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      Canada Women’s boss Bev Priestman apologises to players after spy drone incident at Paris Olympics  

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      BEV PRIESTMAN admitted to being “heartbroken” for Canada’s women’s side after they had six-points docked at the Paris Olympics. Earlier today the Durham-born head coach apologised for the impact that drone spying accusations has had on the team’s players.Bev Priestman says Canada’s players “care very much about sportsmanship and integrity”Credit: APThe team received a six-point deduction at the Paris Olympics amid allegations of drones being used to spy on rivals New ZealandCredit: GettyPriestman, 38, who guided the side to a gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 games, is one of three Canada Soccer officials suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity for 12 months. The ban on the former Lionesses No2, and staff members Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, follows complaints of drones being used to spy on Olympic rivals New Zealand’s training sessions. And today Canada’s federal government announced it will withhold funding for women’s football team officials suspended by Fifa following the drone spying incident.Canada must win their remaining group stage fixtures and will need results to go their way to keep their medal hopes alive. Read More Football Stories Today Priestman’s legal representatives Lucentum Sports and Entertainment Law, shared a written statement from the head coach. In it, she said: “I am absolutely heartbroken for the players and I would like to apologise from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them. “I know how hard they have worked following a difficult year in 2023, and that they are a group of people who care very much about sportsmanship and integrity. “As the leader of the team on the field, I want to take accountability, and I plan to fully cooperate with the investigation. Most read in Football”To Canada, I am sorry. You have been my home and a country I have fallen in love with. “I hope you will continue to support these extremely talented and hardworking players, to help them defy all odds and show their true character. “This programme and team have allowed this country to reach the pinnacle of women’s soccer, and their winning of the gold medal was earned through sheer grit and determination despite reports to the contrary. “I fought with every ounce of my being to make this programme better, much of which will never be known or understood. “I wish I could say more, but I will refrain at this time given the appeals process and the ongoing investigation. In the meantime, I will be cheering from afar.”Last week New Zealand’s Olympic Committee lodged an official complaint with the IOC and reported to police that a drone was seen flying over their training session.  The drone was spotted hovering above their session ahead of their Thursday night clash with the reigning Olympic champions.Following the complaint Priestman withdrew from attending her side’s group stage duel with the Kiwis, which Canada won 2-1 in Saint-Etienne.  The head coach was removed from her role at the games by Canada’s Olympic Committee last Thursday after being suspended by the country’s soccer association. This followed her assistant Mander and non-accredited analyst Lombardi also being dismissed from the team’s camp by the COC. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe COC stated this occurred after a second drone incident had emerged.The country’s national soccer association have also been handed a £175,720 fine as part of the sanctions announced by Fifa. Canada will take on Colombia in their final group A clash at the Paris games on July 31Credit: Getty More

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      Canada football heroine sympathises with women’s team over ‘hard week’ at Paris Olympics after spy drone scandal

