Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Spain call up 15 Women’s World Cup winners but NOT Jenni Hermoso after Rubiales kiss storm

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      WORLD CUP winners Spain have NOT called up Jenni Hermoso to their squad following the Luis Rubiales kiss saga.Montserrat Tome has taken over as manager of the Spanish national team following the sacking of Jorge Vilda.
      Jenni Hermoso has been left out of Spain’s first squad after their Women’s World Cup triumphCredit: Getty
      Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has resigned after kissing Hermoso after the team’s World Cup winCredit: Getty
      And Tome has included 15 players from the World Cup-winning squad for their games against Sweden and Switzerland.
      However, Hermoso has not been included.
      At a press conference, Tome said: “We are with Jenni in everything, the best way to protect her is like this.”
      It comes after Spain’s players confirmed last week they will boycott the upcoming two fixtures as they seek change in the Spanish FA.
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      Of the initial 80 who went on strike, 39 remain unavailable – 21 of the 23 World Cup winners plus 18 more – but 41 changed their stance.
      Spain’s striking players believe the departures of Rubiales and Vilda are not enough to have fixed the situation, and that more needs to be done.
      Of their victorious World Cup-winning squad, only Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza have not co-signed the statement.
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said earlier this week: “We are asking for changes so no woman, inside or outside of soccer, should ever have to experience again situations of disparagement, disrespect, or abuse.
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      “We need consensus, courage and leadership from the institutions, please. This is why we will not stop here.”
      The boycott comes despite Rubiales’ eventual resignation in his interview with Piers Morgan this week and Vilda’s sacking.
      The disgraced pair were both accused of misogyny even before Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Hermoso following the final win over England in Sydney.
      Vilda, who angered the women’s team throughout his eight years in charge, was largely excluded from the celebrations and was removed from his post as pressure mounted on the Spanish FA.
      Shameless Rubiales tried to fight on – boldly declaring “I’m not quitting” – before he relented and announced his resignation having already been suspended by Fifa.
      Rubiales – who has refused to apologise to the World Cup star – denies Hermoso’s claim there was no consent and says there was “no sexual content, no aggression” and that it was a “very common kiss between friends”.
      The full squad is as follows:

      Goalkeepers : Misa Rodriguez, Cata Coll, Enith Salon
      Defenders : Irene Paredes, Laia Alexandri, Maria Mendez, Oihane Hernandez, Olga Carmona, Ona Batlle, Maria Leon
      Midfielders : Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Maria Perez, Tere Abelleira, Rosa Marquez
      Forwards : Athenea del Castillo, Esther Gonzalez, Eva Navarro, Mariona Caldentey, Inma Gabarro, Amaiur Sarriegi and Lucía García More

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      Shamed ex FA chief Luis Rubiales forced to sell his £1.2m home in the wake of ‘kiss-gate’ scandal and divorce battle

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      EX-Spanish Football Association Chief Luis Rubiales has been forced to sell his luxury Madrid apartment in the wake of the “kiss-gate” scandal.The £1.2million mansion has been put on the market as Rubiales faces mounting legal bills after his non-consensual kiss with footballer Jenni Hermoso and an increase in alimony to his ex-wife and kids.
      Rubiales set it on the market, allegedly to help with legal billsCredit: Obras Nuevas
      The modern property was recently put on the marketCredit: Obras Nuevas estate agency
      The former FA chief already has to pay double alimony for his daughters after his ex-wife won a lawsuit against him, according to El Mundo.
      Rubiales separated from his wife in 2013, and now has to pay 800 euros per month for each of his three daughters – another financial blow.
      Hermoso filed an official criminal case against Rubiales earlier this month, as the disgraced FA chief continues to insist he is innocent of any wrongdoing.
      Now in a bid to secure funding for his legal fight, the ex-football boss has put his stunning duplex apartment in the exclusive neighbourhood of Rosales, in Madrid, up for sale.
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      Rubiales bought the completely renovated property for £1.1million, but could make a profit of £100k by selling it £1.2million, according to Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.
      Spread over two floors, the stunning property has two bedrooms with separate bathrooms, a private pool with access to shared gardens, a community pool, gastrobar, home cinema room and gym.
      The ground floor boasts a large living and dining room, two en-suite bedrooms, three bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, an office, storage room and double garage.
      Finishing touches include a home automation system, underfloor heating and motorised blinds. 
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      The property is located in a historic building that dates back to 1946 and was, coincidentally, the old Provincial Court of Madrid.
      It is situated in the heart of the capital, just a short walk away from the Plaza de España, and was designed by top architect firm Touza Arquitectos.
      Rubiales put the property up for sale after Hermoso, 33, 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”.
      Only days ago, the ex-footy chief was hit with another blow as he was given a restraining order which bans him from contacting Jenni Hermoso or going near her.
      Spain’s former FA president was banned from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso or trying to communicate with her.
      It comes after Hermoso alleged she and her relatives were put under pressure by Rubiales and his entourage to say that she approved what happened.
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      He was hauled into court to be quizzed by a judge after Hermoso filed a formal criminal complaint weeks ago.
      Judge de Jorge launched a criminal investigation into suspected sexual assault after a formal complaint was made by prosecutors.
      The apartment boasts a dining room as wellCredit: Obras Nuevas
      It offers a private pool and balconyCredit: Obras Nuevas estate agency
      He testified in a Madrid court on FridayCredit: Zuma Press
      The £1.2million flat in Madrid has gone on the marketCredit: Obras Nuevas estate agency
      The ex-footy chief could face criminal chargesCredit: Zuma Press More

