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      ‘This is bigger than players’ bonuses’, says Millie Bright after Lionesses reach performance-related pay deal with FA

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      MILLIE BRIGHT insists England reaching an agreement with the FA on performance bonuses is about more than pay.The Lionesses skipper hailed Scotland for settling their pay equity battle before the sides’ Women’s Nations League duel on Friday.  
      Millie Bright says players feel confident about about the bonus pay structure they now have in placeCredit: Reuters
      Bright confirmed the Lionesses had reached an agreement with the FA after resuming talks after the World CupCredit: Getty
      At the World Cup England aces were dismayed a deal had not been reached on their push for a performance bonus as well as Fifa prize money. 
      Under Fifa’s new pay model each player in the squad received around £159,000 ($195,000) for reaching the contest’s final where they were beaten by Spain. 
      And they shared a collective statement flagging “concerns relating to bonus and commercial structure”.  
      Talks that were paused during the Lionesses’ tournament run were resumed ahead of their Women’s Nations League fixtures.
      And earlier today Bright revealed there had been a breakthrough in discussions. 
      The England skipper said: “We’ve come to an agreement but it’s bigger than just the bonuses.
      “For us, it’s about being world leaders on and off the pitch.
      “The women’s game is evolving very quickly so conversations like this need to happen to make sure in all areas we are at the top of our game.
      “The conversation was extremely positive.
      “As players we feel really confident moving forward about the structure that we now have in place.”
      Players’ bonus talks with the FA have been aided by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).
      While both bodies were tight-lipped on figures, reports claim a collective amount of £800,000, to be shared between the squad, has been agreed.
      When asked to elaborate on what England’s talks around the performance-related pay encompassed, Bright added: “A variety of things.
      “I think it’s the whole package that comes with the women’s game.
      “It is more than just finances, it’s everything to do with the next generation.
      “We are extremely lucky and privileged that we have amazing facilities, we already set the tone in many areas.”
      England’s breakthrough comes a week on from Scotland resolving their legal case over equal pay and improved conditions including training facilities and travel and medical resources.
      Their fight for pay equity was spearheaded by team captain
      Of their efforts Bright added: “I think one thing with the women’s game is although we’re opponents on game day, we all work together on changes that could be beneficial to somebody else.
      Scotland players settled their legal case with the SFA for equal pay and improved working conditionsCredit: Reuters
      “It’s always about growing the game and we have to keep evolving.
      “We have to keep moving with where the game is at and changes that need to be made.
      “So it’s a really proud and positive movement for the girls.” More

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      Liverpool legend backs Spain players’ push for change in football federation hours before sacking of secretary general