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      EX-Canada star Diana Matheson has thrown her weight behind her nation’s women’s football side following spy drone allegations. The retired midfielder slammed the scandal for drawing attention “from the entire Canadian Olympic team” at the Paris games. Canada will play France this evening after having six points deducted from their Paris Olympics group stage tallyCredit: GettyCanada’s match against France comes a day after Fifa banned head coach Bev Priestman from football for one yearCredit: GettyThe Tokyo 2020 gold medallists, who play France tonight, face a battle to progress beyond the group stage after having six points deducted.Their match comes hours after the Canadian government announced it will withold funding for three national team officials involved in the spy drone allegations. The officials, include Durham-born head coach Bev Priestman, who has been suspended from football for one year after being accused of using drones to snoop on Olympic rivals New Zealand.Yesterday evening Matheson, who retired in 2021 and was part of the sides that won bronze at the 2012 and 2016 games, shared her thoughts following Fifa penalising the defending champions. Read More Football Stories Their punishment comes after New Zealand made a complaint to the International Olympic Committee last week, alleging a Canada Soccer support staff member flew a drone over their training session.Following the accusation Joseph Lombardi, a “non-accredited” analyst working for Canada Soccer, was arrested. He later received an eight-month suspended sentence after a drone was deployed to spy on the Football Ferns before a group stage clash between the sides.On Saturday Fifa announced Canada boss Priestman, who is a former Lionesses No2, had been “suspended from taking part in any football-related activity for one year”.Most read in FootballThe head coach was, according to the Canadian Olympic Committee, “highly likely” to have known of two alleged incidents involving drones being used to spy on her team’s opponents.Her assistant Jasmine Mander and Lombardi, who served as a Canada team staff member at last summer’s Women’s World Cup, were also banned from the sport for a year.Other sanctions include a £175,720 fine for the Canadian Soccer Association. Via her X account, Matheson, who is set to establish a professional women’s football league in Canada in 2025, wrote: “It’s been a hard week to say the least for Canadian women’s soccer players past and present.”I haven’t had said much because I haven’t really known what to say.”Like many Canadians I’ve been working through many emotions on this story that has become such a distraction for not just the WNT (women’s national team) but drawn attention away from the entire Canadian Olympic team.””What I’m one hundred per cent clear on though is that I stand with the players.”The players that represent Canada know exactly what it means to represent Canada. What it means to be a Canadian athlete.”I’m with you. Canadians are with you. Last game, next game, all the games, we are right there with you.”Take six points from us? Fine, let’s go and get nine.”Canada, who beat New Zealand 2-1 in their Group A opener, can still reach the knockouts of the women’s football contest at the Paris games.France are currently top of group A in the Paris Olympics’ women’s football tournamentCredit: AFPHowever the team must win their two remaining group stage games and will need other results to go their way.READ MORE SUN STORIESTheir squad contains a number of past and present Women’s Super League stars.Players include Chelsea’s defenders Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence and Arsenal and Aston Villa forwards Cloe Lacasse and Adriana Leon. More

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      WSL weeks away from start of new era under football body led by former Nike director

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      A club-owned organisation taking charge of women’s football’s top two tiers in England is set to be up and running from next season.The body named NewCo, will take over management of the WSL and Women’s Championship before the September start of the 2024-25 campaign.NewCo will take from the FA as the body in charge of the Women’s Super League from next seasonCredit: AlamyThe club-owned body intends to establish an advisory group for fans as part of its plans for the women’s game’s top two tiersCredit: PAIts takeover is set to be completed ahead of the Women’s Championship resuming on September 7-8 and WSL matches commencing two weekends later.The move will see NewCo take up the reins from the FA following the authority being in charge of the WSL and second tier since 2010 and 2014.It will also come ten months after the appointment of former Nike director Nikki Doucet as NewCo’s chief executive.Over the past 14 years the FA has overseen the development and professionalisation of both divisions.Read More Football Stories This includes leading the brokering of multimillion pound domestic broadcast deals for WSL games to be aired on Sky Sports and the BBC.NewCo’s first board meeting will be held in September and followed by an inaugural gathering for their shareholders in October.There are also plans to establish a fans’ advisory group at a date yet to be specified.A number of senior officials have been hired to support the running of NewCo. An interim chief marketing officer is in post and chief football officer has been recruited.Most read in FootballFrom next season WSL games will be available to watch on YouTube in addition to Sky Sports and the BBCCredit: GettyAnd a chief revenue officer is due to start working for the organisation on September 2.NewCo’s takeover of the women’s games’ top two divisions will coincide with WSL matches being streamed on YouTube next season. Although league fixtures will transition from being aired on FA Player, the online platform will continue to host live Women’s FA Cup games. More

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      Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

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      LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More

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      England Lionesses superstar Mary Earps new face of Victoria’s Secret as fans say ‘you are a true model’