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      I’m an international football manager dreaming of reaching the World Cup – but I also work as a dentist

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      HEIMER HALLGRIMSSON is using his wisdom as Jamaica’s head coach – when he is not pulling out wisdom teeth in his other job as a dentist. The Icelandic manager took over as the Reggae Boyz boss in September 2022.
      Heimir Hallgrimsson is the head coach of the Jamaica national football teamCredit: Getty
      He is also a fully qualified dentistCredit: Refer to Caption
      And he dreams of taking his adopted nation to the next World Cup – in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
      But if things do not work out for Hallgrimmsson in the Caribbean, he knows he can return home to his tiny Icelandic island of Heimaey and resume his dentistry full-time.
      The former defender, who first cut his teeth in management at Hottur’s women’s team while playing for the men in 1993, opened his own clinic nearly 30 years ago – even combining his pro career on the pitch by seeing patients in the dentist chair.
      He did put the fillings and treatments on the backburner when he co-managed Iceland at Euro 2016 and then took over singlehandedly for the nation’s first World Cup appearance in 2018.
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      Hallgrimmsson told SunSport ahead of the tournament in Russia: “I still have my clinic and I like to keep my fingers working.
      “So I try to go there as much as I can in my spare time and do some dentistry.
      “Some coaches go and play golf, I do dentistry.
      “The reality of a football coach, you never know when you are out of a job so it’s good to have another profession to jump into.
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      “The clients love it, and I love it too.
      “They talk about football until I’m fed up… and then I give them anaesthesia!”
      Hallgrimmsson even had to step into action while watching a game from the stands in 2016 – even having to repair a tooth.
      He added: “I was watching a local women’s game when one of the players got knocked out and her tooth came out.
      “So I jumped on the pitch and put the tooth back in, took her to a dental office and fixed it.
      “That kind of thing can happen.”
      It may seem like two totally different careers – football management and dentistry.
      But Hallgrimmsson certainly sees some similarities, adding: “Working as a dentist has helped me a lot as you’re always working one-on-one.
      COPA AMERICAN DREAM
      “Some people are really afraid of going to the dentist, so you have to find the right way to talk to each individual client.
      “You might have to relax one, be funny to the next one, be serious to the third, but you have to be quick to adapt. It is the same with footballers.”
      Jamaica have played at just one World Cup previously, winning one and losing two of their group games in France in 1998.
      But under the tutelage of Hallgrimmsson, they could be in with a shot of making it in three years’ time.
      Hallgrimmsson will be hoping to get experience in facing some of the big hitters in international football, including world champions Argentina, at the 2024 Copa America, which has six spots for CONCACAF nations.
      Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, Bobby Decordova-Reid and incoming Chelsea youngster Dujuan Richards help make up an exciting Jamaica squad.
      He said: “I think we can do good things in the World Cup in 2026. We are just starting our journey.
      “Now we have to try to find players, to select players who we want to have on the bus on this long journey to 2026, and this is like the beginning for us the coaches.
      “I have to be patient and Jamaica has to be patient, but given the quality of the players I think we can be very, very good.
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      “To prepare for the World Cup, it would be huge to be able to play in the Copa America finals with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and so forth.
      “Our plan, our aim, our mission is to do well in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.”
      Jamaica are aiming to qualify for the 2026 World CupCredit: Getty
      Hallgrimsson led Iceland to their first World Cup in 2018Credit: Reuters More