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      XABI ALONSO hailed Spain Women stars’ push for “decisive changes” within their country’s football federation.The Bayer Leverkusen boss was speaking after a majority ended their boycott of the national team.
      Spain players including 15 of the World Cup winning squad ended their boycott of the national team on WednesdayCredit: AP
      Xabi Alonso backed Spain’s players’ calls for changes within their federation and the sport describing it as the right causeCredit: AP
      The players’ boycott preceded the resignation of former Spain football federation president Luis Rubiales and the sacking of secretary general Andreu CampsCredit: AP
      Their move came after players were given assurances the Spanish FA was committed to making “profound and immediate” changes to its structure
      And tonight the federation (RFEF) sacked its secretary general Andreu Camps.
      Reports in Spain described Camps as an ally of the organisation’s former president Luis Rubiales. 
      Rubiales resigned from his role after facing a backlash following his unwanted kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso following her team’s World Cup final win against England in August. 
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      Alonso, whose side will play BK Hacken in the Europa League on Thursday, told reporters: “My daughters will remember what these women fought for.
      “Football is just a game. This is why everything that is happening right now can only be the first step. But it is an important step
      “They became world champions, we should talk about their success.
      “Good things can come from bad things if you fight for the right cause.
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      “The footballers are fighting for their rights and clearly “they are on the right path.
      “After the things we have seen in the recent past, it is important that things change in Spanish football and in the RFEF”.
      The halt of Spain players’ boycott saw the bulk of the 23 called up for Women’s Nations League duty remain in camp after returning on Tuesday.
      The group includes 15 of the squad who helped Spain win the World Cup for the first time in their history in August.
      Players’ protest came in the wake of Hermoso being kissed on the mouth by Rubiales.
      It also followed ongoing concerns regarding the federation’s management of the women’s national side and 
      However they agreed to end their mutiny on Wednesday following several hours of talks that ended at 5am.
      And Spanish women’s football union president Amanda Guitteriez was among the officials involved in discussions.
      Two of the 23 aces called up by head coach Montse Tome before the team’s Women’s Nations League matches left the camp on Wednesday morning.
      Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro departed group before the games against Sweden on Friday and Switzerland next Tuesday. 
      The Barcelona stars were among 39 players who had stood down from duty this month after sharing a collective written statement flagging their concerns.
      The statement’s included a call for a restructuring of the RFEF and and its organisation of women’s football.
      After leaving Spain’s camp Leon said: “The situation is different for me and Patri.
      “It’s not been the right way for us to return. We’re not in a place to be told: ‘Now you’re coming back.’ 
      “It’s a process. We’re happy changes are happening but we need time. We support our team-mates, as we have done until now.”
      Patri added: “These changes are being worked on and it is true that they have not happened yet, but work is being done.
      “It is quite difficult and hard. Being here, and as everything has happened, mentally you are not able to be there.
      Mapi Leon (right) and Patri Guijarro left Spain women’s national team training camp in Valencia due to personal discomfortCredit: EPA
      “This is our explanation.”
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      Of their decision to leave the camp, Francos said: “They have requested to due to personal discomfort.
      “I hope that the same respect will be given to those who stay as for those who do not.” More

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      My dad was one of the greatest footballers ever – my career was completely different but now I’m a football chairman

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      REALITY TV icon Calum Best has announced he is now the chairman of Dorking Wanderers FC’s women’s team.The son of football superstar George Best has taken some time away from his reality TV career to get involved with his father’s old passion.
      Calum Best has confirmed he is now chairman of Dorking Wanderers women’s teamCredit: Getty
      The 42-year-old was approached by his friend Marc White – the owner of Dorking Wanderers Football Club – to see if he’d like to take the volunteer position of chairman for his team.
      Calum could not have turned down the opportunity of working in women’s football after being an active campaigner for the Her Game Too movement.
      It aims to tackle sexism and champion women’s football.
      Calum told the BBC: “I’d never even thought of being involved in football like this before.
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      “But, I thought there was the opportunity to do something positive for women’s football. And, of course, I quite liked the title.”
      There has been huge growth in interest in women’s football – not least since the Lionesses’ success at the Euros last summer.
      Dorking only formed in 2020 but have quickly established themselves and they now play in the London and South East Premier Women’s League – tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid.
      Calum also confirmed the team have been filming a BBC series titled “Squad Goals: Dorking ‘Til I Die”.
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      But he admitted he took the role before receiving the TV deal.
      He continued: “I took the role before any television was involved.
      “I’ve done a lot of reality TV, but I took the role as chairman for a different reason.
      “I just wanted to do something exciting and to learn as much as possible as I go.
      “It is all new, but this is a professional role. I think people who have watched me on TV before will see a very different side to me.”
      The Celebrity Love Island star grew up loving the game – his father George Best has been regarded as one the greatest players of all time in the sport.
      George spent the best part of his career at Manchester United, making 470 appearances and scoring a whopping 179 goals.
      He passed away in 2005 aged 59 as a result of alcohol addiction – meaning Calum had been raised by his mother Angie Best
      Calum said the decision to champion women’s football was linked to his childhood.
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      He added: “I was raised by my mother, so I’ve been surrounded by women my whole life.
      “Working for a ladies’ team has opened my eyes up to parts of the game I’ve never really known before.”
      Calum Best with his mother Angie Best and father GeorgeCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Megabucks life of ‘world’s sexiest footballer’ Alisha Lehmann as she builds fortune with Prime deal & sizzling calendar

