Women’s Super League

UEFA has begun an investigation after Republic of Ireland aces were filmed appearing to sing pro-IRA chants after their World Cup play-off win. A video clip of squad members chanting was shared on social media after their 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
Uefa is into investigate a chant filmed in the Republic of Ireland’s dressing room following their World Cup qualification winCredit: Sportsfile
Footage showed players seeming to sing “Ooh ah, up the ‘Ra” which is thought to be a pro-IRA song.
Officials from Europe’s top football authority today confirmed that they will be investigating the matter.
In a written statement Uefa said: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa disciplinary regulations, a Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11, 2022.
“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland issued apologies on Wednesday following the incident.  
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Pauw said: “We apologise from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who has been offended by the content of the post-match celebrations after we had just qualified for the World Cup.
“We will review this with the players and remind them of their responsibilities in this regard.
“I have spoken with the players, and we are sorry collectively for any hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.”
In a statement, the FAI said: “The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland women’s national team manager Vera Pauw apologise for any offence caused by a song sung by players in the Ireland dressing room after the Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.”
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The Republic of Ireland qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup after netting a second-half goal during their clash with Scotland.
Amber Barrett slotted the ball home in the 72nd minute.
Her effort helped her side clinch a spot in the tournament taking place in Australia and New Zealand next summer.
Amber Barrett was on target with a bottom-corner effort to seal World Cup qualification for Vera Pauw’s sideCredit: Reuters More

ENGLAND’S unbeaten run remains intact but the Euros champs found themselves held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Czech Republic at the Amex.Lauren James struck the woodwork early on a night that saw Lucy Bronze make her 100th Lionesses appearance.
Bronze received her 100th cap for England at the Amex on Tuesday nightCredit: PA
England – missing Georgia Stanway’s tenacious drives forward and Alessia Russo’s aerial threat – were made to battle hard in their attempts to break their rivals down.
And they failed to score for only the second time in 24 matches under serial-winning boss Sarina Wiegman.
On the International Day of the Girl, Wiegman’s stars looked to provide scores of watching school pupils at Brighton’s ground with a display of girl power on the pitch.
After this summer’s Euros, England’s stars have been pressing political decision-makers to boost girls’ access to football training in the nation’s schools.
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And their recent performances could be seen as a strong case for their call to ensure young females dreaming of becoming the next generation top pros get more chances to play at school.
Fresh off of the back of their battling 2-1 friendly defeat of four-time World Cup winners the USA, Wiegman’s side were aiming to fire another warning to their rivals ahead of next year’s World Cup.
They were looking to do so at a ground with memories of their 8-0 Euros thumping of Norway and their gritty quarter-final knockout of Spain at the Euros.
But Karel Rada’s well-drilled side had other ideas.
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The last clash between England and the Czech Republic ended in a slim 3-2 away victory for the Lionesses back in November 2019.
Before the game, Beth Mead described England’s opponents as a difficult side to play against.
This proved to be the case, with Rada’s team frustrating the Euros winners for large spells with some gritty defending.
James, making her first senior international start, struck the woodwork in the fourth minute shortly after the Czech’s Klara Cahynova blazed a shot over the bar.
James teed up Lauren Hemp in the box in the 23rd minute but her strike lacked power and was easily claimed by keeper Olivie Lukasova.
At the other end, a well-timed block from Alex Greenwood denied Andrea Staskova a clean shot on target just before half-time.
The second half saw Beth Mead enter the fray and the presence of England’s Player of the Year made a difference, giving the host’s attacking play a little more energy.
Mead’s 50th-minute cross found Hemp in the box before the forward headed over.
And the Euros’ top scorer went close to putting the hosts ahead after latching onto Millie Bright’s cross, before England struck the post in the 59th minute.
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Fran Kirby forced an impressive save from Lukasova with the keeper tipping her shot over the bar, before Mead curled an effort wide of the post.
So the clash ended goalless, meaning England extend their unbeaten run to 24 games ahead of November friendlies against Japan and Norway. More

