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      FA will BAN trans women from women’s football next season after ‘win for common sense’ Supreme Court ruling

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      ENGLAND’S FA will ban transgender women from women’s football clubs next season.Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that trans women are not legally women in a move hailed as a “victory for common sense”.Women celebrate outside the Supreme Court in LondonCampaigners from For Women Scotland (FWS) outside the Supreme CourtCredit: EPANHS trusts will be hit with lawsuits for millions of pounds if they fail to protect single-sex female spaces, a lawyer warnsThe FA – who previously allowed trans women to compete in the women’s league – have now said they’re “changing their policy”.In a statement today, it said: “As the governing body of the national sport, our role is to make football accessible to as many people as possible, operating within the law and international football policy defined by UEFA and FIFA.”Our current policy, which allows transgender women to participate in the women’s game, was based on this principle and supported by expert legal advice.”This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football then we would review it and change it if necessary.read more football news”The Supreme Court’s ruling on the 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025.”We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game.”In April, the Supreme Court confirmed the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act “refer to a biological woman and biological sex”.The landmark judgment was hailed as a “victory for common sense” by top politicians and feminist campaigners.Most read in FootballAnd the PM, who has previously said “trans women are women”, finally admitted that a woman is an “adult female” after years of woke dithering.In a statement today, Downing Street added that “biology matters” in women’s sport.Trans women are NOT women, Supreme Court rules in win for anti-woke campaigners after battle over female-only spacesAsked about the FA’s decision, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said on Thursday: “We have been clear that biology matters when it comes to women’s sport and that everyone should be compliant with the law.”We will continue to work to ensure women and girls across the country can enjoy sports, and we will continue to support the bodies to protect the integrity, fairness and safety of the game.”He added: “It’s up to the individual sporting bodies to set their own policies.”It comes after Kemi Badenoch labelled Sir Keir a “weather vane who twists in the wind” as she claimed he “doesn’t have the balls” to express his views on gender.And Harry Potter author Rowling hit out against the PM branding him a “coward”.Last month, Baroness Kishwer Falkner, who chairs the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, suggested that clubs at professional and grassroots level must respect the Supreme Court’s ruling that female-only spaces are protected on the basis of biology.Asked if it was now simple that trans women cannot take part in women’s sport, Baroness Falkner told the BBC: “Yes, it is.”Lord Seb Coe, the president of World Athletics hailed the court for having “produced clarity”.He said: “Most importantly, I think it really does support women, in places for them that really matter.”It is really important that we continue to protect the integrity of women’s competition.”The row over trans women in women’s sports has exploded in recent years, with growing calls to protect fairness for female athletes.Critics say letting biological males compete against women creates an uneven playing field, especially in strength-based sports.KEY POINTS ABOUT RULINGTHE UK’s highest court unanimously ruled the terms “woman” and “sex” as set down in UK law “refer to a biological woman and biological sex”.Judges ruled having aGender Recognition Certificate stating a trans woman is female does not mean that person should be treated as a woman under the UK 2010 Equality Act.This means trans women with a GRC can be excluded from single-sex spaces if “proportionate”.The ruling will apply to spaces such as changing rooms, homeless hostels or domestic violence refuges. NHS guidance on who can be placed on same-sex wards is also now likely to be changed. The current document, set out in 2019, states: “Trans people should be accommodated according to their presentation: the way they dress, and the name and pronouns they currently use.”One option is for transgender people to be placed in rooms on their own. Trans people still retain legal protections and cannot be discriminated against, but they cannot acquire protections reserved for women.In 2022, British Cycling faced fury after allowing trans rider Emily Bridges to race in the women’s category — a move blocked by governing body UCI at the last minute.Swimmer Sharron Davies, who won Olympic silver for Team GB, has been one of the most vocal campaigners against what she calls “female erasure” in sport.She and other female athletes argue their years of hard work have been undermined by rules that favour inclusion over fairness.Several UK sporting bodies, including World Athletics and Swim England, have since tightened rules to reserve elite female competition for biological women only.Supporters of the changes say it’s common sense — and long overdue.Britain’s equality watchdog is rushing to rewrite its rulebook after the court ruling shook up the law on sex and gender.The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says it’ll urgently update its guidance — as ministers face mounting pressure to spell out what the verdict means for schools, hospitals and workplaces.Baroness Kishwer Falkner, who chairs the EHRC, said the impact of the ruling “cannot be overstated” and vowed a rapid review of the watchdog’s advice to reflect the fresh legal clarity.The equalities chief pledged to crack down on any organisation ignoring the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling.She said the ruling is “enormously consequential” and offers clarity — meaning trans women, even with a Gender Recognition Certificate, can be excluded from women-only spaces if “proportionate”.On sport, she told Radio 4: “Yes, it is” now simple that trans women can’t compete in female categories.Read More on The SunShe said changing rooms must be based on biological sex, adding: “If a male person is allowed to use a women-only service, it becomes a mixed-sex space.”Baroness Falkner also said the NHS must scrap its 2019 policy on trans patients and follow the ruling, with “no confusion” left about what the law requires.Transgender women will be banned from the next season of women’s football in EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      Lucy Bronze wants WSL champions Chelsea ‘to stay unbeaten’ with Blues targeting invincible end to season