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      SHE’S the Swiss sports star who has been branded the “world’s sexiest footballer”.And it’s not just on the pitch where Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann is achieving her goals – thanks to a whopping 15.2million Instagram followers that have made her one of the most valuable stars in the women’s game.
      Alisha Lehmann has been branded the ‘world’s sexiest footballer’Credit: alisha-lehamann.com
      She reportedly earns £160,000 playing for Aston Villa but makes way more on the sideCredit: PA
      The 24-year-old is bagging extremely lucrative deals away from her sporting career, including partnerships with Boohoo, EA Sports and Adidas.
      Recently, Alisha was unveiled as the first female ambassador for sports drink Prime in a deal that PR expert Carla Speight could be worth up to £1million.
      And now she has just unveiled a sizzling 2024 calendar – selling signed limited-edition copies for £149.99 and normal ones for nearly £50.
      Carla tells us: “Alisha is the David Beckham of the women’s football world. She’s snapping up sponsorships with the likes of drinks, fashion and sportswear. 
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      “Like David Beckham, Alisha has realised football won’t last forever and she has to develop a lucrative career outside of it to secure her future.”
      Alisha’s latest deal is one of many money-spinning ventures that’s helping her to transcend football and live a lavish lifestyle – all while earning a tidy sum in the process.
      On her Instagram, there are scores of photos of the star soaking up the sun in exotic locations – on one occasion seemingly travelling by quadbike.
      Alisha regularly shares bikini snaps from her holidays abroadCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      The footballer is often pictured in fancy hotels and barsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Last year, she shared snaps from a break in Miami, Florida, where she swamp with dolphins.  
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      Alisha also took a trip to Brazil in 2022, where she visited animal sanctuaries, and high-end nightclubs, went fishing and played golf. 
      During these trips, she has been seen sporting branded merchandise from hotel chains including Waldorf Hilton London and Melia Hotel Resorts.
      Additionally, she regularly gives shout-outs to car rental companies while posing alongside flashy Lamborghinis. 
      Sizzling side hustles
      It’s reported that Alisha earns £160,000 a year playing for Aston Villa but it seems the star could be topping up her earnings with her side hustles. 
      PR expert Carla points out that if just one per cent of her 15.2million Instagram followers buy her cheapest calendar, it could earn her nearly £7.6million. 
      The footballer also shares photos and talks to followers on the subscription site FanTime, where she charges £67 ($84) for a year’s membership and just over £8 ($10) per month. 
      Carla adds: “If only one per cent of her followers subscribe at the lowest rate, she will be bringing in £1.2 million per month.
      Alisha has launched a 2024 calendar and is charged nearly £150 for limited edition copiesCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She also has a Fantime account where she shares photos and talks to her fanbaseCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      “Given that we know her engagement rate is around seven per cent, she could bring in even more than that amount in calendars, subscriptions – and she can do that for brands too.”
      Alisha was audaciously approached to produce saucier content last year, when she was offered an £83,000 ($100k) signing-on fee from the adult site My.Club.
      Mike Ford, the company’s vice president, told SportBible that she could earn a fortune posting “training photos, thirst traps and personally field questions from fans”. Sadly for the executive, she did not take up the offer.
      According to sources, it was Alisha’s decision to showcase her “sexy side” that contributed to her break-up with Aston Villa men’s team star Douglas Luiz.
      Last year, we were told: “When asked to do a calendar, she jumped at the chance to show off her sexy side but he was not happy.
      “He didn’t think it was something she should be doing. They rowed a lot and in the end, Alisha simply had enough.”
