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      Manchester United boss Skinner flags fatigue concerns for WSL players amid ‘shovelled in’ international fixtures

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      MARC SKINNER fears weary WSL aces could be playing walking football later due to international window fatigueAnd Aston Villa’s clingy shirt issues are set to rumble on with the club expecting a long-term solution from kitmakers Castore rather than an immediate one. 
      Marc Skinner says some players have been left fatigued following busy international match schedulesCredit: Getty
      Skinner’s United aces will take on Aston Villa this afternoon in the first game of the new WSL seasonCredit: Getty
      Alisha Lehmann and Rachel Daly are among the Villa players who were involved in Women’s Nations League fixtures earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Manchester United chief Skinner will oversee his side in action against the Villans at Villa Park in the first of six WSL curtain-raising fixtures happening today.
      Their game comes just five days after scores of players were away on international duty in the Women’s Nations League. 
      These include four of United’s Lioness stars and six England, Scotland and Holland aces from Villa who took part in games in the contest last Friday and on Tuesday. 
      Fixtures in the contest, which determines which teams will qualify for next year’s Olympics, includes the Lionesses’ 2-1 loss to Holland five days ago. 
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      Skinner said: “You have players who have just come off a World Cup and coming into an important game where there were two qualifying games with difficult opponents. 
      “Yet, we (England) were not at the races and that’s because the girls have to mentally reset as well as physically reset. 
      “I just hope it doesn’t lag into the (start of this) season. 
      “We all want this energetic start, however I might predict in the future and I might get this wrong, but I’d imagine every game this opening weekend will end with walking football at the end.
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      “By the last 20 minutes there will probably be walking football because there will be people that are fatigued. 
      “From my perspective, it’s a crazy way to just shovel (Women’s Nations League) games in.
      “I get the format and I get the intent, but I’m not even sure the international managers were happy with it.
      “Some might have been (whose teams) didn’t compete in the World Cup, but others won’t be. 
      “So from my perspective, I think it’s a strange window and will definitely lead to a lack of cohesion for a lot of teams going into all of their markets, not just England.”
      Villa’s clash with United comes in a week in which their WSL aces flagged concerns about wet look shirts manufactured by sportswear firm Castore. 
      Players have flagged that the fabric retained too much sweat during matches.  
      It’s understood the club, who shared players’ concerns with Castore, are not expecting an immediate solution to the shirt issues
      And Ward explained that the ball is now in the court of the sportswear firm and Villa officials
      Carla Ward says Villa officials have been in constant communication with players in regard to sweat-clogged shirt issuesCredit: Getty
      The Villa Women’s boss said: “As far I’m concerned it’s over to the club and Castore.
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      “My focus has to be this weekend and making sure the players are focused. 
      “One thing I will say is the club have been absolutely superb in these last few days with constant communication of how we can help the players.” More

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      I used to be an Uber driver… now I play for Arsenal and starred at World Cup

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      ARSENAL winger Caitlin Foord is about to enter her fourth Women’s Super League campaign.But before making it as a full-time professional footballer, she worked part-time as an Uber driver in Wollongong, Australia.
      Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord briefly worked part-time as an Uber driverCredit: Getty
      The winger now stars in the top tier of English football and for the Australia national teamCredit: Getty
      Foord, 28, who had just signed for Sydney FC at the time, initially worked as a physio’s aide.
      However, after picking up an injury during the 2017-18 W-League campaign she decided that a change was needed.
      Foord said: “I did it to keep myself busy at my physio I go to, just helping out. Just to see what it was like.
      “When I was injured, I was bored and I got sick of having the same conversations with people, so I signed up as an Uber driver and drove people around Wollongong.
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      “It lasted 48 hours. I worked a Friday and Saturday night. One person recognised me, a friend of a friend. She said ‘uhh Caitlin what are you doing?'”
      Although her spell as an Uber driver was short-lived, Foord admitted she could see the attraction to driving full-time.
      She added: “It was addictive. There are noises and lights and then when you get someone, you get to meet them.
      “But at the end of I was like, is this really worth it?”
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      The minimum W-League wage was as little as £5,270 back in 2017, according to reports.
      So many footballers had to get second jobs as a result.
      Foord now plays for Arsenal in England’s top tier, the WSL.
      She joined the Gunners from Portland Thorns FC in 2020 and has since been a key member of the first team squad.
      The winger helped Jonas Eidevall’s side to Continental Cup glory last season, starting as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the final.
      Foord also represents the Australia women’s national team and featured at the 2023 Women’s World Cup this summer. More

