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      Hannah Hampton to leave Aston Villa with Lionesses goalkeeper reportedly linked with Chelsea

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      HANNAH HAMPTON is set for an Aston Villa exit this month amid reports of her holding talks with WSL champions Chelsea. The England goalkeeper, 22, is thought to have rejected an offer of a contract extension from the Villans, according to BBC Sport.
      Hannah Hampton is set to leave Aston Villa with her contract expiring at the end of JuneCredit: Getty
      The England goalkeeper was included in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad ahead of the start of the World Cup in JulyCredit: Getty
      The current Villa contract for the player, who made 43 appearances across all competitions last term, expires at the end of this month.
      She kept five cleansheets in 15 WSL games helping the team claim fifth spot, their highest ever finish in the Women’s Super League. 
      A brief statement published on the club’s web site “sincerely thanked” the shot-stopper wishing “her well in her next chapter”.  
      The Birmingham-born WSL ace is among the players included in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong squad for this summer’s World Cup.
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      Her form towards the second half of last season saw her earn a Lionesses recall in March having been dropped from Wiegman’s previous three squads.
      Following her return the England boss said Hampton had needed to “sort out some personal issues before going on to praise her “consistency” for Villa. 
      Hampton began her football career in 2005 as a forward for Spanish club Villarreal’s academy team.
      And she made the transition to goalkeeper during her six-year spell at Stoke City from 2010.
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      This was followed by a five-year stint at at Birmingham with whom made her senior debut in November 2017
      And she left to join Villa under head coach Carla Ward.
      Hampton was part of the England side that won their first major tournament summer with their Women’s Euros triumphCredit: Getty
      Last summer Hampton was part of the England squad that lifted their first Women’s Euros trophy under Wiegman. 
      She also helped the team win last February’s inaugural Arnold Clark Cup contest keeping a cleansheet during England’s 0-0 draw with Spain.
      And this year will see her be part of a senior Lionesses World Cup squad for the first time in her career. More

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      I’m Italy’s ‘most beautiful footballer’ and I won’t stop posting sexy bikini pictures if it helps grow the women’s game

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      AGATA Centasso, who has been dubbed “Italy’s most beautiful footballer”, has said she won’t stop posting snaps on Instagram as she believes it can grow the beautiful game.Centasso, 29, is a midfielder and vice-captain of Serie B side Venezia.
      Agata Centasso is the vice-captain of Serie B side VeneziaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en
      She regularly posts bikini pics on her InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en
      Centasso has said she stays active away from the football pitchCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en
      Agata balances posting about football with sharing bikini snaps with fansCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en
      She often posts about her love of the gameCredit: https://twitter.com/AgataCentasso/status/1609541114939465728
      She balances her footballing commitments with her job as a support worker at a community centre for young people with special needs.
      Centasso has garnered a sizeable Instagram following of late, as fans admire both her skills and her looks.
      She currently has 56,000 followers on the app.
      After the attention she has gained of late, she sat down to speak to Italian outlet Gazzetta to discuss her career and Instagram game.
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      Gazzetta asked her about her Instagram, where she regularly poses in a bikini as well as showcases her football skills.
      She said on the growth of her social media following: “I’m happy: I see it as an opportunity because it allows me to make my sport better known.
      “I want to help increase the visibility of women’s football.”
      Speaking about how she got into football, Centasso said: “The interest in sport has not been inherited from the family. 
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      “At home they pushed me towards music, dance, the piano. But I wanted to run. So, as a child, I approached basketball.”
      The midfielder said she abandoned basketball at the age of 20 as she “started playing football with conviction.”
      Football interflows into her personal life as her partner is footballer Andrea Migliorini.
      He is currently playing for Serie D side Lavello, but the 34-year-old also played for Centasso’s Venezia in 2012 and 2013.
      The highest level he reached was with Serie B side SPAL before he moved to Venezia in 2012.
      Centasso often shares her holiday snaps on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en
      The Italian beauty often visits exotic locationsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en
      In her dating life, she dates fellow footballer Andrea MiglioriniCredit: https://www.instagram.com/agataisabelva/?hl=en More

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      BBC and ITV seal Women’s World Cup broadcast deal with Fifa bringing an end to blackout risk

