Iranian-French novelist and film director Marjane Satrapi, the acclaimed creator of the graphic novel Persepolis, has reportedly died at the age of 56.

According to a family statement cited by AFP, her death came just over a year after the passing of her husband, Mattias Ripa. Those close to Satrapi said his death had a profound impact on her.

Following Ripa’s death in April 2025, Satrapi was reported to have faced a difficult period of grief while continuing to preserve his legacy.

She later established the Mattias and Marjane Ripa-Satrapi Cinema Foundation to help international students pursue filmmaking studies in Paris.

In a heartfelt post shared after his death, she wrote: “For I have lost the love of my life.”

Born in Rasht, Iran, in 1969, Marjane Satrapi grew up in Tehran during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

She lived through strict social and political rules as a child. These early experiences later shaped her best-known work, Persepolis.

The graphic novel was first published in French in 2000. It tells her story from childhood in Iran to her teenage years in Europe. She moved to Vienna at 14 after her parents sent her abroad.

The work was later published as a full book. It was translated into more than 30 languages. It also won international awards and wide praise from critics.

With its striking black-and-white drawings, Persepolis told a deeply personal story. It offered readers a clear view of Iranian society, exile, and identity through memoir and art.

Beyond literature, Persepolis helped change how graphic novels are seen. It showed they can be serious works of literature and film.

Marjane Satrapi is also known for her activism. She has supported young filmmakers. She has also promoted cultural exchange across countries.

David Sullivan announced Saturday he had stepped down from his role as joint-chair of West Ham with immediate effect.

The 77-year-old is leaving his role of 16 years to fight “false allegations” about his private life.

Sullivan, who built a business empire from owning pornographic magazines and sex shops, said: ” I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.”

He added: “The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.”

Sullivan and business partner David Gold completed their takeover of West Ham after selling Birmingham, and brought Karren Brady with them as vice-chairman.

Their tenure oversaw the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, making the three of them the focus of numerous anti-board protests among club’s supporters even before the club were relegated from the Premier League this season.

“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for,” Sullivan added in his statement.

“This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.”

West Ham said they will give “an update on the future structure of the board of directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time”.

Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky bought a 27 percent stake in the London club in 2021 and is reportedly set to increase his holding.

Vincenzo Italiano has been appointed coach of Turkish side Besiktas, the Istanbul-based club announced on Saturday.

The 48-year-old Italian will coach the club until the end of the 2027-2028 season, Besiktas said in a statement.

The former coach of Serie A clubs Fiorentina and Bologna becomes the 11th manager at Besiktas in the past five years, following Frenchman Valerien Ismael, Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Crowned Turkish champions for the 16th time in 2021, Besiktas have since struggled to compete with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, the two other big Istanbul clubs.





AFP