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      We want to turn iconic World Cup venue and world’s third most expensive football stadium into a block of flats

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      ARCHITECTS are hoping to turn derelict stadiums once used to host World Cup matches into a network of social housing for destitute Brazilians.The Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in capital Brasilia once hosted deafening capacity crowds during the most anticipated competition in the country’s history.
      The Mané Garrincha in Brasilia is now a spine-chilling shadow of its former selfCredit: Alamy
      The ground was packed to the rafters when Argentina and Belgium faced off in the World Cup group stageCredit: AFP
      The arena is a ghost town these daysCredit: Alamy
      But today, the 72,000 seat arena stands eerily quiet, sparsely filled for tattoo conventions and culinary events and rarely, if ever, used for football matches.
      Re-inaugurated and renovated for $900million in preparation for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2014 FIFA World Cup, the complex also deputises as a bus depot.
      And it is still draining funds to this day, costing £132,000 per month to maintain.
      However, for the last few years, two architects have rallied to propose the stadium be repurposed to accommodate Brazilians enduring squalid living conditions.
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      The ‘Casa Futebol‘ project has suggested turning the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha and other vacant domestic arenas into affordable housing.
      The project, however, has been met with significant resistance since its inception, a crying shame in a country currently working its way out of a housing deficit.
      “The stadiums are so absurdly big, and the housing issues in Brazil are so real,” architect Sylvain Macaux told NBC News.
      “This is just a concept and an example of what people could do with these stadiums after the World Cup.
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      “It’s not the only answer, but we think it has real potential.”
      In the run up to his polarised presidential victory, Lula da Silva prioritised lifting millions of Brazilians out of poverty before he snatched the keys away from populist Jair Bolsonaro.
      “We have to make inequality a priority and not the spending cap,” he told reporters of independent websites.
      “Brazil has to put the poor back in the budget and tax the rich,” he said, referring to his Workers Party support for taxing corporate profit and dividends.
      Lula, 76, governed Brazil from 2003-2010 and his government’s social programs pulled millions of Brazilians from squalor.
      Elsewhere, the once impressive Pontiac Silverdome stadium was left to sit abandoned for years after playing host to some iconic events.
      The 82,000 seat venue hosted some legendary sporting events over the years, including the 1987 WrestleMania, the Super Bowl XVI and part of the 1994 Fifa World Cup.
      The arena was abuzz with activity during the 2014 World CupCredit: Alamy
      The ground is mostly used for conventions and eventsCredit: Alamy More

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      Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning team BOYCOTT Nations League in wake of Luis Rubiales scandal

