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Meanwhile, failed uprisings in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia were followed by years-long crackdowns and a continuing civil war in Syria. “What we’re beginning to see in Saudi Arabia right now is the emergence of a new social contract. Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest exporter of crude oil, and nearly two-thirds of its income still comes from selling fossil fuels. If Saudi Arabia can become a hub for major sporting events, then that’s a way of attracting interest to the country,” said Maguire. In response to previous criticism about Saudi Arabia’s purported “sportswashing,” the kingdom’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: “People that don’t know Saudi Arabia, have never been to Saudi Arabia, go out and talk about it as if they’ve lived there for 30 years, 40 years.

Persons: Hilal, Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Neymar Jr, Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Patricia de Melo Moreira, it’s, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman –, Leon Neal, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al Hilal, spender, –, Carlo Nohra, Jordan Henderson, Henderson, “, ’ ” Simon Chadwick, “ We’ve, ” Chadwick, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Al Nassr, Stringer, you’re, Kieran Maguire, they’re, Everybody’s, ” Maguire, Chadwick, Ronaldo, Maguire, … Mohammed bin Salman, ” James Dorsey, ”, Chadwick –, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al, Faisal, don’t, they’ve, LIV Golf, Jimmy Dunne, LIV, Dunne, Aleksander Ceferin, Erling, Haaland, Jurgen Klopp, Michael Emenalo, Steven Gerrard, Nohra, ” “ They’ve Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, Paris Saint, PSG, Saudi Pro League, Ligue, Liga, Serie, Bundesliga, English Premier League, Deloitte, Investment Fund, AFP, Getty, SPL, Saudi Crown, Spanish, Arsenal, CNN Sport, English, Newcastle United, Liverpool, The Athletic, SKEMA Business School, Argentina, Zamalek, King Fahd Sports City, Anadolu Agency, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Football, AFC Asian, FIFA, Greece, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish Super, ”, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Middle East Soccer, Saudi Ministry, Sport, PGA Tour, European, UEFA, Premier League, Ettifaq Media, Reuters New Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, La Liga, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Russian Direct Investment Fund, Investigations, PGA Locations: Saudi Arabian, Brazil, Saudi, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Real Madrid, England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Liverpool, China, Qatar, Taif, Egypt, Spanish, East, North Africa, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, Bahrain, Syria, “, ”, Europe, ” Liverpool

☆ Rubiales kiss 'spoiled' Spain's celebrations, says FIFA's Infantino
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino speaks during a news conference at the Nicaragua National Football stadium, in Managua, Nicaragua August 29, 2022. REUTERS/Maynor Valenzuela/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 1 (Reuters) - FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Luis Rubiales "spoiled" the Spanish team's celebrations at the Women's World Cup by kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips. "The well-deserved celebrations for these magnificent champions were spoiled by what happened after the final whistle," Infantino, who was at the presentation, wrote on Instagram on Thursday. "The disciplinary proceedings will continue their legitimate course. On our side, we should continue to focus on how to further support women and women's football in future, both on and off the pitch."

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Maynor Valenzuela, Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso, Infantino, Instagram, Jorge Vilda, Hritika Sharma, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Nicaragua National Football, REUTERS, FIFA, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Managua, Nicaragua, Hyderabad

CNN —UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has condemned Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on Women’s World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso, describing it as “inappropriate” in an interview with French outlet L’Equipe on Wednesday. Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, was provisionally suspended by FIFA, global soccer’s governing body, on Saturday after he forcibly kissed Hermoso during Spain’s victory celebrations at the World Cup on August 20. “Of course, what he did was inappropriate,” said Čeferin, who also serves as one of FIFA’s eight vice-presidents. Rubiales has faced widespread criticism for his actions at the Women's World Cup final. Earlier this week, all 19 of the Spanish federation’s regional presidents called for Rubiales to resign while also offering unanimous support for interim president Pedro Rocha, who stepped into the role following Rubiales’ suspension by FIFA.

