Women’s World Cup 2023

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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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      Chief of Spain’s winning World Cup women’s team under investigation & summoned to court after Rubiales ‘kiss scandal’

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      THE boss of Spain’s winning World Cup women’s team is being investigated and has been summoned to court for questioning.Coach Jorge Vilda was sacked in the wake of Luis Rubiales’ now infamous kiss with striker Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony.
      Jorge Vilda has been put under investigationCredit: PA
      It comes after Luis Rubiales’ kiss with Jenni Hermoso at the World Cup women’s finalCredit: Pixel8000
      Vilda, 42,  who was coach and director of women’s football, guided Spain to their first Women’s World Cup triumph last month, beating England in the final, but was dismissed by the Spanish FA amid the fallout.
      In a fresh twist to the ongoing so-called kissgate scandal, he has been told he is being probed on suspicion of a crime of coercion.
      Former footballer Albert Luque, director of Spain’s men’s football team, has also been told he is now under investigation as a suspect – an “investigado” in Spanish.
      He has been ordered to appear in court in that capacity as well as Spanish FA marketing director Ruben Rivera.

      The dramatic turn of events comes after Jenni’s brother Rafael and a friend of the footballer’s gave evidence at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid which is probing former Spanish FA president Rubiales’ kiss and claimed it was “unconsensual”.
      Up until now 46-year-old dad-of-three Rubiales was the only person being formally investigated on suspicion of wrongdoing.
      He has been accused of sexual aggression as well as coercion linked to his alleged attempts to get Jenni, 33, to come out publicly and say she had agreed to the infamous kiss after it went viral.
      Confirming the new summons, Audiencia Nacional sources said: “Judge Francisco de Jorge has summoned the former team manager Jorge Vilda and the directors of the men’s team Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera.
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      “They will be questioned on October 10 as people who are under formal investigation as part of the probe into the kiss Luis Rubiales gave Jennifer Hermoso at the end of the Women’s World Cup.
      “With regards to the last two individuals, the judge has changed their judicial status from witnesses to people under investigation or ‘investigados’.”
      Rubiales, who denies any wrongdoing, was the first person to testify.
      He gave his evidence on September 15.
      The judge who questioned him behind-closed-doors served him with a restraining order preventing him from going within 200 metres of the female footballer or contacting her while he continues his investigation.
      Hermoso paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution before his court appearance by making a formal complaint in which she accused him of kissing her without consent after the World Cup final against England in Sydney finished.
      She described it as a sexist act which left her feeling vulnerable.
      As well as insisting it was consensual the former Spanish FA chief has described the August 20 kiss as a peck on the cheek.
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      Defiant Rubiales promised to “defend his innocence” after announcing on September 10 he was quitting as Spanish FA president following the scandal.
      He tweeted as his decision to resign was made public: “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”He finished his tweet by posting a photo of the Spanish flag. More

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      England 2 Scotland 1: Lionesses win hard-fought Auld Enemy clash to get Women’s Nations League campaign off to a flier