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      LUCY BRONZE wants an invincible end to Chelsea’s season after they won a sixth consecutive WSL title following their Champions League exit. The full-back’s towering header sealed a 1-0 defeat of Manchester United with her side celebrating more domestic glory.Chelsea clinched a WSL title win away at Manchester United for the second year in a rowCredit: GettyLucy Bronze’s headed goal sealed the visitors’ victory with the Blues becoming Women’s Super League champions for the eighth timeCredit: GettyTheir sixth consecutive WSL title triumph was also their first under head coach Sonia Bompastor following her appointment last yearCredit: GettyBefore their match kicked off on Wednesday evening second-placed Arsenal were trounced by Aston Villa. Their hefty 5-2 loss at Villa Park meant the Blues required a draw to clinch the title against Man United who have never beaten them in the league. And Bronze’s match-winning moment saw the unbeaten champions maintain their iron grip on the WSL crown following a tense encounter at Leigh Sports Village.The gritty victory sealed the visitors’ domestic trophy double win ahead of their FA Cup final showdown with United on May 18.  Read More Football StoriesChelsea’s eighth top-flight title win led to them becoming champions for the second successive year at the Red Devils home. And it came three days after their bow out of the Champions League following an 8-2 aggregate semi-final loss to Barcelona. It also capped the first top tier triumph of the Sonia Bompastor era, with the champions an cup final win away from a domestic trophy treble.   Bronze said: “We knew that a draw was good enough as well. We wanted to be unbeaten and keep a clean sheet. Most read in Football”But it’s really nice to have scored a goal and got the win as well. “It makes it feel better to celebrate being champions when you win a game. “The fortunate thing for us  this season is we’ve been unbeaten and there were two things to go for. “We knew before the game that Arsenal got beaten so we knew we needed to come in and get from this game. “But we wanted to win and we want to be unbeaten this season, so although we’ve won we’ve got two games left. “We want to win those games and be unbeaten this season.”United went close to scoring in the first half with efforts from Melvine Malard, Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet.Malard nearly gave the hosts a 16th-minute lead with Hannah Hampton parrying her shot away before Naomi Girma’s superb block on Clinton’s follow-up strike. Chelsea and Manchester United will go to battle in the Women’s FA Cup final on May 18Credit: GettyChelsea were forced to make a change later on in the half with Mayra Ramirez going off with a knee issue. And Leah Galton had a shot blocked shortly before Bizet headed wide close to halftime. Read More on The SunThe second half saw Tullis-Joyce pull off a stunning triple save including parrying Aggie Beever-Jones’ 57th-minute shot from distance away from danger. But the USA keeper was unable to stop Bronze’s 74th-minute winner with her flicked header finding the back of the net.  More

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      Eni Aluko QUITS ‘special’ presenting job in fresh blow following public spat with Ian Wright

