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      Women’s World Cup winners touched my BUM during celebrations as ‘euphoric as peace declared in Ukraine’, Rubiales claims

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      FORMER Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales claimed that the Women’s World Cup winners touched his bum during celebrations at the final.As he tried to prove his innocence, Rubiales told Spain’s National Court that the kiss to Jenni Hermoso was “something natural between two people who have been living together for a long time.”
      Luis Rubiales claimed that the Women’s World Cup players touched his bum during the final celebrationsCredit: Getty
      The former Spanish FA chief made claims to Spain’s National Court that he was ‘picked up’ and ‘grabbed’Credit: Getty
      Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing over the kiss to Jenni Hermoso that sparked outrage
      The former Spanish FA president called Hermoso, 33, “untruthful” as he made his defense while continuing to show no remorse in front of the court.
      The judge proceeded to ask Rubiales if there had been consent from the footballer before the kiss at the Women’s World Cup in Australia – but instead, he claimed the players touched his bum during the celebrations.
      “I was hugging the players, the coach when she passed by. She came towards me to give me a hug,” he said.
      “We hugged, she picked me up and I made a gesture to not fall, all of this in a conversation in the one where I remind her that without her we would not have won the World Cup. So I ask her, I ask her. And she tells me okay”.
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      “She grabs me wherever she can, I grab her too and there’s no more”.
      He explained that two to three minutes later, all the players picked him up and covered him.
      “And at that moment I won’t say that they shouldn’t touch me, excuse me, my a**, my knees, or the back.
      “We have won a World Cup and the tremendous euphoria and joy there is is indescribable,” he said.
      Most read in Football
      “It happened as naturally as when you win the Lottery or the war in Ukraine is over or you win a World Cup, this effusiveness, this spontaneity. She said it herself, she told me it’s okay,” Rubiales added.
      Rubiales was removed from office on August 26 in order to protect the ongoing investigation into his conduct at the Women’s World Cup Final.
      FIFA made the move to block potential witness tampering by Rubiales when its disciplinary committee suspended the now-ousted Spanish football president, the sports governing body said.
      The provisional ban was imposed “particularly so that potential testimonies could be given freely and without any type of pressure, fear or reprisals,” FIFA disciplinary judge Jorge Palacio wrote.
      FIFA did not initially suspend Rubiales when it opened a case on August 24 into incidents that occurred four days earlier in Sydney, Australia.
      The nine-page document said other incidents in the investigation include Rubiales “carrying the Spanish player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during the post-match celebrations” and grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s 1-0 win over England.
      The shocking moment happened as he stood next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia.
      Footage of the moment was uploaded by Spanish politician Pablo Echenique, who has slammed Rubiales for his behaviour.
      He said: “As well as giving Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss on the lips while he grabbed her head, an act that could represent the commission of a crime, Rubiales also celebrated Spain’s victory grabbing his testicles next to the queen and her daughter.”
      The Spanish FA chief later responded to the criticism of the kiss and defended his actions on Radio Marca.
      “The kiss with Jenni?”, he said. “There are idiots everywhere.
      On September 15, Rubiales was slapped with a restraining order that banned him from contacting Hermoso or going within 200 meters of her.
      It came after Hermoso alleged she and her relatives were put under pressure by the former Spanish footy official and his entourage to say that she approved what happened.
      But he remained unrepentant and insisted he would “defend his innocence”.
      Hermoso claimed she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” after the kiss.
      Footage appeared to show Rubiales planting a kiss on the player after Spain triumphed over England at the Women’s World Cup final last month.
      Rubiales initially refused to resign and blamed “false feminism” for his “social assassination”.
      In a tweet, he claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      In the wake of the “kiss-gate” scandal, Rubiales has been forced to sell his luxury Madrid apartment as he continues to face mounting legal bills.
      He is also forking out 800 euros per month for each of his three daughters after his ex-wife won a lawsuit against him, according to El Mundo.
      This financial blow meant that the ex-football boss had to give up his stunning modern property in order to secure funding for his ongoing legal fight.
      The disgraced FA chief has continued to insist he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
      Read More on The Sun
      The judge’s investigation precedes any formal charges under Spanish law and will decide whether the case goes to trial.
      If it does, Rubiales could face between one and four years imprisonment if found guilty.
      Rubiales was slapped with a restraining order last month that banned him from contacting HermosoCredit: Getty
      Rubiales was removed from his position on August 26 in order to protect the ongoing investigationCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal star casually interviewed by ITV on live TV and dubbed ‘St Albans local’ in Lorraine £100k prize money segment