Persons: Aleksander Čeferin, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso, ”, Čeferin, Pedro Rocha Organizations: CNN, UEFA, Spanish, FIFA, Spanish national Locations: Spanish

☆ Megan Rapinoe to play in one last US national team match before retirement
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Women’s National Team (USWNT) star Megan Rapinoe, a two-time Women’s World Cup winner, will play one more international match before she retires from the game. With 63 career goals and 73 assists for the US women’s side, Rapinoe – an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012 – ranks in the top 10 for both categories in US women’s history. Following her final World Cup appearance this year in Australia and New Zealand, Rapinoe has returned to her National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, the OL Reign, for the remainder of the season. Megan Rapinoe lifts the trophy as the US celebrates victory in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. In her domestic career, she won the French league title and French Cup with Lyon in the 2012/13 season and has won three NWSL Shields with the Seattle Reign and OL Reign.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, –, Rapinoe, Richard Heathcote, ” Rapinoe, “ It’s, ”, Carli Lloyd, Bill de Blasio, Jill Ellis, Jewel Samad, USWNT, Kate Markgraf, Féminin, Shields Organizations: CNN, US Women’s National, US Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League, US, FIFA, Getty, Lyon, Seattle Locations: South Africa, Chicago, London, Australia, New Zealand, New York City, New York, AFP

But in Australia, relative newcomers to the game’s big leagues, the arrival of the world’s best women’s players has left old and new fans starry-eyed with possibility. Despite placing fourth – the team’s best finish at a World Cup – the ability of relative outsiders to make it that far has elevated Australia’s Matildas to hero status. Fans cheer Spain's victory while watching a live transmission of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Madrid. Australia fans celebrate at Melbourne's Federation Square after the Matildas scored the opening goal in their FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Denmark on August 7. It’s not just football, it’s different.”Spain's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Persons: Sydney CNN —, “, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Gianni Infantino, ”, Matildas, Spain's, Denis Doyle, –, Australia’s, might’ve, Sam Kerr, Asanka Ratnayake, that’s, Matilda Karen Menzies –, there’s, Kerr, Australia's Sam Kerr, England's Keira Walsh, Ulrik Pedersen, they’ve, Andrea Ellis, ” Ellis, you’re, Sarai Bareman, Saeed Khan, Infantino, Joanna Lohman, Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, RFEF, Sisters, Simmi Nanduo, ” Louise Nussac, Vilda, Kelly Stroda, La, Hilary Whiteman, d’Or Féminin, Alexia Putellas Organizations: Sydney CNN, Sydney’s, FIFA, La Roja, Royal Spanish Football Federation, derisory, England, Sweden, Melbourne's, Denmark, Australia’s, UEFA European, Sunday’s, Women’s Football, FIFA Women’s Football Convention, Getty, United States Women’s National, “, Sky News, CNN, ”, World Locations: Australia, Europe, Madrid, England, Bromley ,, London, AFP, Texas, Spanish, Paris, France, Spain, La Roja

Nobody was surprised that Megan Rapinoe took the Golden Ball, for the tournament’s best player, in 2019, or that Lionel Messi did the same in 2022. Some World Cups are, after all, very obviously dominated by one central character. This has not been one of those World Cups, though. Several Spain players might be contenders: Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey, Teresa Abelleira. Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa will likely win the tournament’s Golden Ball, the award handed out to the most prolific goal-scorer.

Persons: volubly, Nobody, Megan Rapinoe, Lionel Messi, Aitana, Mariona Caldentey, Teresa Abelleira, Millie Bright, Kosovare Asllani, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Australia’s, Hinata, Lauren, Alessia Russo, Lauren James, Alba Redondo, Jenni Hermoso, Bonmatí, Mary Earps, Zecira, Salma Paralluelo, James, Fowler Organizations: FIFA, Spain —, Spain, Nigeria Locations: Sydney, Spain, Georgia, Sweden, England