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      ENGLAND proved there was no World Cup hangover with a battling 2-1 defeat of Scotland in the Women’s Nations League. Ex-Sunderland ace Lucy Bronze had the Stadium of Light crowd rocking as the hosts fended off a feisty fightback to win their opening fixture.  
      England clinched three points on their first-ever Nations League appearanceCredit: EPA
      Rachel Daly thought she had opened the scoring, but the goal was disallowed after Kelly was deemed to be in an offside positionCredit: Reuters
      It is a victory that brings England a little closer to getting the results they need for a Team GB football side to qualify for the Paris Olympics. 
      In a match that came a month after the team endured World Cup final heartbreak, the Lionesses returned to winning ways under boss Sarina Wiegman. 
      And the match came a night after many across the women’s game and beyond mourned the death of Sheffield United ace Maddy Cusack. 
      The passing of the highly-rated midfielder on Wednesday, at the age of just 27, prompted heartfelt tributes from across the game including from Beth Mead and Leah Williamson.
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      The Lionesses and Scotland wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence in honour of highly-rated Blades centurion, who played for England at youth level. 
      And they also donned wristband bearing the slogan #SeAcabo in honour of Spain’s Women’s stars’ battle for change after being treated shabbily by their FA.
      Ahead of the game there were concerns that the Lionesses could feel the effects of fixture overload having played two major tournaments back-to-back.
      But any signs of tiredness were initially blown away early in the first-half.
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      Lucy Bronze broke the deadlockCredit: Getty
      Lauren Hemp doubled England’s advantageCredit: Getty
      Kirsty Hanson got one back for Scotland with the last kick of the first halfCredit: Getty
      And they proved the newly-agreed performance bonus with the FA was well-deserved.
      Rachel Daly’s thumping header almost gave the hosts an early opener before the goal was ruled offside. 
      Scotland had some rare chances of their own in the first spell with Caroline Weir testing Mary Earps at close range and Martha Thomas almost meeting Kirsty Hanson’s cross. 
      However the visitors went 1-0 down with Bronze heading home in the 39th minute before Lauren Hemp doubling the advantage moments later. 
      But much to England’s surprise Hanson pulled one slotting beyond Earps. 
      The second spell saw Wiegman’s side come under the cosh with Hanson proving to be a pest in attack before limping off with ankle issue late on. 
      She struck the bar with a volley struck over Earps moments after teeing up Claire Emslie with Alex Greenwood forced to clear the ball out of danger. 
      Weir fired an effort straight at Earps late on with the Lionesses’ Player of the Year stop prompting loud chants of her name by the crowd. 
      And her team held out to claim a narrow win ahead of their second Women’s Nations League Group A duel with Holland on Tuesday.  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

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      Spain women’s team given new NAME after crisis talks following Rubiales kiss storm

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      SPAIN’S women’s team have been given a new name in the wake of the Luis Rubiales kiss storm.As part of the Spanish FA’s gender-neutral rebrand with the men’s side, they will no longer be called Spain Women.
      Spain’s women’s team will be renamed ‘Spanish Football Team’Credit: Getty
      Instead, the Women’s World Cup winners will be renamed the Spanish Football Team, the same name held by the men’s side.
      The decision follows crunch talks between the RFEF and players from their World Cup triumph.
      Talks were held in a bid to move on from the Rubiales scandal, dating back to the disgraced FA president’s kiss on Jenni Hermoso following last month’s World Cup final.
      In a statement, the RFEF confirmed the name change, with interim president Pedro Rocha promising it will open the door to a changed attitude regarding the women’s team.
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      “Beyond a symbolic step,” he explained. “We want it to imply a change in concept, and the recognition that football is football, practiced by whoever practices it.”
      The name change will also apply to the country’s futsal and beach soccer national teams.
      Spanish players had written to the RFEF about the importance of structural changes to the national set-up ahead of the talks.
      Of those that were involved, two players are said to have left the camp following the talks for mental health reasons.
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      Spain return to action this week, facing Sweden in the Nations League on Friday in their first match since the scandal.
      New manager Montserrat Tome has named her first squad as boss, having replaced World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda.
      However, 39 players are understood to have turned down call-ups from the national team, including 15 World Cup winners.
      Meanwhile, Pachuca forward Hermoso was left out completely. More

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      Eagle-eyed fans convinced Sam Kerr is ENGAGED to Kristie Mewis after US star’s EA FC card is revealed