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      SPAIN confirmed they are boycotting their upcoming Nations League matches.The Women’s World Cup winners were due to play their first matches since lifting the trophy on August 20.
      Spain’s Women’s World Cup winners have boycotted their Nations League fixturesCredit: Getty
      Luis Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish FA president following the controversial kiss
      La Roja were scheduled to face Sweden away on September 22 and Switzerland at home four days later.
      However, in the wake of the backlash of the scandal surrounding former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, who kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, and ex-head coach Jorge Vilda, they confirmed they are still refusing to play.
      Montserrat Tome – who played for Barcelona and Spain – was one of Vilda’s assistant managers and has now taken over as the first female head coach of the Spanish women’s national team.
      But just hours before she was due to name her first squad, the team put out their statement following a three-hour meeting in which the stars decided they were not prepared to step back on to the pitch for their country.
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      Their statement outlines a desire for a complete restructuring of the Spanish FA.
      This includes a new general secretary, cabinet, media department and president.
      Their statement also criticised the “extraordinary” Spanish Football Federation assembly that saw Rubiales – who has just been ordered by a court to stay away from Hermoso – receive an ovation when he initially refused to resign.
      It then concluded: “We want to end this statement by expressing that the players of the Spanish team are professional players, and what fills us most with pride is wearing the shirt of our team and always leading our country to the highest positions.
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      “For this reason, we believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society, that the current structure needs changes and we do it so that the next generations can have a much more equal football and the height of what we all deserve.”
      Tome’s presentation as boss will now be suspended due to the players’ refusal to report for international duty.
      Of the initial 80 who went on strike, 39 remain unavailable – 21 of the 23 World Cup winners plus 18 more – for selection but 41 changed their stance.
      Spain’s striking players believe the departures of Rubiales and Vilda are not enough to have fixed the situation, and that more needs to be done.
      Of their victorious World Cup-winning squad, only Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Zornoza have not co-signed the statement.
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said earlier this week: “We are asking for changes so no woman, inside or outside of soccer, should ever have to experience again situations of disparagement, disrespect, or abuse.
      “We need consensus, courage and leadership from the institutions, please. This is why we will not stop here.”
      Diario AS report those who refuse to accept a call-up could face shocking fines up to £25,000 and even have their playing licence suspended under Spanish national sports laws.
      KISSGATE SCANDAL
      The boycott comes despite Rubiales’ eventual resignation in his interview with Piers Morgan this week and Vilda’s sacking.
      The disgraced pair were both accused of misogyny even before Rubiales kissed Spanish midfielder Hermoso following the final win over England in Sydney.
      Vilda, who angered the women’s team throughout his eight years in charge, was largely excluded from the celebrations and was removed from his post as pressure mounted on the Spanish FA.
      Shameless Rubiales tried to fight on – boldly declaring “I’m not quitting” – before he relented and announced his resignation having already been suspended by Fifa.
      He is in a Madrid court today amid the criminal complaint launched by Hermoso for the non-consensual kiss – and a judge will decide if the case goes to a trial.
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      Rubiales – who has refused to apologise to the World Cup star – denies Hermoso’s claim there was no consent and says there was “no sexual content, no aggression” and that it was a “very common kiss between friends”.
      Now the initial court hearing stated Rubiales is not allowed within 200m of Hermoso and is banned from communicating with her by any means.
      Jennifer Hermoso has pressed legal charges against RubialesCredit: Getty
      The team were due to play their first game as world champions next FridayCredit: Alamy
      Jorge Vilda and Rubiales both left their posts after the winCredit: Getty
      Rubiales is in court today and the case could go to trialCredit: AP More

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      Sarina Wiegman concerned by ‘short turnaround’ for Lionesses between Women’s Nations League and World Cup

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      SARINA WIEGMAN admits to being concerned by the “tight turnaround” for her players between the World Cup and the Women’s Nations League. The Lionesses boss was speaking on Wednesday after announcing her squad for clashes with Scotland and the Netherlands this month.
      Sarina Wiegman wants to see more talks between coaches and Fifa and Uefa regarding match scheduling for international playersCredit: PA
      Keira Walsh has been left out of England’s squad due to a calf injury sustained ahead of their first two Women’s Nations League gamesCredit: Getty
      Bethany England is also unavailable for Lionesses duty with the striker recovering from a hip operationCredit: Reuters
      Keira Walsh and Bethany England, who featured for the team during the World Cup, will both be absent due to calf and hip injuries.  
      And Wiegman mentioned some players having just six days off in between the end of the tournament and the start of England’s training camp for the Women’s Nations League. 
      They include Arsenal stars Alessia Russio and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
      While Wubben-Moy did not play in the World Cup, Russo appeared in seven games for England at the tournament including their 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on August 20.