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      BBC and ITV have confirmed they will air coverage of this year’s Women’s World Cup bringing an end to the row around a TV deal. The tournament’s 64 games in Australia and New Zealand will be shown live on either of the channels with the exception of the final. 
      BBC and ITV will share live coverage of games at this year’s Women’s World Cup including England’s group stage fixturesCredit: Alamy
      Both confirmed a deal has been reached for the rights to provide broadcast coverage of the tournament to UK audiencesCredit: Getty
      Televised coverage of the decider for this summer’s contest, which starts on July 20 in Auckland, New Zealand, will be shown live on both BBC1 and ITV1. 
      And both broadcasters will share coverage of the Lionesses’ Group D fixtures against Haiti, Denmark and China in Australia. 
      Today’s announcement comes weeks after broadcasters in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France came under pressure to announce a deal. 
      Fifa President Gianni Infantino had threatened the prospect of a TV blackout in Europe’s “Big Five” countries after describing bids as a “slap in the face for women’s football”. 
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      It is claimed some of the offers made for broadcast rights were as low as one to two per cent of the amount bid for the men’s contest.
      And Infantino’s remarks last month were followed by sports ministers in each nation flagging concerns that no broadcast agreement had been reached. 
      However yesterday Bloomberg claimed a deal was imminent with BBC and ITV reportedly paying an estimated £8million for the rights to air matches.
      BBC director of sport Barbara Slater, said: “The growth of the women’s game is extraordinary, demonstrated by the 28 million who watched BBC coverage of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the huge audience of 17.4 million who watched our coverage of the Euro 2022 final on TV last summer. 
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      “In partnership with ITV we are delighted to make this World Cup available to the widest possible audience and free to air.”
      ITV Sport director Niall Sloane added: “England’s Lionesses are entering the World Cup Finals as European champions.
      “Fans have been able to follow their progress to qualification on ITV through our coverage of the World Cup qualifiers.
      England will be begin their campaign to win the World Cup with a Group D clash with Haiti on July 22Credit: Getty
      “We hope they’ll join us to see all the action from Australia and New Zealand throughout the tournament.”
      The joint rights deal will also see live audio commentary of the World Cup aired on BBC Radio Five Live and Five Sports Extra.
      And ITV will broadcast half of the contest’s clashes across ITV1 and ITV4 with catch-up coverage on ITVX. More

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      Sweden players were told to ‘show their genitalia’ to prove they were female at 2011 Women’s World Cup

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      SWEDEN’S women’s players were instructed to show their genitalia to medical staff at the 2011 World Cup to show that they were female. The shocking details were revealed by central defender Nilla Fischer, in her book, ‘I Didn’t Even Say Half Of It’.
      Nilla Fischher (centre) described the experience of undergoing gender checks during the 2011 World Cup as ‘humiliating’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Fischer and Sweden her team-mates reached the semi-finals of the tournament before being knocked out by JapanCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The former Sweden ace, 38, who has 194 international caps, explains examinations were done by a female physiotherapist on behalf of a doctor. 
      She revealed the gender checks had come about after Fifa demanded national federations to determine whether their players were female. 
      The tests, which Fischer described as “sick” and “humiliating” occurred following allegations involving the Equatorial Guinea squad. 
      The accusations followed complaints from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. 
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      In her book Fischer, who retired last December, wrote: “We were told that we should not shave ‘down there’ in the coming days and that we will show our genitalia for the doctor.  
      “(At the time we thought) why are we forced to do this now, there has to be other ways to do this. Should we refuse?’
      “At the same time no one wants to jeopardise the opportunity to play at a World Cup.
      “We just have to get the sh** done, no matter how sick and humiliating it feels.”
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      Fischer, who played for six clubs including Wolfsburg, during her 24-year senior career, appeared for Sweden in four World Cups. 
      The former centre-back helped her team reach the semis of the 2011 tournament in Germany where they were beaten by eventual contest winners Japan. 
      In an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Fischer described the gender testing she and her team-mates experienced at the tournament as extremely odd. 
      She told Aftonbladet: “I understand what I have to do and quickly pull down my training pants and underwear at the same time.
      “The physio nods and says ‘yup’ and then looks out at the doctor who is standing with his back to my doorway. 
      “He makes a note and moves on in the corridor to knock on the next door.
      “When everyone on our team is checked, that is to say, has exposed their vagina, our team doctor can sign that the Swedish women’s national football team consists only of women.
      “It’s an extremely strange situation and overall not a comfortable way to do it.”
      Fischer retired from playing from her national side three months before hanging up her boots in December last year.  
      Sweden will play South Africa in their Group G opener in Wellington, New Zealand at this year’s Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      In response to the ex-Sweden player’s revelations, Fifa said they have “taken note of recent comments”.  
      Read more on The Sun
      A fortnight before the start of the 2011 World Cup which was held in Germany,  the global football body published its current gender verification regulations. 
      It states “participating member associations shall ensure that all players are eligible for selection in accordance with Fifa statutes.” More

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      WSL ace Mana Iwabuchi left out of Japan’s squad for the Women’s World Cup

