have gathered waving the Lion and Sun flag. It was Iran’s flag from before the 1979 Islamic revolution, and for many here, a symbol of resistance to the current regime.

From a distance, they look like Iranian flags.

But a closer look reveals the symbol at the heart of the dispute.

For protesters here, the Lion and Sun represents Iran.

“It is a stance against the Islamic Republic. This is the real flag of Iran,” says Arezo Rashidian, one of the protest organisers.

The emblem on the national team’s jerseys, they argue, represents a government they want gone. That post-revolution flag has the same green, white and red stripes but also features the Islamic emblem of four crescents and a sword in red. The Arabic inscription ‘Allahu Akbar’ which translates to ‘Allah is the greatest’ and Muslims recite during prayer, is also featured on the flag.

Many of those gathered outside SoFi Stadium accuse the Islamic Republic of using sport to project legitimacy abroad while repressing dissent at home.

“Regime change is the goal. We’re here to show solidarity with the people of Iran,” says Ms Rashidian.

She says they are against “the mass killings of individuals protesting freely,” referring to the anti-government protests in January and February and the widespread crackdown by the regime forces which resulted in thousands of deaths.

At the time, state officials acknowledged several thousand casualties, while activist groups and medical sources documented mass shootings, overwhelmed hospitals, and leaked mortuary records indicating the true scale of the violence.