      Both are included in Wiegman’s 24-strong Women’s Nations League squad
      The team will play Pedro Losa’s Scotland side on September 22 at the Stadium of Light and the Netherlands in Utrecht on the 26th.
      Of her concerns about the short break for players between the contests, Wiegman said: “I was worried before the World Cup and we knew it was a short turnaround. 
      “We really have to get connected with Fifa and Uefa to make that better. 
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      “Next week they come in and some players have only had six days off which after such a high-pressure competition is not good for them.
      “We have major tournaments in the summer all the time (at the moment).
      “The urgency to solve it and make it better is really high. 
      “We all know the challenges have been addressed for a while now but we also know changes cannot be made overnight. 
      “But the conversations are going on and we just need to keep doing that and hopefully find a better solution to what we have.”
      Midfield ace Walsh will miss the team’s battle with Scotland in their first ever Women’s Nations League game on September 22 due to a “small calf injury”. 
      It follows the Barcelona and Lionesses star sustaining and recovering from a knee injury in July during the World Cup. 
      And Tottenham striker England is currently recuperating after undergoing surgery on September 4 to treat her hip problem.
      Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier has been included in England’s squad for their games against Scotland and the NetherlandsCredit: Getty
      Lucy Staniforth, Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park have all been named in the squad after being included on Wiegman’s World Cup standby list before the contest in Australia and New Zealand. 
      But Beth Mead and Fran Kirby have been left out with the duo needing more game time after returning to club action for Arsenal and Chelsea. 
      Wiegman added: “Beth (Mead) needs to take the next step to get games and get consistency.
      “Fran (Kirby) is really close. She played some friendlies already and did well.
      “Again it is a little too early. I am very looking forward to seeing them play.”
      England’s squad update comes 13 days after Wiegman dedicated her Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year award to World Cup winners Spain.
      The team saw their triumph overshadowed by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales being slammed for planting an unwanted kiss on the lips of forward Jenni Hermoso. 
      This month during an interview with Piers Morgan he announced he had quit his role following the row.
      The ex-Spain football federation chief, who has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, will appear in a Madrid court on Friday.
      This follows Hermoso, who is her national side’s record goalscorer, filing a legal complaint against him. 
      And Wiegman hopes more attention will be paid to Spain’s World Cup triumph rather than the controversy surrounding Rubiales.
      Wiegman wants more attention paid to Spain’s triumph at the World Cup rather than the row concerning Luis RubialesCredit: Getty
      She added: “We would like to leave that now and celebrate those players.
      “Players need to be listened to and we need to move on. 
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      “The women’s game has improved so much but there’s still a long way to go, not only in Spain but everywhere.
      “We need to try and make the world better for those players.” More

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      Laura Woods opens up on her career highlight, her ‘power woman’ and ‘excruciatingly embarrassing’ live TV moment

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      LAURA WOODS has lifted the lid on the origins of her career in sport and revealed her ‘power woman’.The sports presenter, who recently joined TNT Sports, opened up on her inspirations and gave her take on the current landscape of women’s football in an interview with Karen Millen.

      Laura Woods has enjoyed a glittering broadcasting career so farCredit: Instagram
      Woods lifted the lid on her career inspirationCredit: Getty
      Woods, 36, was first asked where her passion for sports came from.
      In reply, she revealed: “Passion for sport for me started when I was very young.
      “I think it’s just something that my mum threw me and my brothers into all the time to get us to get out of the house.
      “We had so much energy. She [mum] was so busy and she needed to get us to make loads of friends, stay out the house, keep busy and it was just our happy place when we were younger.”

