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A recent survey conducted by the Football Supporters' Association has revealed that 91% of football fans believe the game is better off without Video Assistant Referees (VAR). The survey, which polled over 7,000 fans, found that the vast majority of respondents are dissatisfied with the VAR system, which has been in use for over eight years.The survey results show that only 2% of fans agree that VAR makes football more enjoyable, while 3% said it improves the experience of attending a match. In contrast, 81% of fans prefer watching matches without video technology. The survey also found that 96% of fans disagree with the statement that VAR decisions are generally resolved in a reasonable amount of time.While some fans approve of the introduction of in-stadium communication from referees to explain VAR decisions, other extensions of the VAR protocol were largely unpopular. For example, only 21% of fans agreed that VAR should adjudicate on whether corner kicks are awarded, a system set to be trialled at this summer's World Cup.The survey results may not necessarily influence the game's decision-makers, as competition organisers and big clubs are committed to the use of VAR. However, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) has announced a two-year review into the system's performance, which may lead to changes in how VAR is used.

The poignant statement 'We can insure the ship, but we cannot insure a human life' brings to light the stark reality of insurance limitations. This phrase, often attributed to maritime contexts, emphasizes the disparity in how financial protection is offered to vessels versus human lives. In the realm of maritime insurance, ships and cargo can be insured against a variety of risks, including accidents, natural disasters, and theft. However, when it comes to human lives, the concept of insurance takes on a different form. Life insurance and health insurance are designed to provide financial protection to dependents in the event of a person's death or illness, but these policies have their own set of limitations and exclusions. The inability to insure a human life in the same way as a ship or property highlights the intrinsic value placed on human existence and the complexities of quantifying human life in monetary terms. This philosophical and practical distinction raises questions about the nature of value and protection in our society. As we reflect on this statement, it becomes clear that the true value of human life lies not in its monetary worth but in its inherent dignity and the impact individuals have on those around them. While insurance can provide financial security, it cannot replace the irreplaceable nature of human life.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson has issued a stern warning regarding the United States, stating that former President Donald Trump 'only understands the language of force'. This statement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US, suggesting a potentially more assertive stance from Iran in response to Trump's policies.The IRGC spokesperson's comments reflect a broader narrative within Iran that Trump's approach to international relations is rooted in a show of strength, rather than diplomacy. This perspective is likely influenced by Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran, which included economic sanctions and a significant military presence in the region.Iran's stance underscores the complexities of US-Iran relations, which have been strained for decades. The IRGC's statement may indicate a strategic recalibration by Iran, potentially leading to a more confrontational approach in its dealings with the US.

In a significant diplomatic development, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have convened in Islamabad for crucial talks aimed at de-escalating the intensifying US-Israel war on Iran. The regional summit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East as international efforts intensify to prevent further conflict escalation.Adding complexity to the diplomatic landscape, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has made a serious allegation, claiming that the United States is secretly plotting a ground attack against Iran despite public assertions of pursuing diplomatic channels to end the ongoing hostilities. This accusation raises questions about the sincerity of recent diplomatic efforts and suggests a significant disconnect between public statements and private intentions.The Islamabad meeting represents a coordinated regional response to the growing crisis, with neighboring nations attempting to play a constructive role in finding peaceful resolutions. The participation of these key countries underscores the widespread concern about the potential regional and global implications of the conflict.

An analyst has suggested that Iran's strategic interests are aligned with an extended war, rather than a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict. This perspective implies that Iran may be seeking to prolong the war for various geopolitical and strategic reasons.The analyst's comments were reported by Al Jazeera, a well-known news organization. However, specific details about the analyst's identity and the context of their statement were not provided.This development highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with Iran's actions and interests being closely scrutinized by international observers. The situation underscores the need for continued analysis and understanding of the motivations behind Iran's involvement in the conflict.

