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Many football fans will not have seen a game with as much stoppage time as in England’s 6-2 win over Iran.

Nearly half an hour was added by the officials.

Wales and the Netherlands had 10 extra minutes added on at the end of their respective matches, while Saudi Arabia – much to the annoyance of their bench – had to hang on into the 104th minute to beat Argentina.

Germany protest before shock result – World Cup live updates

England’s victory over Iran in Qatar was played for more than 117 minutes, making it the longest group-stage game at any World Cup, according to Opta.

A staggering 14 minutes and eight seconds was added in the first half, followed by 13 minutes and eight seconds at the end of the second half.

Stoppages are being added for time-wasting by players, treatment for injuries, lengthy goal celebrations, substitutions, VAR interventions and yellow or red cards – making games continue far beyond what was previously expected.

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A new FIFA directive says “unnatural lost time” should be added at the end of each half.

Speaking to ESPN before the tournament, Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA referees committee and a former World Cup official, said: “What we already did in Russia [2018] was to more accurately calculate the time to be compensated.

“We told everybody don’t be surprised if they see the fourth official raising the electronic board with a big number on it, six, seven or eight minutes.

“If you want more active time, we need to be ready to see this kind of additional time given.

“Think of a match with three goals scored. A celebration normally takes one, one-and-a-half minutes, so with three goals scored, you lose five or six minutes.”

The referee assistant shows 8 minutes overtime during the World Cup group C soccer match between Argentina and Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar
Pic:AP

He added: “What we want to do is accurately calculate the added time at the end of each half.

“It can be the fourth official to do that, we were successful in Russia and we expect the same in Qatar.

“I am not talking about VAR intervention, this is something which is different and calculated by the Video Assistant Referee in a very precise way.

“It’s the fourth official who usually proposes the amount of added time and the referee tends to [ultimately] decide.”

Officials have historically applied new FIFA directives strongly at World Cup tournaments, such as swift punishment for dissent or for dangerous tackles.

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The desire to see the ball in play more has grown through an era when obvious time-wasting became more common.

But large amounts of time being added on is not entirely new – in the English Football League this season, some matches have ended with around 10 minutes being added to the second half.

Officials have pointed to the large number of substitutions in the second period, but goals being scored in stoppage time with all the celebrations that follow can also extend the added time even further.

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Pictures reveal inside of Bayesian sunken superyacht after it was resurfaced for full examination

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Pictures reveal inside of Bayesian sunken superyacht after it was resurfaced for full examination

The inside of the superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily almost a year ago has been seen for the first time after it was resurfaced.

British billionaire Mike Lynch, 59, his daughter Hannah, 18, and five others died after the 56-metre (184ft) Bayesian sank off Porticello on 19 August 2024.

Images reveal what the inside of the British-flagged vessel looks like now – after it was resurfaced and placed in a manufactured steel cradle in Termini Imerese.

In one picture, a lounge area can be seen, complete with sofas and other furniture, while another shows the hatch down to the lower deck.

Inside the Bayesian yacht after it was brought to the surface
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The tragedy last August claimed seven lives

Inside the Bayesian yacht after it was brought to the surface
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A full examination of the yacht is being carried out

Inside the Bayesian yacht after it was brought to the surface
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The incident has puzzled maritime experts

Read more
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How will the tragedy be investigated?

Now the boat is back on land, a balloon-like instrument will be used to lift its 72m (236ft) mast after it was cut off with a remote-controlled tool to rest on the seabed.

While salvage workers continue a “full sweep” of the ocean floor nearby, a full examination of the yacht will look at what could have been done to prevent the tragedy.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) will then publish a report into its investigation.

Inside the Bayesian yacht after it was brought to the surface
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Salvage teams managed to raise the vessel and bring it ashore

Inside the Bayesian yacht after it was brought to the surface
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The boat had lain on the seabed at a depth of 50 metres

The family of the Bayesian chef Recaldo Thomas, who was among those who died, says “lessons need to be learned”.