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      ARSENAL star Steph Catley made a surprise cameo on ITV daytime show Lorraine on Tuesday morning.The Australian Women’s World Cup semi-finalist appeared during a competition segment, and was asked by a camera crew what she would spend £100,000 in prize money on.
      Steph Catley made a shock appearance on Lorraine this morningCredit: Instagram / @stephcatley
      Catley (L) stars for Arsenal and the Australia national teamCredit: PA
      She helped the Matildas to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals his summerCredit: Getty
      Catley, 29, responded: “I just got engaged recently so I’d save it up for the wedding for sure.
      “Because that is a lot more expensive than I thought!”
      The presenter, who named the Arsenal star as a “St Albans local”, seemingly didn’t realise who she was talking to at the time.
      And the mini-segment left football fans in stitches.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      One person tweeted: “This is so random 😂.”
      Another added: “That is f***ing brilliant!”
      A third person wrote: “Just Steph being an absolute icon.”
      While a fourth joked: “How did they manage to interview THE Steph Catley.”
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      Catley later took to Instagram to react to the viral clip.
      She joked: “Just a St Albans local trying to have a quiet coffee at their local cafe 😂.”
      The full-back joined Arsenal from Reign FC in 2020 and has since become a fan favourite at the club.
      She has also represented the Australia women’s national team for the last 11 years.
      This summer she helped the Matildas to the Women’s World Cup semi-finals, scoring one of the first goals of the tournament.
      Catley announced her engagement to EFL goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis in January.
      The couple met when they were both playing for Melbourne City in Australia.
      Catley announced her engagement to Dean Bouzanis in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / @stephcatley More

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      Aston Villa women’s captain explains decision to wear controversial ‘wet-look’ kit live on BBC in WSL opener

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      ASTON VILLA chose to wear the club’s sweat-heavy home kit in their Women’s Super League opener versus Manchester United despite the controversy surrounding it.The first match of the season was shown live on the BBC with build-up overshadowed by the “wet-look” kit fiasco.
      Rachel Corsie has revealed that Aston Villa players chose to wear the ‘wet’ kitCredit: Getty
      Castore’s product appears to retain sweatCredit: Getty
      Villa stars wore the shirt despite it supposedly retaining sweat and becoming heavy for players.
      Both the men’s and women’s teams have complained about it to manufacturer Castore as they claim it impacts performance.
      With no solution yet found, the kit was on show as Aston Villa lost 2-1 to United due to a 92nd minute winner by Rachel Williams.
      After the game, club captain Rachel Corsie revealed the squad chose to wear the shirt despite their criticisms.
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      She said: “We wanted to wear the home shirt. It’s first game of the season so you want to be in your home kit.”
      Pressed for more on the decision, she added: “It is being dealt with. The club have been really supportive.
      “Obviously there has been a lot of talk about that this week but when you get here and it’s the start of the season everyone is buzzing it’s underway now.”
      Manager Carla Ward said: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore, as difficult as that is.
      “The football club are in full control of that. They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
      There have been reports that Villa could terminate their deal with Castore.
      The kit manufacturers said in a statement: “We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect.
      “We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date.”
      The men’s team also wore the strip on Saturday as they hammered Brighton 6-1.
      Alisha Lehmann was in action in the shirt for VillaCredit: Getty
      Douglas Luiz and the men’s team wore the kit in the 6-1 win over Brighton on Saturday More

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      Who designed Aston Villa’s ‘wet look’ kit and what have players said about it?