      Alisha also has a range of products, including hot pink cushions for £29.99, journals for £20, water bottles for £30 and even mousemats for £10.99.
      Before her deal with Prime, Alisha collaborated with a number of companies including Adidas, Bootbag and EA Sports, who create the video game Fifa.
      She has appeared in multiple videos for the football game including one alongside the musician Big Zuu and another unveiling her own “Be Brave” kit.
      PR expert Jack Cooper, from Ed Hopkins PR, told us: “Collaborations with brands like Adidas, EA Sports, and Bootbag further highlight her appeal to diverse industries, from sportswear to gaming. 
      Alisha has worked with a variety of companies ranging from Coca-Cola to EA SportsCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      “Her diverse content – from football training videos to lifestyle and fashion showcases – means she can attract a broader range of brand partnerships.”
      Alisha has also worked with other companies including CocaCola Switzerland, Bootbag and Gisada.
      Carla says: “For longer-term deals, such as sportswear, lingerie, fashion and even fragrances, she could command six figures and receive commissions too.” 
      ‘Breaking the mould’
      Alisha is women’s football’s most followed star on Instagram and her fanbase is increasing regularly thanks to her daily posts.
      From July to September alone, she gained nearly two million followers and regularly gets more than one million likes on her posts.
      PR expert Jack says: “Alisha is breaking the mould, proving that today’s athletes are more than just players.
      Alisha has recently bagged a deal with Prime, which our expert claims could be worth £1mCredit: Instagram
      “With a robust following on Instagram, she’s more than just a footballer; she’s a digital influencer and brand in her own right.
      “Her collaboration with Prime, one of the largest streaming platforms globally, is indicative of the powerful confluence of sports, entertainment, and influencer marketing.”
      Pundit potential
      While Alisha has cultivated an engaged following on social media, she insists her focus is on football.
      Earlier this year, she told Sky Sports: “Obviously I have a lot of followers, but I never dreamed to have it. I just played and shared my life. It just became like this.
      “I don’t see myself as someone with loads of followers on social media, obviously I’m proud of it – alongside my football – but it doesn’t change anything.”
      Our experts predict she’s likely to capitalise on her knowledge of the game by providing match analysis, which could also earn her huge sums. 
      Carla says: “Alisha also has a fun and bubbly personality, which means she has the potential to take up a career in sports presenting. 
      “Sports programmes would snap up the chance to hire her as she has the potential to bring her 15.2 million followers and convert them into viewers for each programme she’s on. 
      “That’s a huge number for any show to get, so I expect she will be paid very well.”
      Alisha was part of Switzerland’s 2023 World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      Humble beginnings
      While Alisha lives a life many could only dream of today, her upbringing in Tägertschi, Switzerland, was very different.
      There she used to play “street football” daily from the age of five alongside her brother and cousins and credits them as “the main reason I play today”.
      Alisha started her career at Swiss club BSC YB Frauen, where she scored 25 goals in 52 appearances. 
      In 2018, she moved to the Women’s Super League after being signed by West Ham United and helped the squad reach the FA Cup final a year later.
      Alisha went to Everton on loan in 2021 before being signed by Aston Villa, where she has scored seven goals.
      She has also scored a combined total of 22 goals from 82 appearances for Switzerland’s youth and adult national teams.
      It’s clear there are big things in the 24-year-old’s future both on and off the pitch – but her main focus is staying humble and focused on her footballing career.
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      Last year, she told Sky Sports: “I don’t think that I’m better than anyone else, I come from humble beginnings with how I grew up with my family in Switzerland.
      “The people who know me always see the footballer. Every time I’m with my friends and family, I just speak about football.” More