In a statement through the Thomas family lawyers Keystone Law, they said they want the investigation to “establish the truth of what happened” and “bring those responsible to justice”.

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Bayesian superyacht raised from seabed

Simon Graves, an MAIB investigator, said of the investigation previously: “When the wreck is brought ashore, we’ll be completing a full examination of the wreck and we’ll be finding out all of the elements that might have contributed to the safety of the vessel.”

Things like the vessel’s “escape routes” will be included in the final report, Mr Graves added.

“Once we get access to the vessel we’ll be able to tell a fuller picture of activities on board and the sequence of events.”

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A UK inquest will look at the deaths of Mr Lynch, Miss Lynch, Morgan Stanley banker Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife Judy, 71, who were all British nationals.

US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda also died.

Fifteen people, including Mr Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares, were rescued.

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Riot police clash with protesters calling for end to Serbian president’s rule

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Riot police clash with protesters calling for end to Serbian president's rule

Serbian riot police have clashed with anti-government protesters calling for snap elections and an end to the 12-year rule of President Aleksandar Vucic.

The protest by tens of thousands of demonstrators was held in Belgrade on Saturday after months of persistent demonstrations led by Serbia‘s university students that have rattled Mr Vucic’s grip on power.

The crowd chanted “We want elections!” as they filled the capital’s central Slavija Square and several streets around it.

Students gave speeches. One, who didn’t give her name, said: “Elections are a clear way out of the social crisis caused by the deeds of the government, which is undoubtedly against the interests of their own people.

“Today, on June 28 2025, we declare the current authorities illegitimate.”

Anti-government protest in Belgrade. Pic: AP
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Tens of thousands joined the protest. Pic: AP

Riot police block anti-government protesters. Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

Tensions were high before and during the gathering.

Riot police had been deployed around government buildings, parliament and nearby Pionirski Park, where hundreds of Mr Vucic’s loyalists from across the country have been camping for months.

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As the protest ended in the evening, some demonstrators threw bottles, rocks and flares at the police who were preventing the crowd from approaching Pionirski Park and confronting Mr Vucic’s backers.

Skirmishes between riot officers and groups of protesters lasted for several hours, with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds in several locations across Belgrade’s city centre.

Law enforcement officers detain a demonstrator, during an anti-government protest. Pic: AP
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Police said they detained several dozen demonstrators. Pic: Reuters

Police detained several dozen protesters, while six officers were reported injured in the clashes, Dragan Vasiljevic, the director of police, told a news conference late on Saturday.

Responding to the violence, President Vucic said in an Instagram post: “Serbia always wins in the end.”

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University students have been a key force behind nationwide demonstrations that started after a renovated rail station canopy collapsed, killing 16 people in November last year.

Many blamed the concrete roof crash on government corruption and negligence in state infrastructure projects, leading to recurring protests.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic. File pic: Reuters
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President Aleksandar Vucic. File pic: Reuters

President Vucic and his right-wing Serbian Progressive Party have repeatedly refused the demand for an early parliamentary vote and accused protesters of planning to spur violence on orders from abroad, which they have not specified.

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A former extreme nationalist, Mr Vucic has become increasingly authoritarian since coming to power more than a decade ago. He formally says he wants Serbia to join the European Union, but critics say he has stifled democratic freedoms and strengthened ties with Russia and China.

While demonstrations have shrunk in recent weeks, the large showing for Saturday’s rally suggested that the resolve persists, despite relentless pressure and after nearly eight months of almost daily protests.

People attend a major anti-government rally in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)
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The scene in Slavija Square. Pic: AP

A drone view of the huge protest. Pic: AP
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Pic: Reuters

Serbian police, who are tightly controlled by Mr Vucic’s government, said 36,000 people were present at the start of Saturday’s protest.

An independent monitoring group that records public gatherings said a total of around 140,000 people were in attendance.

Serbia’s presidential and parliamentary elections are due in 2027.