South African Olympic champion Caster Semenya has expressed her strong disapproval of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to reinstate gender verification tests for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Semenya, a two-time Olympic 800-metres champion, described the move as 'a disrespect for women'.The IOC's new policy, announced under President Kirsty Coventry, will limit eligibility for women's events to 'biological females' determined through a one-time SRY gene screening. This decision comes after the organization previously abandoned chromosomal sex testing in 1999 due to scientific concerns and athlete backlash.Semenya, who has been a symbol of the struggle for hyperandrogenic athletes' rights, emphasized that such measures 'cause harm' and are unnecessary. She pointed out that the policy seems to imply that women need to prove their worthiness to participate in sports, which she finds disrespectful.The IOC's policy shift aligns with US President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports. Trump took credit for the IOC's decision, stating it was influenced by his order.The new policy follows a gender row at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Algerian fighter Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan were allowed to compete despite failing eligibility tests. The IOC's decision aims to create a unified approach across all Olympic sports regarding athlete eligibility.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for conducting missile and drone attacks on aluminium facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to a statement carried by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC targeted sites on Saturday that were allegedly linked to US military bases in the Gulf states.The attacks resulted in injuries to two employees at Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and significant damage to one of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) sites in Abu Dhabi, with six people injured. The IRGC stated that the strikes were in retaliation for a US-Israeli attack on Iranian industrial infrastructure launched from military bases hosting US forces in the Gulf states.The attacks have raised concerns about the global aluminium supply, with estimates suggesting that between 4 to 9 percent of the global supply comes from this region. The escalation of attacks in the Middle East has led to increased tensions, with Saudi Arabia intercepting and destroying 10 drones and the Kuwaiti National Guard shooting down four drones.Analysts warn that if Iran continues to match attack for attack, the situation could become very concerning, potentially leading to further escalation in the Gulf Cooperation Council. The attacks have also prompted Oman's Foreign Ministry to condemn the attacks on its territory, with authorities investigating the sources and motives behind the assaults.

Véron Mosengo-Omba, the general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), has resigned after repeated calls for his removal and at a turbulent time for African football. His departure comes amid a crisis of confidence in the organisation's leadership, largely due to the decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title and allegations of corruption.Mosengo-Omba, 66, said he was retiring but his exit follows a period of intense criticism of his tenure, including accusations of creating a toxic workplace culture at Caf. An investigation into staff complaints had previously cleared him of wrongdoing. He is of Congolese origin but a Swiss citizen and a former Fifa employee.In a statement, Mosengo-Omba said: 'After over 30 years of an international professional career dedicated to promoting an ideal form of football that brings people together, educates, and creates opportunities for hope, I have decided to step down from my position as secretary general of Caf to devote myself to more personal projects.'He expressed gratitude to Caf's president, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and his teams, and hoped that the progress made during his tenure would 'last and be sustained'. Mosengo-Omba is expected to run for the post of president of the Democratic Republic of Congo's football federation.The controversy surrounding Caf's leadership has led to Senegal's government calling for an international investigation into the organisation. Caf's competitions director, Samson Adamu, will take over as acting general secretary.Earlier this month, Motsepe admitted that Caf was struggling with questions over its integrity. The organisation is set to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams from 24, with plans to introduce a Nations League annually from 2029.

The UK hospitality sector is facing a crisis in confidence, with one in five businesses fearing collapse in the next 12 months. The impending cost crunch has left the sector warning of multiple business failures unless the burden is 'dramatically reduced'.From Wednesday, many pub, restaurant, and hotel companies will face a higher bill for business rates paid to their local authority, while an increase in minimum wage thresholds takes effect on the same day. The survey respondents, who operate more than 20,000 venues, cited increased employment costs as their top worry, followed by business rates and inflation in the cost of food and drink.UKHospitality estimates that the increase in the national living wage and national minimum wage will result in an extra £1.4bn in costs for the sector. The organisation also expects most of its members to pay more in business rates, with the average hotel in England facing a 30% increase worth £28,900, and the average restaurant facing a 15% increase worth £1,800.The sector is calling for the government to dramatically reduce the cost burden, warning that too many businesses are simply not making any money, and that the only result is lost jobs and business closures. 'Hospitality can be a driving force of growth and jobs, but only if its costs of doing business are dramatically reduced,' said UKHospitality in a joint statement with industry bodies.