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      ENI ALUKO has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid her public row with Ian Wright.Former England star Aluko aimed comments at Wright last week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Eni Aluko has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid tension over her comments about Ian WrightCredit: PAAluko was a regular host at the Women in Football AwardsCredit: PAAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female pundits, before mentioning Wright’s nameAluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry on BBC Radio 4.The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it in an impassioned Instagram video.The Arsenal legend called for the public to “move on” from the incident, but the controversy has shown no signs of slowing down.The pair’s employer ITV the latest to weigh in with a strong statement in support of the 61-year-old former striker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now Aluko has announced that she will take a step back from her role as host at the end-of-season awards on Thursday. The 38-year-old was due to take to the stage alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher at the London ceremony.She admitted that she didn’t want her place in the news cycle to “deflect” from the festivities.Aluko’s Instagram statement read: “The Women’s Football Awards hold a special place in my heart.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women’s football, and I’m so proud to have been part of it since the beginning.'”However, I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting lineup this year. Joey Barton charged after ‘comparing Eni Aluko to Fred & Rose West’ – as he slams ‘Banana Republic’ legal system”I don’t want anything to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about. “This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game.”The awards will be hosted in the very capable hands of Gabby and Jamie, who I know will bring their passion and energy to the stage.”I love women’s football deeply, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’ll absolutely be back involved in the future.”Aluko’s photograph has since been removed from the event’s publicity material, which now features only Logan and Carragher. Aluko’s position with ITV, where Wright is a popular figure, is under scrutiny amid the fall out, according to The Mail. Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More

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      Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology as Arsenal legend responds over women’s football punditry row

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      IAN WRIGHT has refused to accept Eni Aluko’s apology after the pundit claimed he risked blocking women from being given broadcast opportunities.Former England Women’s star Aluko aimed comments at Wright this week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Ian Wright says he cannot accept Eni Aluko’s apologyAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyThe pundit later apologised for mentioning Wright’s nameCredit: PAAluko spoke about importance of making sure female pundits were not blocked by men, suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” and “men need to be aware of that”.She since apologised to Wright after public backlash, but the former Arsenal star is unable to accept.He said in a video on Instagram: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The pair have worked together for ITV in the past, including during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.He added: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.Most read in Football”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.’That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you”It’s something I do not take for granted.”Aluko, 38, apologised to Wright over her comments, admitting it was wrong for her to mention his name while making a broader point about the women’s game.She said: “In my interview with Woman’s Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football – whether that’s in coaching, broadcasting or commercial space – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.”But it was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise.”I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More

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      Eni Aluko is wrong to criticise Ian Wright, he cares – women’s football is lucky to have him

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      WOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the game both on and off our TV screens.Ian Wright is a fantastic advocate for women’s footballCredit: GettyEni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football this weekCredit: GettySo I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football earlier this week.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, she explained: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.Read More in Football”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Ex-forward Aluko, who according to the Daily Mail could be axed over her comments, later continued: “Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money into building up the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWright supported Stoke defender Kayleigh McDonald throughout her ACL recovery and is now paying for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxAnd he is not just doing the bare minimum.The Telegraph revealed on Wednesday that Wright is personally covering the cost of rehab (around £1,700-a-month) for a semi-professional Stoke player who ruptured her ACL in March last year.Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview Kayleigh McDonald turned to social media for help when her club refused to pay for surgery in the wake of the incident.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely due to Wright.The 61-year-old paid for a sports lawyer to represent the defender and make sure that she received the support she needed.He cares.Wright has also committed to increasing the number of female coaches at grassroots level by teaming up with Barclays to create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund.In 2023 he donated £15,000 to pay for 664 women to attend a Level One training course.He cares.There is no doubt that Euro 2022 was a turning point for women’s football in England – and from a broadcasting perspective, Wright was at the forefront of it.The Arsenal icon repeatedly championed the prospect of more girls having access to the sport, insisting they deserve the same opportunities that boys have.He cares.The Arsenal legend started the Ian Wright Coaching Fund in a bid to help more women into coachingCredit: GettyAnd now, when many of his colleagues seemingly don’t want to, he keeps the conversation going in a bid to grow the women’s game even more.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women already.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games on TV as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.Read More on The SunIt’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.Ian Wright? We’re lucky to have him.Women are at the forefront of WSL coverage across the BBC and Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

