Women’s World Cup 2023

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      England Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shirts sell out hours after going on sale – and now fetching huge sums on eBay

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      NIKE finally released Mary Earps England shirts on Monday – only for them to sell out in a matter of hours.Earps, 30, was left “hugely disappointed” ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup after the sportswear company failed to put any goalkeeper shirts on sale.
      Nike finally released Mary Earps shirts on MondayCredit: Getty
      Some sold for double the retail price on eBay
      The Manchester United star also revealed that she had been “fighting behind closed doors” and “trying to go through the correct channels” in a bid to find a solution.
      Nike initially decided against selling the shirts, but they made a U-turn in August and announced that a limited quantity would be released.
      And on Monday morning, exactly 50 days after the World Cup final, they were finally put on sale.
      Three colour options – pink, green and yellow – were available to fans with ‘Earps 1’ on the back.
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      The shirts were priced at £99.95 on the official Nike website, but some have since been put up on eBay for DOUBLE the price.
      Two shirts – one yellow and one pink – have been sold for an astonishing £199.99.
      Another two have both been sold for £159.99 and one has gone for £174.99.
      Earps took to Instagram on Monday evening to confirm that Nike will be putting more shirts on sale at retail price.
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      She said: “Didn’t realise these were going on sale today and you’ve sold them out already!
      “More are coming before the end of the year and in more sizes (kids & adults) – so stay tuned!
      “Thank you all for your incredible support on this. You guys have made this happen!”
      The United star played a crucial part in England’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final earlier this year.
      Although England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the last hurdle, Earps came away from Australia with the Golden Glove.
      She was also named The Best Women’s Goalkeeper in the World by FIFA in February. More

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      Women’s World Cup winners touched my BUM during celebrations as ‘euphoric as peace declared in Ukraine’, Rubiales claims

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      FORMER Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales claimed that the Women’s World Cup winners touched his bum during celebrations at the final.As he tried to prove his innocence, Rubiales told Spain’s National Court that the kiss to Jenni Hermoso was “something natural between two people who have been living together for a long time.”
      Luis Rubiales claimed that the Women’s World Cup players touched his bum during the final celebrationsCredit: Getty
      The former Spanish FA chief made claims to Spain’s National Court that he was ‘picked up’ and ‘grabbed’Credit: Getty
      Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing over the kiss to Jenni Hermoso that sparked outrage
      The former Spanish FA president called Hermoso, 33, “untruthful” as he made his defense while continuing to show no remorse in front of the court.
      The judge proceeded to ask Rubiales if there had been consent from the footballer before the kiss at the Women’s World Cup in Australia – but instead, he claimed the players touched his bum during the celebrations.
      “I was hugging the players, the coach when she passed by. She came towards me to give me a hug,” he said.
      “We hugged, she picked me up and I made a gesture to not fall, all of this in a conversation in the one where I remind her that without her we would not have won the World Cup. So I ask her, I ask her. And she tells me okay”.
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      “She grabs me wherever she can, I grab her too and there’s no more”.
      He explained that two to three minutes later, all the players picked him up and covered him.
      “And at that moment I won’t say that they shouldn’t touch me, excuse me, my a**, my knees, or the back.
      “We have won a World Cup and the tremendous euphoria and joy there is is indescribable,” he said.
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      “It happened as naturally as when you win the Lottery or the war in Ukraine is over or you win a World Cup, this effusiveness, this spontaneity. She said it herself, she told me it’s okay,” Rubiales added.
      Rubiales was removed from office on August 26 in order to protect the ongoing investigation into his conduct at the Women’s World Cup Final.
      FIFA made the move to block potential witness tampering by Rubiales when its disciplinary committee suspended the now-ousted Spanish football president, the sports governing body said.
      The provisional ban was imposed “particularly so that potential testimonies could be given freely and without any type of pressure, fear or reprisals,” FIFA disciplinary judge Jorge Palacio wrote.
      FIFA did not initially suspend Rubiales when it opened a case on August 24 into incidents that occurred four days earlier in Sydney, Australia.
      The nine-page document said other incidents in the investigation include Rubiales “carrying the Spanish player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during the post-match celebrations” and grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s 1-0 win over England.
      The shocking moment happened as he stood next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia.
      Footage of the moment was uploaded by Spanish politician Pablo Echenique, who has slammed Rubiales for his behaviour.
      He said: “As well as giving Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss on the lips while he grabbed her head, an act that could represent the commission of a crime, Rubiales also celebrated Spain’s victory grabbing his testicles next to the queen and her daughter.”
      The Spanish FA chief later responded to the criticism of the kiss and defended his actions on Radio Marca.
      “The kiss with Jenni?”, he said. “There are idiots everywhere.
      On September 15, Rubiales was slapped with a restraining order that banned him from contacting Hermoso or going within 200 meters of her.
      It came after Hermoso alleged she and her relatives were put under pressure by the former Spanish footy official and his entourage to say that she approved what happened.
      But he remained unrepentant and insisted he would “defend his innocence”.
      Hermoso claimed she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” after the kiss.
      Footage appeared to show Rubiales planting a kiss on the player after Spain triumphed over England at the Women’s World Cup final last month.
      Rubiales initially refused to resign and blamed “false feminism” for his “social assassination”.
      In a tweet, he claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      In the wake of the “kiss-gate” scandal, Rubiales has been forced to sell his luxury Madrid apartment as he continues to face mounting legal bills.
      He is also forking out 800 euros per month for each of his three daughters after his ex-wife won a lawsuit against him, according to El Mundo.
      This financial blow meant that the ex-football boss had to give up his stunning modern property in order to secure funding for his ongoing legal fight.
      The disgraced FA chief has continued to insist he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
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      The judge’s investigation precedes any formal charges under Spanish law and will decide whether the case goes to trial.
      If it does, Rubiales could face between one and four years imprisonment if found guilty.
      Rubiales was slapped with a restraining order last month that banned him from contacting HermosoCredit: Getty
      Rubiales was removed from his position on August 26 in order to protect the ongoing investigationCredit: Reuters 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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      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