      Woods started off her career in the industry as a runner on Soccer AM.
      And while Woods also did work experience with the Croydon Advertiser, she admitted she fell in love with a “magical thing” with telly when she walked into the Soccer AM studio.
      She has enjoyed a stunning career so far, picking up a number of awards along the way.
      However, Woods admitted the last six to eight months, covering both the men’s and Women’s World Cup have been special for her.
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      Woods holds a particular affinity for the Qatar World Cup final between Argentina and France, a match she describes as the “best game of football I’ve ever seen”.
      She added: “You had Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and I don’t think you could have scripted a better final.
      “So to be there in person and watch it and work on it was just like at the time that was the pinnacle.”
      That’s not to say the Women’s World Cup was any less significant, with Woods insisting despite England’s heartbreak in the final, the rapid growth of the game over the last two years was great to see.
      But Woods also acknowledges the monumental challenges women’s football still has to overcome, as well as women wanting to work in the sports industry.
      Asked what advice she would give to women or girls looking to forge a career in sport, she said: “I always remember one of the first pieces of ‘advice’ I was ever told was from a producer.
      “He had heard I wanted to be a presenter, and back then there was a real ‘Oh you want to be a presenter’ and I was like ‘Yeah, I do’.
      “And he said: ‘One piece of advice for women is you have a much higher height to fall from, so you have to be better’.
      “And It stuck in my head at the time because I was like ‘Why? That’s really unfair’. But it is unfair, it’s not a level playing field yet.
      “The thing I took from that is, okay I will be better, I’ll work harder and do my research. What it actually did for me was it just made me a very good professional.”
      ‘DO YOUR HOMEWORK’
      She continued: “So I would say to anyone, it’s going to be very difficult because it’s very competitive but you have to back that you’re going to do all your homework and have your own ways of doing things and not try to replicate what someone else is doing because it doesn’t work.
      “And also don’t be disheartened if you’re really bad at it to begin with, because everybody is with presenting. It’s so unnatural and your job is to make the unnatural look natural. And that’s hard.
      “It just takes practice and you will fail and it will be excruciatingly embarrassing especially if it’s on camera. But guess what? You’re never going to do that again.”
      Woods has described the gender disparity in football as “exhausting”, referencing comments made by Fifa president Gianni Infantino saying women “have to pick the right battles” to “convince us, men, what we have to do” in the fight for equality.
      She believes there is more to be done to level the playing field due to rising interest being countered by what Woods’ describes as an “unbelievably narrow-minded attitude” at the top of football.
      Funding is one such example, with the Jamaica national team having to crowd-fund their path into the tournament due to a lack of funding from the Jamaican FA.
      INSPIRING GABBY
      That being said, former talkSPORT presenter Woods has drawn inspiration from BBC Sport host Gabby Logan.
      Woods labelled Logan her “power woman” as both a child and an adult.
      On Logan, she said: “I just watch everything she does and I just think she does it with such class and ease.
      “There is something about Gabby that is very rare I think in lots of presenters In that she has this authority.
      “You wouldn’t mess with her, but you also would go down the pub and have a pint with her and feel really comfortable in her presence.”
      The growth of the women’s game has been immense for all to see, with the World Cup semi-final between England and Australia the biggest-ever TV event for the Aussies.
      Woods believes the level of interest being shown means women’s football is going to explode even more over the next ten years.
      She explained: “I started working on Lionesses games with ITV two years ago, and we did a game at St Mary’s and the gate was 8000.
      “We actually had to close off some of the stands and make sure our camera didn’t face those stands as much as possible.
      “Two years later the Lionesses sold out Wembley and it was for the Finalissima. They played and beat Brazil.
      “It was honestly the most wonderful experience and just comparing the two different events, that’s how you can really gauge growth.
      “Watching them at the World Cup and seeing the level of interest and the fact boys and girls are looking at these sportswomen as superstars and they don’t really care what the gender is.
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      “Leah Williamson said something about that. She said: ‘If you don’t want to get behind it fine, but this is going to explode.’
      “Women’s football in a few years time is going to be everywhere and I’m all for it.”
      Woods slammed the ‘narrow-minded attitude’ at the top of footballCredit: Getty
      Woods said Gabby Logan was an inspiration growing up and nowCredit: Getty More

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      FA creep Luis Rubiales refuses to apologise to Jenni Hermoso & says kiss was ‘noble’ in bombshell Piers Morgan interview

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to footie ace Jenni Hermoso in bombshell Piers Morgan interview.The disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when he kissed Hermoso without her consent after his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month.
      Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to Jenni HermosoCredit: Talk TV
      Rubiales caused a worldwide storm by kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup Final
      The row caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for his resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.
      But in a revealing sit-down with Piers, Rubiales defended his actions – saying the kiss was “noble”.
      He said: “You can imagine if you win the lottery or hopefully soon one day the war in the Ukraine finishes, I mean celebrations will go on up and down the globe. 
      “People don’t ask permissions, it’s just a happy, happy time and people celebrate.
      “This has turned out to be a snowball created by spurious arguments and people. 
      “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      During the interview he was repeatedly pressed by Piers to apologise to Hermoso – but he insists it was a misunderstanding.
      He said: “It was a mutual act, she came towards me, very happy. She lifted me up, she lifted me up in the air… We were both emotional. 
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      “When we hit the ground, I had a quick conversation with her. We congratulated each other. I gave her a quick peck. I asked her, can I give you a quick peck, which is normal in our country. 
      “I think she gave me one or two slaps in my side, she was laughing, and that was it. No intention. 
      “Of course no sexual connotation of anything. Just a moment of happiness, just great joy in that moment.”
      It comes after Rubiales this week revealed he is resigning following the scandal.
      On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.
      He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency.
      It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.
      She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.
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      A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid will be tasked with conducting the probe and deciding whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
      Watch the full interview on Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored.
      Rubiales revealed the bombshell news in an interview with Piers Morgan
      Piers Morgan pressed him for an apologyCredit: Talk TV More