☆ Luis Rubiales: Spanish soccer chief faces criticism after giving World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso a surprise kiss on the lips after she receives gold medal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( John Sinnott Patrick Sung Matias Grez | John Sinnott | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales is facing criticism for giving Spain midfielder Jennifer Hermoso a surprise kiss on the lips after the 33-year-old received her gold medal following the team’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England on Sunday. Video shows Rubiales embracing Hermoso, then putting both hands on her head before kissing her. Mark Baker/APAsked by Radio Marca about the incident with Hermoso, Rubiales replied: “The kiss with Jenni? After other members of Spain’s squad received their medals, video shows Rubiales kissing them on the cheeks as well as holding some of them in his arms. Another video clip shows Rubiales interrupting a group of Spanish players celebrating, before kissing Olga Carmona, who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 1-0 victory over England, on the cheek.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Gianni Infantino, Letizia, Anthony Albanese, pats, Irati Vida, Mary Earps, Jennifer Hermoso's, Mark Baker, Jenni, Alberto Ortega, El Confidencial, “ Rubiales, Queen Leticia, ”, Ortega, Colin Millar, Millar, X, Hermoso, Olga Carmona, Spain’s, Salma Paralluelo, hadn’t Organizations: CNN, Royal Spanish Football Federation, England, Australian, Radio Marca, Daily, Spanish Locations: Spanish, Spain, Ibiza, Australia

☆ Gianni Infantino: Fifa president says women should 'pick the right battles' to 'convince us, men, what we have to do' in fight for equality
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —FIFA President Gianni Infantino says women should “pick the right battles” to “convince us, men, what we have to do” over equality issues in soccer. Speaking at a media conference ahead of Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain, Infantino also addressed the funding disparity between men and women at their respective World Cup tournaments. Infantino described equal pay in the Women’s World Cup as a “slogan that comes up every now and then.”“Equal pay in the World Cup – we are going in that direction already,” added Infantino. Infantino defended FIFA’s investment in women’s football, highlighting the expanded 32-team edition of the 2023 Women’s World Cup as a benchmark for its success in growing the game. The FIFA president also called the 2023 Women’s World Cup “simply the best and greatest and biggest Women’s World Cup ever” – said that this tournament has allowed FIFA to break even such has been the revenue opportunity.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, ”, Infantino, “, let’s, Crystal Dunn, Tim Nwachukwu, ” – Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Soccer, Women’s, United States Soccer Federation, USSF, United States Women’s, Team Players, United States National Soccer Team Players, teams, Getty, Federation, CONCACAF, Africa, of Nations Locations: England, Spain, United, Washington , DC

“I’ve always treated football refereeing in my games as if I were coming in to referee a World Cup final,” she says. Claudia Vasconcelos refereeing during the 1991 third-place playoff. Ingrid Jonsson, a lineswoman in the 1991 World Cup final, was the first female official chosen to referee a final. By 1999, all the officials chosen for the World Cup in the USA were women. Claudia Vasconcelos refereeing Flamengo vs. Vasco in the 1994 junior Campeonato Carioca.

Persons: Claudia Vasconcelos, ”, Vasconcelos, wouldn’t, hesitancy, Linda Black, Zuo Xiudi, Tommy Cheng, Brazil’s Vasconcelos, –, “ I’ve, Chen guo, ” Vasconcelos, “, Ingrid Jonsson, Matthew Ashton, ’ ” Vasconcelos, João Havelange, Pelé, Sweden’s Ingrid Jonsson, Stéphanie, Bibiana, Sian Massey, Ellis, Vasco Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Guangdong, Women’s Football, M’s, CNN Sport, Argentina, Premier League, Flamengo, Campeonato Carioca, trailblazer Locations: Guangzhou, China, Sweden, Germany, AFP, New, Australia, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Argentina, Mexico, Guangdong, EMPICS, Brazilian, USA

☆ England’s Lauren James Gets 2-Game Ban at the Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Oskar Garcia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The LatestLauren James, a top player for England in the Women’s World Cup, was given a two-game suspension by FIFA, soccer’s governing body, for stepping on the back of an opposing player in her team’s round-of-16 win against Nigeria on Monday in Brisbane, Australia. James received a red card near the end of regulation time because she stamped on the back of Michelle Alozie as Alozie was getting up from a foul. The red card meant that James was automatically suspended for England’s quarterfinal game on Saturday against Colombia. But FIFA’s disciplinary committee added an additional game because her violation was for violent conduct. “The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal and the next international fixture following that,” FIFA said in a statement.