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      Football bosses talk of aim to turn the WSL into a £1billion league in the next ten years

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      WOMEN’S football chiefs hope to turn WSL into the first £1billion domestic division in the women’s game within the next decade.And the tender for a new TV deal will start by the end of the year with the WSL’s current £8m-a-year agreement with the BBC and Sky Sports expiring next summer. 
      FA women’s football director Baroness Sue Campbell wants to see the WSL become a more “investable proposition”Credit: PA
      Football bosses hope to help the league become a division that is worth £1billion in the futureCredit: Reuters
      FA women’s football director Baroness Sue Campbell and WSL chair Dawn Airey were speaking ahead of the October 1 start of the new Women’s Super League term.
      Their on the future of the division comes three months after a finance firm Deloitte revealed a 60 per cent rise in revenue for top tier teams in the 2021-22 season.
      The combined revenue for WSL clubs had risen to £32m by the end of that season.
      Airey said: “One of the stated goals we have is to make this league the first billion pound women’s league in the world, that is league revenue, and club revenue. 
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      “There’s no reason why we shouldn’t do it.
      “Somebody quoted me an amazing statistic which is that the whole of women’s sport globally gets a billion dollars in revenues, from sponsorship and gate, a billion dollars in revenue globally. 
      “Men’s sport gets half a trillion, half a trillion, that’s an enormous difference. 
      “And it shows the enormous potential for women’s sport and women’s football in particular.”
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      This term will see the WSL enter the final season of its current domestic TV rights deal with the BBC and Sky Sports. 
      Following the boost in viewing figures of televised WSL games, the FA are eager to seal a more lucrative agreement. 
      This follows a summer that saw the Women’s World Cup final clash between England and Spain become the second-most watched event of the year in August.
      Airey added: “This (current broadcast) rights deal finishes at the end of the season.
      “We will be going to market (for a new deal) I would like to think before the end of the year.
      “The Premier League will be going to go to market (for their new deal) in the middle of October
      “It would be daft to put our rights into the market when they’re in because that’s going to get the primary attention.
      “We will go in after (then). It’ll be the end of this year. 
      “In terms of who’s interested – everybody is, as they should be.
      “It’s just a question of assessing the tenders.”
      From the start of the 2024-25 league season a company called NewCo will take over the running of the WSL and the Women’s Championship
      Bridging the gap and making competition fairer between WSL’s top sides, richest clubs and those lower down the league and in the second tier will be among the priorities for the firm. 
      And Baroness Campbell believes cost controls could be the answer. 
      She said: “There certainly needs to be a fair play approach to it, no question.
      “But what we’ve been talking to this group of (WSL and championship) CEOs about is how do you make this game a more investable proposition? 
      “So when you look down that league, and you talk to the chief executives at some of the WSL clubs to lower down, they’re nervous about investing any more, because they can’t see when it stops. So, cost control becomes really important.”
      With online abuse of female athletes becoming more prevalent NewCo will be working with players to help tackle trolling of WSL aces.  
      A BBC Sport study found that 30 per cent of sportswomen across 39 different sports including football had been trolled online. 
      The sports chiefs says the new company set to run the WSL will establish a players’ forum to feed policies on issues affecting women footballers.
      Baroness Campbell says cost control may be needed to help keep competition fairer between rich and top sides and those lower down the WSL and in the ChampionshipCredit: Reuters
      This includes measures for tackling social media abuse of WSL aces.
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      Baroness Campbell added: “You’ve got to keep listening to the players.
      “One of the things NewCo will do is set up a player group that will feed into policy and help keep us on our toes in terms of those issues that are worrying and troubling them.” More