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      ‘Me and Ange try to do the same stuff with how we play’, says Tottenham Women’s boss Robert Vilahamn

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      ROBERT VILAHAMN believes he and Ange Postecoglu have much more in common besides both being in charge of Tottenham teams. The Spurs women’s boss, 40, sees himself and the Australian as being brave about getting their teams to play good football. 
      Robert Vilahamn guided his former side BK Hacken to two Swedish Cup finals prior to be appointed as head coach of Tottenham’s women’s teamCredit: Rex
      The Sweden-born head coach will take of Tottenham for the first time in a WSL game when they play Chelsea on SundayCredit: Getty
      The North London side are keen to achieve a mid-table finish after ending last season in tenth spotCredit: Getty
      Tottenham are yet to beat Chelsea in the WSL with the Blues having won their previous seven WSL duelsCredit: AFP
      Vilahamn’s Australian counterpart has brought the feelgood factor to the club. 
      Postecoglu’s Premier League aces are currently fourth and unbeaten after two draws and four wins.
      And the team’s free-flowing attacking football has left Spurs fans drooling after the turbulent end to Antonio Conte’s two-year reign. 
      Vilhahamn, who was appointed in July after two years at the helm of Swedish side BK Hacken, hopes to cultivate more flair in his side’s style of play
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      His aces will face a stern WSL season-opening test from a team renowned for winning games in style.
      They play title-holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday with the Blues having won all seven of their previous league clashes . 
      Vilahamn said: “Tottenham want to play a style with the men’s team and the women’s team, academy. 
      “I think me and Ange try to do the same stuff with how to play. 
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      “Not the same formation all the time but trying to be brave enough to play good, offensive football and in the long run, win games. 
      “The men’s team is already winning games. Hopefully we can have a good start, make some good results. 
      “But I also need to have respect against the top teams in the league so in the beginning it might be a mixture of the game model, and how to actually try to win against Chelsea. 
      “But in the long run you’re going to see a Tottenham that dictates games, presses high and wants to lean forward and try to score a lot of goals.
      “We shouldn’t expect Tottenham to win the league this year, but we need to make sure we show the supporters, the board members and everyone that we play better football.”
      Last year Tottenham entered the 2022-23 campaign with the hope of building on their fifth-place finish the season before. 
      While striker Rachel Williams departed for Manchester United, experienced talents including Ellie Brazil and ex-Blues star Drew Spence joined the side last summer
      However they suffered some fitness blows last with Brazil sidelined by an ACL rupture last October and midfielder Ria Percival and forward Kit Graham out with knee injuries. 
      And they found themselves dragged into a relegation battle which they survived but one that led to the club parting company with former gaffer Rehanne Skinner. 
      For Vilahamn the aim this term is a top-six finish for the team who were seen as dark horses for a top four finish two seasons ago
      He adds: “They (the club) don’t want to push me to win the league the first year. 
      “They want to push me to make sure we have this identity and of course they want to be better than last year and hopefully be in the top six of the table. 
      “But the most important thing is to show you guys we play Tottenham football.”
      Spurs’ WSL survival was partly fuelled by the club making the bold move of signing Lionesses star Bethany England from Chelsea for a £250,000 fee in January .  
      The league’s most expensive British player repaid their faith by netting 12 goals in 12  top-flight appearances, helping them avoid relegation by finishing tenth. 
      This summer saw England given the captain’s armband before the start of the new season. 
      However her team will be without her services with the striker currently recovering from hip surgery. 
      Tottenham are set to face Chelsea without the services of Bethany England with the Spurs skipper currently injuredCredit: PA
      Vilahamn added: “When you lose that kind of real superstar as a player you need to find something else – you cannot find a new Beth England. 
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      “We are in a good position but it’s how strong we should be on 1 October against Chelsea .
      “I hope we can make results quickly and if not, I hope we can see the longer perspective as well.” More