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      EVERY year the world’s leading football clubs will change up their shirts for a different design.One club included on that list is Aston Villa – but who designed the kit and what have the players said in response? Here’s everything you need to know.
      Lucy Staniforth pictured wearing the kitCredit: Rex
      Who designed Aston Villa’s kit?
      Aston Villa’s 2023-2024 kit was designed by British kit supplier Castore.
      The Manchester-based manufacturer are in the second season of a ”multi-year” deal with the club.
      Castore’s tagline reads: “Demand better – premium performance.”
      Andy Murray had a deal with the sports brand before they moved into football with Rangers.
      Read More in Sport
      Since then the company has expanded rapidly, taking on deals with Newcastle, Villa and Wolves, as well as Feyenoord and many more.
      They also manufacture gear for McLaren and Red Bull Racing, the Irish national football team and England cricket.
      What have the players said about the new kit?
      Both the men’s and women’s team have reportedly complained about the new ”wet-look” shirt and say it impacts their performances.
      The kit appears to retain sweat and become heavy for those sporting the shirt.
      Most read in Football
      This came to light in September 2023, as several fans and kit experts noticed that Villa’s Castore jerseys seemed to cling the players’ bodies.
      Members of the men’s first-team squad were left looking like they had been drenched during their Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw.
      Although Villa’s home shirts appeared to suffer with the issue, Emiliano Martinez’s goalkeeper top appeared to be fine.
      Similarly, Aston Villa Women were forced to wear the ‘wet-look’ shirt as the WSL got underway with the Midlands-based side kicking things off against Manchester United.
      A source close to the team said they were “deeply concerned” about wearing the kits, with another describing them as feeling “really bad” to play in.
      Speaking ahead of kick-off, Aston Villa Women’s boss Carla Ward said: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
      “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore as difficult as that is.
      “The football club are in full control of that. They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
      The kit manufacturers responded to the controversy by stating they intend to ”address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect”.
      A Castore spokesperson said: “There has been some media speculation about a potential issue in the football kit supplied by Castore to Aston Villa Football Club.
      ”We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect. We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date.
      Read More:
      ”As a proud new British brand, we always hold ourselves to the highest of standards and strive to do everything we can to constantly improve the performance of our products. This means addressing any customer concerns with promptness and humility.”
      There have been reports that Villa could terminate their deal with Castore. More

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      I used to work in a chip shop.. now I’m captain of Tottenham and starred in England’s Euro glory and World Cup final run

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      TOTTENHAM striker Bethany England led a very different life before becoming a professional footballer.The 29-year-old Lioness worked in a chip shop in the early stages of her career while juggling A-Levels and playing for Doncaster Belles.
      Tottenham star Bethany England worked in a chip shop before becoming a professional footballerCredit: PA
      England (C) had a job outside of football while playing for Doncaster Belles as a teenagerCredit: Getty
      In 2011, England established herself as one to watch in the inaugural Women’s Super League season.
      At the age of just 17 she became a first team regular at the highest level of women’s football in England.
      However, she was being paid just £150-a-month – an amount that barely covered the cost of fuel when driving to and from training and games several times a week.
      The striker subsequently had to find an extra job and she went on to work in a local chip shop for over three years.
      Read More on Football
      England worked two nights a week at the Wellington Street chippy in Barnsley alongside her twin sister, Laura.
      And the former Chelsea star has revealed that she barely had time to sleep between shifts and football matches on the weekends.
      She told England Football: “I ended up working for three-and-a-half years in a chippy, doing night shifts on a Friday and Saturday.
      “It would start at around 10pm and finish at 5am to 6am. I would then have a couple of hours sleep and go straight to my football game, and then do the night shift whilst I was at college.
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      The striker featured for the Lionesses during the Women’s World Cup this summerCredit: Getty
      She also helped England to Euro 2022 glory last yearCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      “You’d be surprised how many people want fish and chips after a night out! It’s not for me.
      “But it paid me through college, it paid for my driving lessons and everything. So, it got me where I needed to be.
      “I’ve done all sorts. I’ve worked in a bakery, a factory, I’ve worked at M&S and I’ve worked in an Indian.”
      The striker added: “As a Yorkshire girl, I love gravy but from a chippy, I actually prefer curry.
      “I did either service or frying. At Easter time, we used to fry Creme Eggs. You couldn’t get battered Mars Bars and Snickers but we used to batter Creme Eggs. It sounds nasty, but you’d be surprised. It’s alright.”
      Following her spell with Doncaster Belles, England went on to join Chelsea in 2016.
      She spent seven years with the Blues before joining Tottenham at the beginning of this year.
      And last month she was named as the club’s captain.
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      England was a member of the Lionesses squad that won Euro 2022 last July.
      She also featured in England’s run to the Women’s World Cup final this summer.
      England was named Spurs captain last monthCredit: Getty More