GEMMA GRAINGER insists Wales will not have an underdog mentality when they play Switzerland in one of the biggest games in their history.Grainger’s aces will battle their rivals in a World Cup qualifier play-off with a potential spot in next year’s tournament at stake.
Gemma Grainger and Wales hope to keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive with a win against Switzerland tonightCredit: Reuters
Wales will be aiming to win the game by two goals or more at the Letzigrund stadium in ZurichCredit: Getty
Two or more goals in a victory against the 21st-best side in the world will give Wales a chance of automatically reaching the World Cup for the first time.
If they win tonight by less than two goals, they could enter an inter-confederation play-off in a bid to claim a tournament spot.
Grainger says her side will be taking confidence from having reached the play-off stage for the first time ever and from their 1-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina last time out.
The Wales head coach, 40, told reporters: “On paper – and I said this after the Bosnia game – we can be called the underdogs.
“I don’t see us necessarily as that, I see us as a team who are going there to compete and win a game.
“Our belief, our mentality, everything that we think about is not necessarily focused on that tag.
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“It’s focused on how we can compete in the game, and hopefully win it.
“With what we’ve done on the pitch, the team is absolutely on track to qualification for a major tournament.
“If we do it this time, brilliant. If not, we’ll do it next time.”
During Wales’s defeat of Bosnia, which was clinched following Jess Fishlock’s stunning volley, Grainger’s players saw FOUR goals ruled out as offside.
Looking back at those decisions, Grainger added: “With VAR there’s going to be some close calls that you are slightly offside for onside either way.
“When you play on the edge, and when you try to make those runs, there’s a lot of movement, there’s a lot of time and involved.
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“I think the most important thing for us is that we’re in those positions and we’re creating those opportunities and chances to score.”
This evening’s duel which kicks off at 6:00 pm at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, could see Chelsea star Sophie Ingle, 31, go up against her old Blues team-mate Ramona Bachmann.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward has netted 56 times in 128 senior international Switzerland appearances.
When asked if Wales had any fear of the threat posed by Bachmann, 31, and her pals, Ingle said: “We’re never scared.
“They’re a great team and we respect the type of team they are.
Tonight’s game could see ex-Chelsea ace Ramona Bachmann go head-to-head with her old Blues team-mate Sophie IngleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“They played in the European Championship in the summer, and I remember watching their games.
“They’re exciting going forward and have very good players on the attack like Ramona who is a great player and picks up a lot of good spaces.
“But we have a lot of strengths within our team and we’re going to focus on ourselves.”
Tonight’s game is one of three World Cup play-off finals taking place this evening.
Ingle insists Wales will have no fear when they take to the pitch against SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
The other two will see Portugal take on Iceland and Pedro Losa’s Scotland side up against the Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park.
The two play-off winners with the highest rankings will automatically qualify for the 2023 World Cup which begins on July 20.
The other match winner will be entered into an inter-confederation play-off which will take place in New Zealand in February next year. More

LUCY BRONZE reckons talented English aces who get to play for a top club abroad “would be crazy” to turn the opportunity down.The Lionesses star, 30, says her Barcelona switch has given her a “new lease life” with the full-back thriving in Spain’s top tier.  
Lucy Bronze is set to make her 100th appearance in an England shirt when the Lionesses play the Czech RepublicCredit: PA
Bronze says her move to Barcelona has given her career a new lease of lifeCredit: Alamy
Bronze, who sealed a June move from Manchester City to the seven-time La Liga Women’s champs was speaking before her 100th game in an England shirt.
The right-back, named Fifa’s Women’s Player of the Year two years ago, is due to make her landmark appearance in the team’s clash with the Czech Republic tomorrow.
On her experiences playing abroad for Barcelona and her 2017-2020 Lyon spell, Bronze said: “I’m someone who has always based my career off of challenging myself, putting myself in uncomfortable positions.
“That’s when you thrive the most as an individual, whether it’s in football, or in life.
“There are not much more places to be uncomfortable than (going somewhere) not speaking the language and not knowing anybody. 
“I’m in a different environment and going abroad for me, personally, when I went to Lyon was the best thing I ever did.
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“I improved the most and became the best player in the world. I’ve gone to Barcelona and got a new lease of life at 30 years old going on to 100 caps (for England). 
“I might get in trouble with the FA for saying this, but I think it’s important that players experience different things. 
“Equally, I know in football there are people who like to stay loyal to teams.
“They want their whole career at one club because of the tradition and what that means to them and that’s a completely different thing. 
“But if players have the opportunity to go abroad and play for the best teams in the world, as I have at Lyon and Barcelona, it would be crazy to turn those kinds of opportunities down.”
Bronze, who made her senior England debut in June 2013 during a 1-1 draw with Japan, is regarded as one of the leading figures in the Lionesses’ camp.
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The defender, who helped the team to Euros glory in July, would love “to mimic” Brazil legend Formiga, 44.
The midfield heroine played a record-breaking 234 times becoming Brazil’s most-capped player before her international retirement in November 2021.
Bronze added: “I was told at 20 years old that I wouldn’t play past 27 and now I’m 30.
“I’m not doing too bad. I think that’s why I never set 100 caps as a goal for England, I just wanted to play as much as possible.
“Formiga is someone that I’ve really looked up to with the career that she’s had.
Bronze admires the longevity of Formiga’s international career with the midfielder playing 236 times for BrazilCredit: Getty
“To have played as long as she did is incredible.
“I’d love to mimic something like that but it’s not always possible.”
Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman has denied claims she had agreed to a new contract to remain in charge of the Lionesses until 2027.
The England chief, 52 said: “I haven’t signed a new contract. I am very happy with the one I have.
“I already have a contract until 2025 and we had good conversations.
England players met with prime minister Liz Truss at their training base earlier todayCredit: Jack Hill/The Times, The Sunday Times.
“We have hopefully a couple of more tournaments until that time. It’s very comfortable at the moment and we are all happy.”
England’s duel with the Czech Republic at the Amex comes a day after they received a visit from Liz Truss.
The prime minister held a meeting with skipper Leah Williamson and defender Lotte Wubben-Moy following the squad’s letter calling for action to boost girls’ access to football.  More