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      Arsenal vs Liverpool: Gunners look to make perfect start in epic WSL opener – stream FREE, TV channel, team news

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      FOOTBALL fans across the world are thrilled to see the WSL finally return – and Arsenal host Liverpool on a frantic first day.The Gunners will be determined to put a stop to Chelsea’s incredible run after seeing the Blues lift the title for a third consecutive year last season.
      Arsenal won the FA WSL CupCredit: Getty
      It also meant that it has been four years since the most decorated women’s team in English secured league success.
      However, Arsenal put a slight blip in Chelsea’s 2022/23 season by coming from behind to win the FA WSL Cup.
      And they’ll be hoping for the same result against a Liverpool side who they have beaten 13 times in a row.
      When is Arsenal vs Liverpool?

      Arsenal’s opening WSL encounter against Liverpool will take place on Sunday, October 1.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 2pm BST.
      Emirates Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 60,000 roaring fans.
      Goals from Stina Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord saw the Gunners beat Liverpool 2-0 when the sides last met in March.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Arsenal vs Liverpool will be broadcast LIVE on The FA Player.
      Fans can stream the action via The FA Player app or the official website.
      Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for the entire game including pre-match and post-match reaction.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      The FA Player is a free service.
      What is the team news?
      Jonas Eidevall will be forced to start the season without Laura Wienroither, Leah Williamson and Henry Timi Davies who are all nursing ACL injuries.
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      Lotte Wubben-Moy (muscular) and Mika Biereth (knee) are also expected to miss the opener against Liverpool.
      And the Gunners boss has recently been hit with more bad news that Teyah Goldie is out for the entire season with an ACL issue.
      However, Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema is in line for her first start since December 15, 2022.
      Vivianne Miedema is back in training for the GunnersCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Matt Beard has revealed that captain Niamh Farley (calf) and Mia Enderby (shoulder) will both undergo scans ahead of this epic match.
      The Reds gaffer also confirmed that they are awaiting fitness updates for forwards Leanne Kierman, Shanice van de Sanden and Melissa Lawley. More

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      Aston Villa women follow men in slamming new wet-look shirts ahead of WSL opener against Man Utd live on BBC

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      ASTON VILLA women stars have reportedly joined the men’s team in blasting their new wet-look kits.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.
      Aston Villa stars have been left fuming at the club’s wet-look kitsCredit: Alamy
      Fuming Villa bosses have approached kit supplier Castore for a solutionCredit: Rex
      The kit issue has sparked fears from Jacqui Oatley about how Villa’s women team will be impactedCredit: Alamy
      But the problem was not unique to that game, with the issue plaguing them since the start of the season.
      It has led to members of the team complaining the soaked kit was weighing them down.
      And Villa stars have now lost patience with kit supplier Castore.
      However, Villa’s women team have added their voices to the chorus of complaints against the kit, according to the Telegraph.
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      Aston Villa women kick off their Women’s Super League campaign against Manchester United live on the BBC this Sunday.
      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.
      Manager Carla Ward is understood to also be aware of the team’s problems, having worn it in all but one of their pre-season friendlies.
      Villa will also be on TV on the second weekend of the season when they face Liverpool on October 8.
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      Furious club bosses are now said to have approached Castore for a quick solution.
      A report from the Mirror said the club will not take “no” for an answer due to the jersey being seen as a performance issue.
      Both men and women teams are hoping for a quick solution to the issue.
      Commentator Jacqui Oatley was left fearful at the impact of the kits on the Villa women’s team on for their opening WSL match.
      Castore are in the second season of a “multi-year” deal with Villa.
      The Manchester-based manufacturer’s tagline reads: “Demand better – premium performance.”
      Andy Brian, a commercial contracts lawyer and partner at law firm Gordons, explained to the Telegraph the potential fallout of the complaints.
      He said: “From a legal point of view, the key question will be whether the club’s agreement with the manufacturer contains a detailed specification of the products to be supplied and, if so, whether that spec extends to the composition and weight of the products.
      “Typically, manufacturers will supply one spec of product for replica kit sales, and another more high-performance spec for the athletes to wear.
      “In recent years, some manufacturers have also made higher spec ‘stadium shirts’ available for general sale at a premium price point.
      He continued: “If the supply contract contains a detailed spec which is not being achieved, then it will be pretty straightforward to resolve; Castore will have to supply according to that spec.
      “I don’t know what this contract says, but perhaps the more likely scenario is that Castore is supplying products which do comply with the contract, but Aston Villa are not happy with the quality.
      “Realistically, it will likely be resolved commercially, but it’s pretty embarrassing.”
      The men’s team have won four Premier League games this season, most recently a 1-0 win against Chelsea.
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      Their next league match sees them host high-flying Brighton.
      Villa women finished fifth in the WSL last season. More