Persons: Lauren James, James, Michelle Alozie, Alozie Organizations: England, FIFA, Nigeria, England’s, Colombia, ” FIFA Locations: Brisbane, Australia

Sydney CNN —England’s star player Lauren James has apologized for stepping on an opponent during the team’s Round of 16 game against Nigeria, a move that earned her a red card and elimination from at least one World Cup match. After the game, which culminated in Nigeria losing a penalty shootout, Alozie took to Twitter Tuesday to share her respect for James despite the incident. All respect for Lauren James,” Alozie wrote. Receiving a red card results in an automatic one match ban, but the FIFA disciplinary committee can increase that if it sees fit. “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse.

Persons: Sydney CNN —, Lauren James, James, Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, Alozie, ” Alozie, ”, “ Lauren, “, Lauren, ” James, Sarina Wiegman, David Beckham, Argentina’s Diego Simeone Organizations: Sydney CNN, Nigeria, Brisbane, Twitter, England, Colombia, FIFA, Argentina’s Locations: Nigeria’s, Nigeria, Sydney, Australia, England

☆ US women’s World Cup domination has ended. But the nation remains a global talent factory
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

The US women’s team has been historically dominant, winning four World Cups (and four Olympic gold medals). UK-born US national team defender Antonee Robinson in action for Fulham in the Premier League on May 8, 2023. Warren Little/Getty ImagesHistory of US women’s dominanceThe civil rights law Title IX, passed in 1972, is one major reason why the US women’s team is so strong, experts say. Sarina Bolden represents the Philippines at the FIFA Women's World Cup on July 25, 2023. Haiti's Noa Ganthier holds a phone for a selfie in Brisbane Stadium, Australia, at the Women's World Cup on July 21, 2023.

Persons: Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Tim Weah, –, George Weah –, ”, Gijsbert Oonk, Warren Little, IX, Leander Schaerlaeckens, ” Schaerlaeckens, Oonk, It’s, Schaerlaeckens, “, Sarina Bolden, Catherine Ivill, Bolden, she’d, ” Noa Ganthier, I’ve, ” Danielle Etienne, Derrick Etienne, Haiti's Noa Ganthier, Dan Peled, Nigeria’s, Elkeson Organizations: CNN, Washington DC, US, Fulham, FC Barcelona, West African country’s, Sport, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Olympic Games, Premier League, Soccer, Marist College, International, Erasmus University, FIFA, Haiti, Haitian, Haiti’s men’s, men’s Locations: California, Seattle, Philippines, United States, America, Haiti, Jamaica, United Kingdom, Netherlands, US, Liberia, England, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Europe, American, Florida, father’s, Virginia, Brisbane, Australia, Mexico, Asia, China, Vietnam

☆ Sweden to play US in last 16 after beating Argentina while South Africa makes history
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A meeting between Sweden and the US in the first knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup was confirmed on Wednesday as the Scandinavian side beat Argentina 2-0. Banyana Banyana’s 3-2 win at the Wellington Regional Stadium marked the African nation’s first win ever at a Women’s World Cup having qualified twice. South Africa makes historyOver in Hamilton, Banyana Banyana had to come from behind after Arianna Caruso put Italy ahead through a penalty early on. Benedetta Orsi is consoled by her teammate Lucia Di Guglielmo after scoring an own goal against South Africa. Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesThe second half saw something of an onslaught from South Africa, who continually regained the ball high up the pitch and got numbers forward en masse.

Persons: Sofia Jakobssen, Rebecka Blomqvist, Argentina’s, Elin Rubensson, Banyana Banyana, Arianna Caruso, Robyn Moodaly, Benedetta Orsi, goalkeepr Francesca Durante, Durante, Orsi, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Catherine Ivill, Hildah Magaia, Banyana, Cristiana Girelli’s, Caruso, Gireilli, Thembi Kgatlana, Desiree Ellis, Valentina Giacinti, Kgatlana, Ellis ’, FIFA’s Organizations: CNN, Argentina, Wellington, Cup, South American, Waikato, Sofia, FIFA, US, Tokyo, National Team, South, Portugal Locations: Sweden, Italy, South Africa, Hamilton, New Zealand, Africa, Netherlands, England, Australia, Argentina

☆ Afghanistan's exiled soccer team wants the right to play for their country
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-29 | by ( Hilary Whiteman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

It’s not like going on a moon.”The Afghan Women's Team took on Football Empowerment during The Hope Cup on July 18, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. The Afghan Women's Team began training last year with local club Melbourne Victory. “If the Afghan Football Federation recognize a team and say: ‘Yes, we accept a team to represent Afghanistan,’ they can be shot. Afghan Women's Team goalie Fatima Yousifi buried her kit before fleeing Afghanistan. When told the Afghan women’s team was in the crowd, cheering the Matildas on, she said: “I think that’s great they’re here tonight supporting us.