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      England’s Lionesses squeeze back into school uniforms in photoshoot for BBC Children In Need

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses squeeze into some old kit for BBC Children In Need.Footie stars Demi Stokes, 31, Leah Williamson, 26, and Chloe Kelly, 25, recreated their school days in clothes like their old uniforms.
      Leah Williamson in her school uniform for Children In Need
      Chloe Kelly in her school uniform for Children In Need
      The trio also wore Pudsey Bear lapel pins to mark the TV fundraiser, which is held next month.
      Earlier this month England’s Lionesses were understood to be seeking around £100,000 each in bonuses had they won the World Cup Down Under.
      After losing 1-0 to Spain in the final, they were willing to accept half that amount.
      According to the Mail, players were set for “crunch talks” with FA chiefs.
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      They claim that players are “aware” of their possible actions and could choose to press on with the “nuclear option” of ceasing all commercial work for the FA.
      It’s even claimed that they could refuse to play until a resolution is reached, although this option has “not yet been directly suggested”.
      England’s pay from the FA is currently negotiated before or after each tournament – although players want more “clarity” moving forward.
      This cash pot comes from prize money and commercial revenue received by the FA for the players’ performances.
      Most read in Football
      Prior to the women’s World Cup, the FA imposed commercial restrictions on their own players.
      This was because chiefs were concerned that individual player deals could upset their own.
      Demi Stokes in her school uniform for Children In Need More

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      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1 LIVE RESULT: Gunners stunned on opening day as Taylor fires visitors to shock win

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      ARSENAL have made the worst possible start to the 2023/24 WSL season after suffering a shock defeat to Liverpool.Miri Taylor put the Reds ahead just three minutes after the restart.
      And the Gunners struggled to get past Liverpool’s low block which resulted in an opening day loss.

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      That’s all from the Emirates Stadium
      Arsenal suffer a shock 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the WSL season.
      But all is not lost Gooners, Matt Beard’s side defeated Chelsea on the first day of the 2022-23 campaign last season – and the Blues went on to win the league.
      Will the Gunners bounce back like the Champions did? They face Manchester United on Friday in another huge test.
      But until then, thanks for reading!
      Jonas Eidevall reacts
      The second half we struggled to generate momentum.”
      “On Saturday we had our 10th training session with a full squad in four months. That’s where we’re at. We need to invest time in building relationships.
      “We can’t really use that as an excuse because it is what it is.”Jonas Eidevallon Arsenal’s performance
      Matt Beard reacts
      “It’s been a tough week. We just showed that togetherness today.
      “Defensively we were outstanding today. We put our bodies on the line and made some great saves.
      “Laws was excellent.”Matt Beardon Liverpool’s performance
      Match stats
      Arsenal dominated for large periods of the game, but they failed to make the most of their chances.