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      Wiegman eager to see England top group following Women’s Nations League clash with the Netherlands

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      SARINA WIEGMAN insists there will be no split loyalties when she oversees England in their upcoming clash with the Netherlands.And the head coach admits steering Lionesses against her Dutch compatriots for the first time on home soil will be a strange and nice experience
      Sarina Wiegman is fully focused on steering England to back-to-back wins in the Women’s Nations LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ second clash in the contest will see them take Wiegman’s compatriots in UtrechtCredit: Getty
      Wiegman, 53, has been looking ahead to a Tuesday night clash between her old side and the reigning Euros champs in the Women’s Nations League.
      A win in Utrecht for the World Cup finalists could deal a blow to her compatriots’ hopes of qualifying for the Olympics in Paris next summer. 
      Wiegman, whose England aces are second in Group A behind Belgium,  said: “If we were not playing the Netherlands then of course I (would) want them to do well. 
      “But we are playing against them and we want to win the game. I can turn that off, I have to, it’s my job. 

      “I want the Netherlands to have the best but we want to be first in the league.
      “It’s just very special to be here, to play the opponents and of course we know each other really well. 
      “I know most of the staff, the players and it’s in the Netherlands so lots of people will be in the stands.
      “It’s a little bit strange too. Of course I have some memories here. I’m really looking forward to it.”
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      England’s clash with the Dutch team Wiegman led to Euros glory in 2017 comes two days after their rivals’ 2-1 loss to Belgium in their Women’s Nations League opener
      And the head coach, who confirmed Alessia Russo is available for the game, is wary of taking her opponents for granted. 
      She added: “If you look at their stats against Belgium, they had pretty good stats and I saw how the game developed. 
      “They were a little bit unlucky and Belgium took their chances.
      “You say the last couple of games they lost – I think one of the last was (against) Spain who became world champions.
      “That’s a game that was very close, and they did well in that game too. 
      “Of course, they want to do well because their goal is also still to come first in the group.” 
      England’s clash with their Dutch opponents will8 see Wiegman pits her wits against Netherlands boss Andries Jonker, who managed her during her playing days at Ter Leede. 
      It also comes a day after Wiegman hailed midfielder superstar Megan Rapinoe who played her very last game for the USA on Sunday – a 2-0 win against South Africa.
      The Netherlands are eager to return to winning ways after falling to a slim 2-1 defeat against Belgium last time outCredit: EPA
      Wiegman paid tribute to NWSL heroine Megan Rapinoe following her final game for the USACredit: Getty
      And she believes the Lionesses can take up the mantle of Rapinoe and her US team-mates in helping leading the fight for women’s rights in football. 
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      Wiegman added: “The US are the trailblazers in women’s football, but not only in women’s football but also the position of women in society.
      “Megan  had a big role in that. We see England players having a big role in that too.” More

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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