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      MARY EARPS is the new face of Victoria’s Secret after producing her own edit for the brand.The England goalkeeper has posed in a selection of her most-loved pieces in a new photoshoot.Mary Earps is the face of Victoria’s Secret’s latest campaignCredit: Instagram @1maryearpsEarps’ range includes “ultra-comfy and supportive styles, super soft materials and understated designs”.The range is part of a new Victoria’s Secret campaign promoting self-love and women-empowerment.A video shared to Instagram shows Earps modelling several of the outfits.She posed in a white crop top and jeans, a bold double-denim look and an oversized white shirt.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPromoting the campaign, Earps said: “I’m a big believer in you can’t be what you can’t see. That is a big part of what I do.”Fans were left in awe of the Lionesses hero, with one commenting: “You are a true model Mary.”Another added: “All hail the Queen of Stops.”Meanwhile, a third supporter also commented: “Our girl looking amazing.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEarps recently completed a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain ahead of next season.She signed a three-year deal with the club following her exit from Manchester United.The reigning BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner is currently on international duty ahead of joining up with her new team-mates.Earps is with the England squad preparing for their final Euro 2025 qualifier on Tuesday.Sarina Wiegman’s side face Sweden in Gothenburg, knowing a point will book their place at next summer’s finals in Switzerland.The Lionesses goalkeeper is helping to promote self-love and women empowermentCredit: Alamy More

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      Scotland vs Slovakia women’s clash suspended due to rain and lightning as BBC coverage becomes unwatchable

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      SCOTLAND Women’s fixture against Slovakia had to be suspended due to a biblical downpour of rain, thunder and lightning.Pedro Martinez Losa’s side were taking on Slovakia in a UEFA Women’s Championship Qualification match at the Stadion pod Zoborom in Nitra, Slovakia.A huge downpour of rain forced Scotland vs Slovakia women to be suspendedCredit: X @BBCSportScotThe ref took players off the pitch with thunder and lightning overheadCredit: X @BBCSportScotThe visitors had taken the lead just after half-time through Claire Emslie.However, in the 58th minute with the score 1-0, adverse weather forced the game to be stopped.Referee Merima Čelik ordered the players off the pitch with visibility extremely low as rumbles of thunder and flashes of lightning were also seen.Both teams stayed inside whilst the officials periodically came to check on the pitch and how the weather was developing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt appeared as if play would be unable to resume, with the rain so fierce that the ball was unable to bounce on the waterlogged pitch.Fortunately, after a 40 minute delay, Bosnian whistler Celik allowed play to resume.Both teams had a 10-minute warm-up before the game got back underway, though lightning could STILL be seen.Even the restart was unorthodox, with the ref resuming play with a drop ball inside the box.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFollowing the restart, Emslie doubled Scotland’s lead in the 71st minute.The goal confirmed a 2-0 win for the Scots, and left them undefeated in League B Group 2 of European Championship qualifying.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesFollowing the result, Scotland have now won four games and drawn once in their qualifying campaign.Scotland’s final game of the group will see them host Serbia at the Wyre Stadium on Tuesday, 16 July.Top 20 UK sporting moments of the 21st century, voted by fans1.  Sir Andy Murray winning Wimbledon in 20132. Jonny Wilkinson’s last-minute drop goal for England against Australia to win the 2003 World Cup3. The Lionesses winning the Women’s Euros in 20224. Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2015/165. Sir Mo Farah’s double gold at the 2012 Olympics – 5,000m and 10,000m6. Sir Steve Redgrave winning his fifth consecutive Olympic rowing golds in 20007. ‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ – Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League against AC Milan in 20058.  England winning the Ashes in 20059.  England’s Cricket ODI World Cup win in 201910. David Beckham’s last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 to secure England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup11. Manchester City FC’s men’s team completing a historic treble in 2023 (winning the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champion’s League)12.  Sir Chris Hoy’s triple gold at the 2008 Olympics in track cycling13. Sir Lewis Hamilton winning his seventh Formula 1 championship in 202114. Emma Raducanu winning US Open title in 202115. Dame Kelly Holmes’ double gold at the 2004 Olympics for the 800m and 1500m races16. Ben Stokes’ Ashes-saving 135 not out at Headingly in 201917. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill’s heptathlon gold at the 2012 Olympics18. Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France victory in 201219.  Ronnie O’Sullivan winning with seventh snooker World Championship in 202220.  Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record in 2003 More