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Thousands defy ban to join Pride march in Budapest

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Thousands defy ban to join Pride march in Budapest

If Hungary’s authorities thought banning this year’s Pride march would keep people off the streets, they were wrong.

Thousands turned out in Budapest, defying a law which said LGBTQ+ events like this should be cancelled to protect children.

The crowd was determined to fight for their rights.

People hold a six-colour rainbow banner during the Budapest Pride March in Budapest, Hungary, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
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Rainbow flags were on display everywhere as people celebrated Pride. Pic: Reuters


People cross Elisabeth Bridge during the Budapest Pride March in Budapest, Hungary, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo
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Huge crowds crossed the Elisabeth Bridge over the Danube. Pic: Reuters

“This is a special march, not just because it was the 30th, but also because it was banned,” said Orsi, who proudly wore a rainbow headband and waved a rainbow flag.

“I mean that’s all the more reason to go out on the street and show that Budapest and Hungary is a place where everybody is welcome, where love is equal,” she added.

Orsi - speaking at a pride march in Budapest, Hungary
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Orsi told Sky News that it was a special march and worth the risk of being fined

Attendees had been warned that just being there could mean a 500 euro fine or prison time for the organisers.

They were told police would use facial recognition cameras to identify them, but they didn’t care.

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Orsi said it was worth a fine.

Leonas had travelled from Poland to show his support and was also happy to take the risk.

“LGBT rights are attacked across the whole world, and we need to defend each other and work with each other,” he said.

Leonas who had travelled from Poland to join at a pride march in Budapest, Hungary.
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Leonas from Poland felt it was important to defend LGBTQ+ rights

Viktor Orban’s government has repeatedly pitched family values against LGBTQ+ rights.

“The mother is a woman, the father is a man and leave our kids alone,” he told conservative audiences in the past.

He says he is protecting Hungary’s Christian values, but critics say this is just part of a wider attack on democracy which has happened during his 15 years in control.

The Pride ban is just the latest targeting of LGBTQ+ communities.

A participant in the Pride march cheers in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Rudolf Karancsi)
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Budapest was transformed into a sea of bright colours, as marchers defied a ban. Pic: AP

People attend the Budapest Pride March in Budapest, Hungary, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
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Pic: Reuters

In 2020, the country abolished its legal recognition of transgender people, and in 2021, politicians passed a law banning the depiction of homosexuality to under-18s.

While many were outraged by the attempt to cancel the Pride march, a small number of far-right activists organised demonstrations to show their support:

“Hungary and the Hungarian nation don’t want the aggressive LGBTQ+ propaganda. They are dangerous for our families, they are dangerous for our kids,” said Gabor Kelemen, a member of the 64 Counties Youth Movement.

Gabor Kelemen, a member of the 64 Counties Youth Movement - speaking at a pride march in Budapest, Hungary.
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Gabor Kelemen, from a far-right group, thinks Pride represents LGBTQ+ propaganda that is ‘dangerous for our families’


However, the packed streets showed many disagree.

At one point, as far as the eye could see, the march snaked through streets and across the city’s bridges. The sound of drums and whistles mixing with gay anthems blaring out of speakers.

The organisers said they believed this will be the largest Pride march ever in Budapest.

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The crowd was eclectic, with Hungarians from different communities joining a demonstration which many believe is now part of a fight for Hungary’s future.

“This is not only about the complexity of Pride, not only about love or equality… for Hungarians, it’s about sticking together, supporting each other, showing the government that we believe in a different kind of Hungary. We believe in freedom, we believe in democracy,” said activist Adam Kanicsar.

activist Adam Kanicsar speaking at a pride march in Budapest, Hungary
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Activist Adam Kanicsar believes the Pride march will send an important message to Hungary’s government

Despite the ban, today Pride attendees were celebrating a victory. But make no mistake, many in Hungary do not support the parade or what they see as an attack on traditional values.

Next year, the country will hold a general election, a vote which will expose how divided Hungary really is.

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