      New WSL record set
      A new record attendance for the WSL was set this afternoon.
      54,115 fans poured through the turnstiles of the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners fell to a shock defeat.
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Liverpool set up perfectly against the Gunners, and Jonas Eidevall’s side could not counter them.
      Arsenal created chance after chance, but the Reds put on an outstanding defensive display to keep the home side at bay.
      A frustrating day for the 50,000+ Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium.
      Full Time – Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Not the opening day the Gunners would’ve wanted.
      The visitors take all three points at the Emirates!
      Credit: PA
      90+4. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Arsenal are throwing absolutely everything at the Reds right now, with everyone except Zinsberger pushing forward.
      They need a goal here, and fast.
      90. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Holland goes to ground with a knock following a challenge on Foord, but she looks to play on.
      10 minutes have been added on.
      87. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Now Enderby is booked for time wasting for the Reds.
      85. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Cooney-Cross is on to make her Arsenal debut!
      She replaces Walti in midfield.
      83. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Foord rattles the bar!
      The winger looked to flick the ball towards goal following a Pelova cross, but her effort was just off target.
      79. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Hinds is booked for time wasting while taking a throw-in.
      Liverpool are set to make some changes.
      Parry is on to replace Hinds.
      Lundgaard is on to replace Kearns.
      77. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Another huge chance for Arsenal as Walti sends an excellent pass through to Blackstenius, but Laws comes out to claim the ball.
      The Gunners need to start taking their chances now.
      The clock is ticking down.
      74. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Hobinger is replaced by Enderby for Liverpool.
      71. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Both teams are set to make a change.
      Russo is replaced by Blackstenius for Arsenal.
      Liverpool are taking about five minutes to make theirs.
      70. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      A new WSL record has been set!
      54,115 fans are in attendance at the Emirates Stadium today – the largest ever crowd at a league match!
      67. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Liverpool make a change now.
      Flint is on to replace Taylor.
      66. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Another goal-line scramble sees Russo accidentally block Beattie’s close-range shot!
      Surely a goal is coming for the Gunners!
      64. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Arsenal make three changes.
      Lacasse is replaced by Pelova.
      Maanum is replaced by Hurtig.
      Wubben-Moy is replaced by Ilestedt.
      61. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Walti splits the Liverpool defence with an excellent pass through to McCabe, who looks to square the ball across goal, but it is cleared behind for a corner.
      Maanum then sends the corner into the box as Russo goes for goal, but there is a scramble on the line and Liverpool can make the clearance.
      56. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Arsenal are desperately trying to get back into this game.
      Eidevall looks to be preparing some substitutions.
      49. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      A lapse in concentration from the Arsenal defenders sees Liverpool take the lead!
      Hobinger plays the ball to Kearns on the right, who squares it to Taylor in the box.
      Taylor is then gifted plenty of space to take a shot as she fires the ball past Zinsberger.
      The Arsenal goalkeeper could’ve arguably done a lot better to keep it out there, but Liverpool have a shock advantage!
      48. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLL LIVERPOOL!!!!!
      Taylor fires the visitors into the lead!

      Kick Off – Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
      We’re back underway in North London!
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      Alex Scott stuns in bold red jacket for WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man Utd on BBC with fans ‘loving’ it

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      ALEX SCOTT sent fans into meltdown as the new Women’s Super League season got underway. Aston Villa kicked-off the new campaign as they welcomed Manchester United to Villa Park.
      Alex Scott stunned in a bold jacketCredit: Reuters
      Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen WhiteCredit: bbc
      The presenter hosted coverage of the WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man UtdCredit: BBC
      Scott recently wowed at the NTAsCredit: Getty
      The game was live on the BBC and fans were in for a treat with Scott hosting.
      She caught the eye in a bold red jacket with a smart black top underneath.
      Fans loved it with one tagging the former Arsenal and England full-back and simply putting four love heart emojis.
      Scott is no stranger to wowing while presenting football, stunning in a black dress while taking viewers through the Europa League draw.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      She also put on an incredible display at the PFA Awards.
      And away from football, Scott dazzled in a white outfit at the NTAs.
      The 38-year-old had a busy summer hosting the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.
      But the beauty still found time to unwind as she stripped down to a bikini while on holiday.
      Most read in Football
      And she wore a daring bodysuit at a recent Kylie Minogue concert.
      Alex Scott is no stranger to wowing fansCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      She has 1.8m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alexscott2 More