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      Ian Wright’s touching £1,700 gesture to injured women’s football star revealed after Eni Aluko criticised Arsenal legend

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Ian Wright continues to prove that he is just as much of a legend off the pitch as he was on it.The 61-year-old has been a huge advocate for women’s football over the years.Ian Wright is paying £1,700 out of his own pocket for a player’s ACL injury rehabCredit: GettyKayleigh McDonald has thanked Wright for his generosityCredit: GettyAnd last April, he showed just how much he cared with an incredible gesture to a player who had suffered a potentially career-jeopardising injury.After Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald suffered a ruptured ACL during a match against Burnley, she was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed.The Telegraph has revealed that he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender has revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.McDonald has insisted that Wright deserves more recognition for his kind gesture.She told Telegraph Sport: “I wouldn’t be in a great place mentally if it wasn’t for Ian Wright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEni Aluko has criticised Wright for ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football broadcastingCredit: Getty”I would probably still be waiting for my surgery if it wasn’t for him.”For him to do this for me, someone he didn’t know, I think there should be more of a spotlight shone on him.”Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview News of the Arsenal legend’s incredible generosity comes after he was criticised by former England Lioness Eni Aluko for “blocking” opportunities for women in football broadcasting.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour earlier this week, she said: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”When asked to clarify if she thought it was wrong for Wright to be at the forefront of women’s football coverage, Aluko added: “I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.”Men need to be aware that, you know, you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Wright has continued to back the growth of women’s football in recent years.In 2023, he teamed up with Barclays to help create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund – an initiative created to increase the number of female coaches at grass-roots level.He made a £15,000 donation and paid for 664 female coaches to attend their Level One training course.And in 2022, following England’s European Championship semi-final win over Sweden, he insisted that all girls should have the opportunity to play football at school.Wright said: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?Read More on The Sun”We have to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.”The former Arsenal striker started a women’s football podcast with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton last year and regularly features on ITV’s coverage of the Lionesses.McDonald was forced to set up a GoFundMe page when Stoke initially refused to pay for surgeryCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWright is now paying £1,700 a month for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the sport both on and off our TV screens.So I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko had criticised him earlier this week for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money in building up the game.And he is not just doing the bare minimum.From supporting a semi-pro player throughout her recovery from a severe ACL injury to helping hundreds of women earn their Level One coaching qualification, he cares.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women as it is.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.It’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.We’re lucky to have him. 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      Sonia Bompastor urges Chelsea to bounce back from ‘tough’ Barcelona loss by widening lead over WSL rivals