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      EAGLE-EYED fans are convinced that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis are engaged.The pair have become women’s football’s power couple since going public with their relationship.
      Eagle-eyed fans have spotted a ring on Kristie Mewis’ fingerCredit: Twitter
      Mewis appeared to be wearing a ring in a promotional video for EA FC 24Credit: Twitter
      Mewis was spotted wearing a ring during a recent promotional video for the new EA FC 24 game.
      Having celebrated Kerr’s 30th birthday following the Women’s World Cup, Mewis has now returned to the USA.
      Whilst she has linked up with club side NJ/NY Gotham FC, Kerr headed to London for pre-season training with Chelsea.
      However, the Australia forward appears to be in New York this week after sharing an image of a rainy skyline on Monday.
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      That snap has now been followed by engagement rumours after Gotham FC posted a clip of Mewis and her team-mates.
      In the video, she can be seen revealing her ratings in EA FC 24, with a ring spotted on her finger.
      The ring has sent fans into a frenzy, despite no official announcement from either Kerr or Mewis.
      “Not the ROCK,” tweeted one excited fan.
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      Sam Kerr and Mewis are women’s football’s power coupleCredit: Instagram.com/kmewis19
      Fans are convinced Kerr and Mewis are engagedCredit: Instagram.com/kmewis19
      Another also commented: “Omg is Kristie wearing an engagement ring?”
      Meanwhile, a third added: “WHAT’S THAT ON YOUR HAND KRISTIE??”
      Kerr and Mewis first met in 2019 whilst they were both playing in the NWSL.
      They later spoke online for four months during Covid lockdown in 2020, before spending two weeks together in quarantine.
      The couple first met back in 2019Credit: Getty
      Kerr starred for Australia at the Women’s World Cup this summerCredit: Reuters
      Their relationship finally became public in 2021 after the USA beat Australia in the semi-finals of the Olympics.
      An on-pitch embrace between the duo was caught on camera and made headlines as Kerr’s split from Nikki Stanton had not yet been made public.
      Kerr and Mewis have since documented their relationship on social media, with the Chelsea star explaining they are not a private couple.
      “We’re not private people,” she told Gaffer earlier this year. “I like sharing my story. I like sharing who I am outside of football. Football is five per cent of my life.” More

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      Spain chaos continues as 39 players including 15 Women’s World Cup winners REFUSE call-ups after Rubiales kiss storm

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      SPANISH football has been plunged into deeper chaos after 39 players including 15 World Cup winners refused call-ups to the women’s team.The stars say “nothing” has changed to make them back down as the fallout from Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips continues.
      The scandal over Luis Rubiales kissing Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has led to a large-scale player boycott
      Spain beat England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney in AugustCredit: Getty
      Rubiales finally quit as Spanish football federation president last week after the scandal of his behaviour towards midfielder Hermoso at the World Cup medal ceremony intensified.
      A group of 81 players, including all 23 members of the World Cup squad, had said they would not play while Rubiales remained in charge.
      New Spain head coach Montse Tome went ahead and named most of them anyway – but not Hermoso – for Nations League games against Sweden and Switzerland.
      But the players have doubled down on their stance – confirming in a statement on Monday night that “nothing” had changed.
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      They had turned up the heat last Friday after Rubiales resigned, saying they would only return after more changes to the system.
      The players added they were not yet “in a safe place” and stressed problems at the federation ran far deeper than Rubiales.
      And after Tome picked a huge batch of them on Monday, they responded by doubling down as they again rejected call-ups.
      A new statement from the players included: “As elite professional players and after everything that has happened today, we will study the possible legal consequences to which the RFEF exposes us by putting us on a list from which we had asked not to be called for reasons already explained publicly and in more detail to the RFEF, and with this make the best decision for our future and for our health.”
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      They argued their selection was “not in accordance” with Fifa regulations, meaning the federation was “not in a position to require us to go”.
      Meanwhile, Tome has emphasised she strongly backs Hermoso despite her omission.
      The coach said: “We stand with Jenni. We believe that the best way to protect her is like this, but we are counting on Jenni.
      “It’s the start of a new phase, the clock is ticking. There is nothing behind us and we really want to connect with these players.”
      Rubiales, 46, has been banned from going within 200 metres of Hermoso as the national court in Madrid considers a complaint of sexual assault, which he denies. More