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      Manchester United to battle Paris Saint-Germain in their first Women’s Champions League outing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will face a potentially tricky test against Paris Saint-Germain in their first foray in the Women’s Champions League. The Red Devils and their French opponents are competing in round two of the qualifying stage of the contest.
      Manchester United will face Paris Saint-Germain next month in a round two duel to qualify for the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty
      PSG reached last year’s Women’s Champions League quarter-finals where they were knocked out by WolfsburgCredit: Getty
      Melvine Malard has joined the Red Devils on loan from PSG’s rivals Lyon until the end of the 2023-24 seasonCredit: Reuters
      This phase decides which 12 teams will go on to join the group stage alongside teams who have already qualified for this part. 
      These competitors include WSL champs Chelsea, last term’s contest winners Barcelona and French and German title-holders Lyon and Bayern Munich.
      United’s tie will see Marc Skinners’ aces go up against last year’s quarter-finalists at home on the 10th or 11th of October. 
      Their away leg against PSG, who have reached the Champions League final on two occasions, will be played on October 18 or 19. 
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      And the clash could see the club go up against ex-Red Devil Jackie Groenen in Europe for the first time since the midfielder’s move to PSG last September. 
      United’s draw against Paris Saint-Germain comes on a day which saw the club unveil Melvine Malard as their last signing in this summer’s transfer window which closed at 11pm on Thursday. 
      The France forward, 23, has joined Skinner’s side on loan from Lyon until the end of the 2023/24 season. 
      Her arrival completes a busy transfer window for United as they aim to compete across all fronts after a second place finish in last term’s title race.
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      This summer saw Alessia Russo, Vilde Boe Risa, Ona Batlle, Ivana Fuso and Martha Thomas among the players to leave the club. 
      Their new arrivals included Wales international Gemma Evans, Brazil forward Geyse from Barcelona and Japan ace Hinata Miyazawa who won the Golden Boot at this year’s World Cup. 
      Japan forward Hinata Miyazawa is among the international aces who have joined Man United this summerCredit: Getty
      Other players who sealed United moves ahead of deadline day include former OL Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and ex-Everton defender Gabby George. 
      And the club retained the services of England number one keeper Mary Earps despite a record bid from WSL rivals Arsenal. 
      The Women’s World Cup Golden Glove winner, who has been nominated for a Fifa best goalkeeper award, has one year left on her current contract. More

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      Sarina Wiegman concerned by ‘short turnaround’ for Lionesses between Women’s Nations League and World Cup

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits to being concerned by the “tight turnaround” for her players between the World Cup and the Women’s Nations League. The Lionesses boss was speaking on Wednesday after announcing her squad for clashes with Scotland and the Netherlands this month.
      Sarina Wiegman wants to see more talks between coaches and Fifa and Uefa regarding match scheduling for international playersCredit: PA
      Keira Walsh has been left out of England’s squad due to a calf injury sustained ahead of their first two Women’s Nations League gamesCredit: Getty
      Bethany England is also unavailable for Lionesses duty with the striker recovering from a hip operationCredit: Reuters
      Keira Walsh and Bethany England, who featured for the team during the World Cup, will both be absent due to calf and hip injuries.  
      And Wiegman mentioned some players having just six days off in between the end of the tournament and the start of England’s training camp for the Women’s Nations League. 
      They include Arsenal stars Alessia Russio and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
      While Wubben-Moy did not play in the World Cup, Russo appeared in seven games for England at the tournament including their 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on August 20.