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR insists Chelsea “will never give up” as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League defeat. And the Blues head coach is uncertain whether striker Sam Kerr will return to action before the end of this season.  Sonia Bompastor wants her players to focus on the future with the team returning to WSL action following a Champions League semis first leg loss to BarcelonaCredit: GettyCatarina Macario is among the players likely to be in action for Chelsea when they host Crystal Palace at KingsmeadowCredit: GettyThe Blues hope to register win ahead of their Stamford Bridge duel with Barcelona in the second leg of Champions League last four tieCredit: AlamyThe WSL leaders host Crystal Palace on Wednesday in their first top-flight clash following their 4-1 Champions League semis first leg loss on Sunday. A tough result that left their quadruple hopes and target of winning the contest this season hanging by a thread. While they hope to pull off a huge comeback in their European tie, Chelsea are also focused on claiming an eighth WSL title and sixth FA Cup.  Bullish Blues chief Bompastor, 44, whose team have lost just twice so far this term, said: “It’s always tough to lose especially when you are Chelsea as it’s something you don’t experience a lot.  Read More Football Stories”I will never give up and my players will never give up. This is our mentality. We want to achieve a lot this season. “We have three more competitions to play in, hopefully, until the last moment in the season, but everyone is ready for that.”I have depth in my squad. So every player is ready to compete in every competition, every game we have to play.”While Chelsea do have depth two influential players currently out of action are forward Lauren James and striker Sam Kerr. Most read in FootballThe creative flair and attacking threat James brings was missed by her side during their clash with Barcelona.And her club pal Kerr is continuing her recovery from a knee ligament tear she suffered during a winter training camp in January 2024. When asked about the potential of a Kerr comeback before this season ends, Bompastor added: “I’m not in a position to give any time frame on her return.”I know she won’t be involved in the game this weekend.”After tomorrow’s clash the WSL leaders host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and hope to overcome a three-goal deficit in the decisive leg of their Champions League tie. In addition to being a confidence boost, a defeat of the bottom-placed Eagles would also restore Chelsea’s six-point lead at the summit. Rivals Arsenal are currently second and three points. Bompastor added: “Monday was a difficult day for everyone – staff and players. “But I told my players now we need to look at the future. Palace, who are bottom of the WSL and seven points off Aston Villa, have won just two of their 18 league games so far this termCredit: Alamy”We want to go back to top of the table six and points ahead of Arsenal, that’s the main focus.Read More on The Sun”The only thing we can control now is the future. “We need to show a reaction in this game, that’s the main thing and the most important thing.” More

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      Lotte Wubben-Moy eager to step things up in next chapter of Arsenal career after signing new deal with WSL giants

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      LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY has vowed to make the “next chapter” of her Arsenal career count after signing a new contract with the club. The England defender’s new deal is claimed to be a three-year one according to BBC Sport.Lotte Wubben-Moy she feels pride and excitement at extending her career with ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Gunners defender has made 143 senior appearances for Arsenal and scored ten timesCredit: GettyWubben-Moy’s team hope to overturn a one-goal deficit in their second leg Champions League semi-final duel with LyonCredit: GettyThe WSL ace, 26, who has made 143 Gunners appearances, rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system before making her senior debut at 16. This season has seen Wubben-Moy’s moments on the pitch at times disrupted by injuries.So far this term Wubben-Moy, who captained her club’s development side during her youth career, has played in nine WSL games and two in the Champions League.In February a muscle problem led to her withdrawing from England’s camp ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain. Read More Football Stories However the defender, whose side will play Lyon away this Saturday in a Champions League second-leg semis duel,  returned to training this month. And the lifelong Arsenal fan could be set for more game time with her team currently three points behind WSL leaders Chelsea ahead of their final three league games this term. Of her new deal Wubben-Moy said: “I feel a huge amount of pride, excitement and optimism to once again put pen to paper at this special football club. “Arsenal is the club I want to win with and I feel this new contract comes at a time in my career where my ambitions are matched by my abilities on the pitch. Most read in Football”I’m determined to make this next chapter count.”Gunners boss Renée Slegers added: “We’re so happy that Lotte has signed a new contract. “Lotte is a top defender who has shown significant progression in recent years. “She will continue to play an important role as we pursue our shared goal of competing for the highest honours in the game.”Before commencing her second stint at Arsenal, Wubben-Moy spent two years in the United States’ college soccer systems playing for North Carolina University side Tar Heels. Since her return to the Gunners in 2020 the London-born defender has won three League Cups and one FA Cup with the club. Away from the pitch Wubben-Moy is an active supporter of a number of sports-related causes focused including providing girls with more opportunities to play football. Following England’s triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros she helped to coordinate an open letter from the Lionesses to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, when they were Conservative leaders candidates, The letter called for girls to have access to at least two hours of sports classes including football training. Wubben-Moy’s new deal comes in a month which Arsenal hope to reach the Women’s Champions League final for the first time in 18 years.Credit: Alamy Clare Wheatley, Arsenal women’s football director said: “Lotte is a wonderful role model for all young players. Read More on The Sun”She is an example of how hard work, strong values and determination are the platform for success. “We know that she will continue to give all of herself to Arsenal Football Club, both on pitch and of course in her consistent support of our wider community.” More