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      Sarina Wiegman wishes Gareth Southgate the very best despite England win hurting her ‘orange heart’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits it hurt her “orange heart” to see England knock her Netherlands compatriots out of the Euros.But the Lionesses boss, 54, wished Gareth Southgate and his men the very best before their battle to become Europe’s new football kings.Sarina Wiegman’s players will play the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road and Sweden in Gothenburg in their Women’s Euros qualifiers this monthCredit: GettyWiegman and her players watched the Three Lions beat the Netherlands in men’s Euros semis to set up a clash with Spain in the finalCredit: GettyThe Lioness boss sayes watching Ollie Watkin’s bag England’s semi-final winning goal hurt her orange heartCredit: GettyWiegman and England Women’s stars gathered around the TV to watch the Three Lions book their place in the men’s final in Berlin, Germany.Their 2-1 semis defeat of her compatriots, with Ollie Watkins netting the winner in Dortmund, set up England’s Sunday night showdown with Spain.The Wednesday night triumph for Southgate’s side’s preceded Wiegman’s players resuming their bid to automatically qualify for next year Women’s Euros.The Dutchwoman, whose team play the Republic of Ireland in a Euros qualifier at Carrow Road on Friday, said: “Of course I wish the very best for Gareth and his team, of course we are colleagues.Most read in Football”But it did hurt a little bit, my orange heart hurt.”Among the Lionesses sat alongside Wiegman watching the men’s heroics was Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp.The in-form 57-capped forward, 23, joked it was odd to watch along with her Netherlands-born national team boss.Hemp, 23, said: “It was a great result. It was weird watching it (with Sarina) I guess but it was a really good game.Most read in Football”England left it to the last minute like they always do which is exciting.”They’ve got their game at the weekend and we’ve got two very important games coming up so it would be nice to share that success and get a couple of wins.”The Lionesses, who won the women’s contest two years ago, hope to become the first England side to win back-to-back European Championships.Seeing the Three Lions reach successive men’s finals has spurred on Hemp’s hope to help her side triumph in the women’s tournament again.She adds: “It’s so nice to see the men doing well and it does make us relive those special moments.”When we won the Euros that was probably the best day of my life and we want to do the same next year. “That starts from the qualifiers now.”Although level on points with second-placed Sweden, England are currently third in their group in League A.Only the top two teams automatically qualify for next year’s Euros.Their last two qualifiers resulted in a loss and a win against group A3 leaders France.For former Norwich youth player Hemp, an England victory at the Canaries’ home ground would be extra special.The in-form foward said: “Of course I’m so excited to be back home.”It’s obviously nice seeing the pitch again and training on it. “I’m really excited for the game and it’s sold out so that’s even better.”Wiegman says her squad is in a good place with all players training ahead of her team’s next two games.Lauren Hemp hopes she and her Lionesses team-mates will have the chance to relive the experience of winning the EurosCredit: GettyThe England chief has no fitness concerns regarding goalkeeper Mary Earps who has recovered following a minor hip injury READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever full-back Niamh Charles is unlikely to be able to play both matches.Wiegman added: “Coming from the place where Niamh comes, we know she can’t play two times for 90 minutes.” More

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      Arsenal’s Lia Walti backs compatriot Xhaka to shine in Switzerland’s Euros knockout battle with England