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      MANA IWABUCHI has been left out of Japan’s squad for the World Cup this summer after playing for the team in the 2019 contest. The omission of the forward comes after a season in which she made just 13 WSL appearances. 
      Iwabuchi has been left out of Japan squad for the Women’s World CupCredit: Getty
      The forward was part of the Japan side that won the tournament in 2011 by beating the United States in a penalty shootoutCredit: Reuters
      Iwabuchi, 30, moved to Tottenham from Arsenal on a temporary deal in January in search of more playing time before the tournament.
      Before her loan move, the Japan international had played in just three top-flight games for the Gunners having fallen down their pecking order.
      The forward, who netted once in 13 games across all competitions for Spurs, was part of the Japan side that won the 2011 World Cup beating the USA via a penalty shootout.
      She was also part of the team that reached the final in Canada four years later where they fell to a 5-2 loss to the United States.  
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      However she had at times struggled for playing time last season featuring in just five games for Arsenal across all competitions before her January move. 
      Coach Futoshi Ikeda said: “Iwabuchi is a player who has done a lot to drive this team forward but I am choosing 23 players for this specific time and there is no one reason for my choices.
      “It’s about form, fitness, the state of the team and what we need in certain situations”
      Four WSL players have been included in Ikeda’s 23-strong squad. 
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      Liverpool’s Fuka Nagano and West Ham pair Risa Shimizu and Honoka Hayashi have been named as well as Manchester City midfielder Yui Hasegawa. 
      Iwabuchi’s omission means skipper Saki Kumagai is the only player in the current squad from the 2011 World Cup-winning side. 
      The Japan defender, who scored the tournament-winning spot-kick in the penalty shootout against the USA, moved to AS Roma from Bayern Munich. 
      Kumagai and her team-mates will compete in Group C in this year’s World Cup alongside Spain, Costa Rica and Zambia. 
      Saki Kumagai is the only member of the 2011 World Cup-winning Japan side included in the squad for this year’s tournamentCredit: Getty
      The last tournament in France in 2019 saw the Netherlands knock Japan out at the last 16 phase. 
      Ikeda’s side will face Zambia in their group stage opener
      The match will take place at Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand on July 22.  More

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      Just three of the 15 Spain aces involved in players’ protest are named in Vilda’s provisional Women’s World Cup squad

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      JUST three of the 15 Spain players who mutinied against head coach Jorge Vilda have been included in his provisional World Cup squad.Manchester United’s Ona Batlle is among the three aces on Vilda’s long-list having made herself available for selection. 
      Ona Batlle has included been included in Jorge Vilda’s provisional Spain squad ahead of the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Aitana Bonmati has been recalled after being named Women’s Champions League of the Year last seasonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United ace Lucia Garcia has been left out of Vilda’s squadCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils full-back is one of 12 players ready for Spain duty  after being among the 15 who stood down last September.
      The players stood down amid concerns over conditions at international camps and Vilda’s managerial approach.
      Last week sports news outlet Marca claimed the 12 players would no longer stay away having reached a consensus with their country’s football federation the RFEF.
      Barcelona’s Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati have also been included in Vilda’s provisional group. 
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      Last September the RFEF claimed 15 players had sent them emails stating their wish to not be selected over conditions at international camps. 
      The players outlined concerns that the situation had “significantly” affected their emotional state and health. 
      While Batlle has been recalled, her United and Spain pal Lucia Garcia, who was among the 15 players who had been on strike, has been left out. 
      Her omission comes almost a year on from her representing Spain at last summer’s Euros and helping them to reach the quarter-final stage. 
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      And Manchester’s City’s Laia Aleixandri and Leila Ouahabi have also been left out. 
      Spain will be without the services of a trio of Barcelona players  who helped their team win this year’s Champions League final with a 3-2 defeat of Wolfsburg.  
      Barca goalkeeper Sandra Panos, forward Claudia Pina and defender Mapi Leon have not made themselves available for an international call-up. 
      Midfielder Patri Guijarro, who netted a two-minute brace in the Champions League final, is also unavailable.
      And Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Lola Gollardo did not make herself available for Spain duty. 
      Barca superstar Alexia Putellas has been included on Vilda’s long list. 
      The midfielder,  recently returned to fitness from a knee ligament injury, had been crocked for much of this season 
      Putellas was not among the 15 players who had stood down from international duty.
      However the two-time Ballon d’Or winner shared the concerns flagged by her team-mates regarding training conditions and management of injuries in the national set-up.
      Following the squad announcement Vilda told reporters: “I will speak about the players who are here and not the ones who aren’t
      “The RFEF has always been open to dialogue. The conflict is practically resolved, a few details would remain. 
      “We would be delighted if that were the case, but we look at the players who are committed and have shown their commitment.”
      Vilda is set to trim his 30-strong squad to 23 on June 30. 
      The team will play their Group C opener against Costa Rica on July 21 at Wellington Regional Stadium in
      It remains to be seen whether the players now available for selection for the world’s sixth best national side will make the final cut.  
      However the team has been boosted by Putellas recovery from a damaged ACL. 
      Vilda added: “It’s great news Alexia is back and she’s played minutes with her club.
      Spain chief Jorge Vilda is set to cut his squad to 23 players on June 30Credit: Getty
      “In this time we have played 11 games and we have won 9, including the game against the USA that we won for the first time.
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      “With the players we have now, I’m sure we’ll continue to rise in the ranking.
      “We know that she (Putellas) is going to help us a lot both on and off the pitch because of her leadership and her experience.” More