LIANNE SANDERSON criticised the FA after not receiving an invite to a celebration of former Lionesses during the national team’s duel with the USAThe ex-England striker was dismayed after an error saw her name misspelt in a match programme feature on English stars’ in the US women’s game.
Lianne Sanderson called out the FA after not receiving an invite to the Lionesses’ 50th-anniversary celebration at WembleyCredit: Getty
Sanderson made 50 senior international appearances for EnglandCredit: PA
The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea, ace, who is a football pundit, said “the hurt was real” in a post published on her Twitter page.  
In her frank tweet, former England forward urged the FA to ensure past players for England are not forgotten.
Sanderson, 34, who has 50 senior international caps, said: “At this point, I can’t say I’m surprised. 
“All I can say is I’m sick of the hurt the systematic abuse has caused me throughout the years. 
“They forgot about me before and many times before that and last night was just another example. 
“All former Lionesses were invited to Wembley last night and got many souvenirs of their time playing for England, which I’m happy about especially after raising this issue at the Houses of Parliament four years ago.
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“When asked what the FA can do? My response was, don’t make former players feel like they are forgotten about and I wasn’t talking about myself.
“A lot of former players feel that way played for England.
“Now look everyone was invited except me. That makes sense.
“I retired because a sport I loved so much wasn’t showing me love back. These are some of the reasons.
“Then to spell my name wrong in the programme and on the big screen, they forgot about my 50th cap.
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“So at least allow me some moments to be proud of.
“I’ve created a career in media myself, no handouts or help from anyone after being ostracised for telling the truth and I will continue to do so.”
Following Sanderson’s tweet, the FA released a statement apologising to the former Lioness.
A spokesperson said: “We are sorry. We invited Lianne, along with more than 200 former players, to last night’s celebrations but she didn’t receive it.
Sanderson was featured in a matchday programme for England’s clash with the USACredit: Getty
“We have been in touch with her representatives to explain.
“We also apologise for her name being misspelt in the programme.
“With 50 caps, Lianne is an England great and deserves full recognition for the service she gave to the national team.” More

MEGAN RAPINOE praised England’s stars for supporting players battling against “systemic abuse” in the US women’s top tier.This evening the midfielder, her USA team-mates and the Lionesses will wear teal armbands in solidarity with victims of sexual abuse. 
Megan Rapinoe wants football authorities to put policies in place to tackle abusive behaviour in the women’s gameCredit: Reuters
The OL Reign star, 37, said the Lionesses’ duel with her team will be a “nice distraction” following the release of a report on abusive behaviour in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Rapinoe was speaking days after an independent investigation found that “verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct had become systemic” in the division.
The midfield ace said: “It’s horrifying.
“It has been very difficult for the players most affected, the names that we know and probably a lot of the names that we don’t know.
“We’re just thinking about them and trying to keep together as a group.
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“Our head coach (Vlatko Andonovich) has been amazing, just giving us the space and just taking the time to acknowledge what we’re going through.
“It’s been really difficult for everyone. Nobody ever wants to see anything like this.
“Hopefully this can be a moment in time when you say, none of this ever happens again.”
More than 200 NWSL players were spoken to as part of an inquiry led by law firm Sally Yates and King & Spalding LLP.
Their investigation was launched last year after Paul Riley was sacked from his role as North Carolina head coach following allegations of sexual misconduct. 
The England-born coach has denied the accusations.
Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Rachel Daly are among the Lionesses who have spoken out in support of NWSL players who say decision-makers in the US women’s top tier had failed to protect players. 
Rapinoe added: “I feel like there’s just so much solidarity between the things that we have to fight for.
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“Come kick-off, we will be competing on the pitch, but I feel like we’re all fighting together for the same things.
“To have this happen in our country, in our league, and to be able to bring that here in a very special moment for England, to have them acknowledge, what we’re going through – it means everything.”
When asked what action she hopes to see from football’s governing bodies on this issue, Rapinoe said: “The main thing is having some kind of policy in place.
“If there’s absolutely nothing in place, there’s nothing to hold people accountable to.
“Whether it’s from FIFA’s level or from confederations in, at least having policies in place or having hotlines that people can report to or having systems that have some teeth in them is really important.”
The USA’s match against the Lionesses will be the first time the two sides have faced each other since the SheBelieves Cup in March 2020.
Back then Rapinoe and her team-mates sealed a 2-0 win against England. 
The California-born player added: “We’re really excited to play and that’s a nice distraction. 
A sell-out crowd is expected for England’s game against the USA at WembleyCredit: Reuters
“This is an incredible game, an incredible moment, that sits nicely with this horrific thing.
“The players have pushed it to this point where it’s a sell-out crowd at Wembley with another team fighting for respect and fighting for the right treatment.
“This is a special moment for us to all come together and celebrate women’s football for all of the good that it is.” More