      Both are included in Wiegman’s 24-strong Women’s Nations League squad
      The team will play Pedro Losa’s Scotland side on September 22 at the Stadium of Light and the Netherlands in Utrecht on the 26th.
      Of her concerns about the short break for players between the contests, Wiegman said: “I was worried before the World Cup and we knew it was a short turnaround. 
      “We really have to get connected with Fifa and Uefa to make that better. 
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      “Next week they come in and some players have only had six days off which after such a high-pressure competition is not good for them.
      “We have major tournaments in the summer all the time (at the moment).
      “The urgency to solve it and make it better is really high. 
      “We all know the challenges have been addressed for a while now but we also know changes cannot be made overnight. 
      “But the conversations are going on and we just need to keep doing that and hopefully find a better solution to what we have.”
      Midfield ace Walsh will miss the team’s battle with Scotland in their first ever Women’s Nations League game on September 22 due to a “small calf injury”. 
      It follows the Barcelona and Lionesses star sustaining and recovering from a knee injury in July during the World Cup. 
      And Tottenham striker England is currently recuperating after undergoing surgery on September 4 to treat her hip problem.
      Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier has been included in England’s squad for their games against Scotland and the NetherlandsCredit: Getty
      Lucy Staniforth, Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park have all been named in the squad after being included on Wiegman’s World Cup standby list before the contest in Australia and New Zealand. 
      But Beth Mead and Fran Kirby have been left out with the duo needing more game time after returning to club action for Arsenal and Chelsea. 
      Wiegman added: “Beth (Mead) needs to take the next step to get games and get consistency.
      “Fran (Kirby) is really close. She played some friendlies already and did well.
      “Again it is a little too early. I am very looking forward to seeing them play.”
      England’s squad update comes 13 days after Wiegman dedicated her Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year award to World Cup winners Spain.
      The team saw their triumph overshadowed by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales being slammed for planting an unwanted kiss on the lips of forward Jenni Hermoso. 
      This month during an interview with Piers Morgan he announced he had quit his role following the row.
      The ex-Spain football federation chief, who has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, will appear in a Madrid court on Friday.
      This follows Hermoso, who is her national side’s record goalscorer, filing a legal complaint against him. 
      And Wiegman hopes more attention will be paid to Spain’s World Cup triumph rather than the controversy surrounding Rubiales.
      Wiegman wants more attention paid to Spain’s triumph at the World Cup rather than the row concerning Luis RubialesCredit: Getty
      She added: “We would like to leave that now and celebrate those players.
      “Players need to be listened to and we need to move on. 
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      “The women’s game has improved so much but there’s still a long way to go, not only in Spain but everywhere.
      “We need to try and make the world better for those players.” More

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      Ex-Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales to be hauled in front of judge in criminal probe over World Cup kiss with Jenni Hermoso

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      FORMER Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has been called to testify in court following a criminal probe for suspected sexual assault and coercion.It comes after the disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month and he kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
      It comes after Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso, 33, without her consent after the Spanish team won the Women’s World Cup
      Hermoso paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution by admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”, after the kissCredit: Enterprise
      He is set to be questioned today at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid by judge Francisco de Jorge who is conducting the criminal probe.
      It emerged yesterday he had opened his investigation into the 46-year-old after a formal complaint was lodged by prosecutors.
      A spokesman for the court said the judge would be requesting footage of the kiss and other relevant videos as part of his probe.
      It comes after Hermoso, 33, paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution by admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”, after the kiss.
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      The judge agreed to launch his investigation less than 24 hours after Rubiales sensationally quit as FA chief and UEFA vice-president following the scandal.
      Rubiales previously doubled down on the scandal, promising to “defend his innocence” after announcing his resignation on Sunday night.
      After news of his resignation broke, the disgraced football star tweeted: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
      “I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
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      “Thanks everyone.”
      A statement from Spain’s highest court previously said: “Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”
      Prosecutors also reportedly received complaints of “obscene exhibitionism before a minor” when Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch in the stands next to Spain’s Princess Infanta Sofía.
      He apologised to the Spanish royal family previously for the display, saying: “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.”
      But in the same breath, the deluded footballer claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      Hermoso herself hit back the following day, denying the former FA chief’s claim that the kiss was consensual.
      In a revealing sit-down with Piers Morgan on TalkTV tonight, deluded Rubiales will sensationally compare his kiss with Hermoso to one he might give his daughters.
      He is set to double down on his position in the astonishing interview as he tells Piers: “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      “There was no harm, no sexual content, no aggression, nothing like that.
      “The significance of the kiss to Jenni would have been exactly the same as a kiss to one of my daughters.
      “Between friends and family, that’s very, very common.”
      The FA president will say that he understands he “should have acted in a more solemn, cold and diplomatic way”.
      Striker Hermoso lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – setting the wheels in motion for the public ministry to present an official complaint against Rubiales.
      She described the kiss as “an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.”
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      The football star has been lying low since the scandal, which caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for Rubiales’ resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened their criminal investigation.
      Rubiales will be questioned in private on Friday, as is normal in Spain where only trials take place in public. More