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      LIA WALTI is backing Granit Xhaka to continue shining for Switzerland when they battle England for a Euros semi-final spot today.And the Arsenal midfielder is relishing the chance to fulfil her dream of playing in a Women’s Euros on home soil, with Switzerland hosting the contest next year.Lia Walti believes Granit Xhaka’s influence will be key for Switzerland against EnglandCredit: PAThe Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has impressed for his country during their run to the Euros quarter-finalCredit: APSwitzerland, whose players include Man City defender Manuel Akanji, knocked holders Italy out in the Euros last 16 stageCredit: AFPWalti, 31, who has been monitoring her compatriots’ progress in the men’s tournament in Germany, sees Murat Yakin’s side as one of the contest’s dark horses.And she believes the influence of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Xhaka, 31, and Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, 28, will be key to Switzerland’s chances.The duo have flourished at the Euros with their team picking up two wins and two draws on their way to a last eight duel with England in Dusseldorf.A win against Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions would see their side reach the contest’s last-four stage for the first time in their history.Read More Football StoriesThe Switzerland Women’s skipper, who has 119 senior international caps, said: “Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji have had big, big seasons with their clubs on an individual and team level.”They’re two leaders who help carry the team and a lot depends on their performance if the system continues to be successful.”Tournament football can be full of surprises and anything can happen. “Switzerland have shown a lot in the past they can beat the big teams.Most read in Football”It’s all a matter of performing on the day. You can be prepared for the game, but you don’t know what’s going to happen.”You just have to believe and build something with your own team and believe you’re going to be lucky enough that you have the better day.”Switzerland’s Euros knockout clash with England comes three months after ex-Arsenal star Xhaka helped his current club Bayer Leverkusen storm their way a title win in Germany’s top-flight.The team, managed by Xabi Alonso, went unbeaten with 28 wins and six draws In April they were crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in the club’s history. Walti added: “When Xhaka was at Arsenal we spoke quite a lot.”I really appreciate him because if you go through so many up and downs as he did, and you fight your way back when there is so much pressure, then you deserve respect.”He’s a great guy and a leader and a role model on the pitch. “He’s leading Switzerland in the best possible way to help the team to be successful.”During this year’s tournament Walti, teamed with vegan food firm Beyond Meat to help launch their new jalapeno burger.The WSL star is supportive of Uefa’s push to have one hundred per cent plant-based foods available at all stadiums at this year’s Euros.And the Arsenal ace teamed up with vegan food influencer Alfie Steiner to come up with a Jalapeno Crunch Burger recipe.Walti has joined forces with vegan food chef Alfie Steiner to promote the launch of Beyond Meat’s jalapeno burgerWalti, who joined Arsenal six years ago from German side Turbine Potsdam, added: “When food companies try to make alternative as close as possible to meat, it’s not always great.”But I think we created a really cool recipe and I actually loved it. It had a bit of a spicy kick.”For a couple of years I’ve been trying to reduce eating meat and eating fish just because I think it’s the right thing to do.“I’m part of a campaign called Football for Future and I’m proud to support innovative things like this where I can eat less meat to help the planet. “When I was a kid going to matches including (games at) the Euros and watching games at stadiums, we always ate a burger at half time during the games or before the games.”Next summer will see Walti’s home country host a Women’s Euros for the first time in their history. Reigning champions England are among the teams battling for an automatic qualification spot. The Lionesses will take on the Republic of Ireland and Sweden this month in their next round of qualifiers for next summer’s Euros.Matches in the 16-team tournament will be held in eight venues in eight cities across the country. In February this year, the Federal Council of Switzerland’s announcement that it planned to cut tournament funding after initially pledging 15 million Swiss Francs, was met with criticism.However that decision went on to be reversed in May following a vote within the Swiss Assembly.Walti hopes that the tournament can be catalyst for growing the women’s domestic game in her country and pushing women’s and girls’ football in the right direction.The midfielder adds: “There aren’t many players who get to experience a home tournament during their careers. “It’s something really, really special. This is something you dream about as a player”If somebody told me, four or five years ago (Switzerland would be hosting the tournament), I wouldn’t have believed it.”We’re a little bit behind in Switzerland with women’s football. If you look around Europe and see how many professional leagues now.”I do hope the tournament is going to give a big boom for young girls who want to play football.”We need more girls who are going to give us competition when we’re older to have to make a choice on who is going to be in the national team.”We don’t have professional league at the moment (in Switzerland).Walti hopes Switzerland hosting next year’s Women’s Euros will help women’s football to evolve in the countryCredit: Getty”We do have some clubs who pay players part-time salaries, but it’s really not good enough at the minute.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I hope that women’s football is going to be more visible (after the tournament). “We want to help the girls to have the same opportunity as the boys and men as well.” More