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      Women’s Super League clubs see revenues rise by 60 per cent in 2021-22 season, according to new figures

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      WOMEN’S Super League clubs’ earnings grew by 60 per cent in the 2021-22 season, according to the financial audit firm Deloitte. Clubs in the women’s game’s top division  produced a combined revenue of £32million which is a £12m rise on the previous term.
      Matchday revenue accounted for nearly 10 per cent of WSL clubs’ combined earningsCredit: Getty
      Broadcast and commercial deals are said to have helped boost revenue for WSL clubsCredit: AFP
      Analysis by Deloitte’s sports business group says the increase has been driven by the WSL’s broadcast and commercial deals. 
      They found bigger revenues had helped top tier clubs reduce their aggregate wages-to-revenue ratio from 92 to 78 per cent. 
      And salaries rose to a combined total of £25m which is 30 per cent higher than they were in the 2020-21 season. 
      However WSL sides made a pre-tax loss of £14m according to Deloitte. 
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      The new broadcast deal for the women’s top tier in the 2020-21 season is said to have played a significant part in boosted revenue for WSL and Women’s Champions clubs. 
      The deal, which has seen WSL games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC, accounts for £8m a year. 
      WSL clubs received a 75 per cent portion of broadcast distributions while Championship clubs received 25%,
      This included an equal fixed amount per team, plus a share based on league position finish.
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      And matchday takings in the women’s top-flight accounted for almost 10 per cent of WSL sides’ combined earnings with an average league attendance of 1,923. 
      Zoe Burton, director in Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, said: “The women’s game achieved significant leaps in revenue in the 2021/22 season. 
      “The Lionesses’ success at the Uefa Women’s Euros is pinned as an inflexion point for the popularity of women’s football.
      Deloitte believes clubs with women’s teams can look to target supporters of these sides with tailored productsCredit: PA
      “It’s telling that even before this historic win revenues had begun to grow in the Women’s Super League.
      “We have already seen new records set for attendance, viewership and the value of commercial partnerships in the 2022/23 season.
      “We are now reaching the point where clubs can seek to maximise the value associated with the women’s game by unbundling revenue streams to target a unique fanbase.” More

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      England Lionesses hero Chloe Kelly flaunts bikini body in the sun on holiday as fans say she’s ‘smoking hot’

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      WOMEN’s football star Chloe Kelly is enjoying a well-deserved break, while showing off her amazing bikini body,The Man City ace is currently on her holidays, soaking up the sun and sand.
      Chloe Kelly is currently enjoying a well-earned breakCredit: Instagram/@chloekelly
      Man City ace Kelly wowed fans on Instagram on with her amazing bikini bodyCredit: Instagram/@chloekelly
      England Lioness Kelly will be in action at next month’s World Cup
      The forward, who scored six goals in all competitions last season, is gearing up for next month’s World Cup.
      But, beforehand, she shared some snaps abroad – wowing her Instagram followers with her incredible physique.
      Wearing a black bikini, Kelly would pass for a Bond girl as she relaxes in the sea.
      In another snap, she can be seen taking a bite out of a cherry.
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      She captioned the photos: “Golden hour”, as she topped up her tan.
      Kelly looked every bit the glamour puss, accessorising with black Prada sunglasses that cost £315 and a £105 yellow Jacquemus bucket hat.
      However, fans were most taken by her stunning bod.
      One fan wrote: “So stunning!! And I’m not referring to the beach!”
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      Another penned: “Rest well and enjoy !! Can’t wait for you ladies.to kill it at the World Cup !! Lionesses.”
      A third posted: “Smoking hot lady.”
      While a fourth added: “Beach babe! Looks incredible.”
      On the pitch, Chloe, 25, has become England’s hero by chipping in with some important goals.
      Famously, came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 110th minute of the Women’s Euro 2022 final match against Germany.
      Back in April, she was the toast of Wembley again – sealing England’s glorious Women’s Finalissima triumph over Brazil with a winning penalty in a shootout the Lionesses won 4-2.
      This summer, she will be hoping to be England’s hero once again in the World Cup, when they kick off their campaign against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia on July 22. More