Persons: Coldplay’s, Khalida Popal, “, ’ ”, she’s, ”, Kelly Defina, Heather Barr, HRW’s, Penny Wong, Sarai Bareman, Fatma, Bareman, ” Behram Siddiqui, Popal, ’, Craig Foster, “ They’ve, that’s, Fatima Yousifi, John Didulica, Didulica, he’s, there’s, Hilary Whiteman, Emily van Egmond, Yousifi, ” Foster Organizations: Australia CNN, Brisbane, Nigeria, Afghan women’s national, Taliban, FIFA, women’s, Afghan Women's, Football Empowerment, Rights Watch, Human, United Nations, HRW’s Women’s Rights, Afghan, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Foreign, Association, Afghan Football Federation, CNN FIFA, Afghan Women's Team, Melbourne Victory, UN, “, Hope, Melbourne, Afghan national, Australia, CNN, Canada Locations: Brisbane, Australia, Denmark, Australian, Afghanistan, Europe, Canada, Melbourne, Kabul, United, ’, women’s, Nigeria, Afghan

☆ From Norway, a Voice Unafraid to Call Out FIFA From the Inside
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Tariq Panja | More About Tariq Panja | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Lise Klaveness was only a few weeks into her post as the president of Norway’s soccer federation last year when she decided to start saying the quiet parts out loud. There had been talk of procedural matters, and updates on the financial details. Klaveness, one of the few women in soccer leadership, had other themes on her mind. Addressing matters that for years had dogged FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, she spoke about ethical questions, about migrant workers, about the rights of women and gay people. By the time Klaveness had finished about five minutes later, she had, in typically direct style, issued a challenge to FIFA itself.

Persons: Lise Klaveness, Klaveness strode, Klaveness Organizations: FIFA Locations: Qatar

☆ What are the Women’s World Cup armbands and why were they created?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

What are the eight Women’s World Cup armbands? The eight different armbands each carry a “specific message” according to FIFA, falling under the governing body’s “Football Unites the World” campaign and in partnership with various United Nations’ agencies and the World Health Organization (WHO). During last year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar, a number of European captains withdrew from wearing an armband adorned with a heart striped in different colors as part of the “OneLove” campaign. England captain Millie Bright said she planned to wear three different armbands for each of her team’s group stage matches. “Nothing stopping Ali Riley from showing PRIDE at the World Cup this summer,” the website Women’s Sport Exchange tweeted.

Persons: Ali Riley, Steph Catley –, Sam Kerr, –, Qatar Bruno Fahy, Gianni Infantino, Millie Bright, ” Bright, ” Sarah Gregorius, “ You’ve, ’ ” Gregorius, Zealander Riley’s, Riley, Amanda Davies, ”, “, ” Ali Riley, Saeed Khan, Jennifer Garner, Angel City’s Organizations: CNN, New Zealand, Football Ferns, Inclusion, Australia, Indigenous Peoples, Ireland, FIFA, body’s “ Football, United Nations, World Health Organization, WHO, UN Human, Equality, UN, Peace –, UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency, Education, –, Cultural Organization, UNESCO, UN Women, Qatar, Getty, Football, “ Football, Reuters, “, FIFPRO, Zealander, Norway, Angel City FC, PRIDE, Exchange Locations: Norway, Sydney, Qatar, England, Netherlands, Germany, Eden, Auckland, AFP

CNN —Ali Riley captained New Zealand to a historic first ever World Cup win on Thursday as her team defeated Norway 1-0, but it was her nails that made headlines after the game, as well as her performance on the pitch. Riley’s painted nails were visible as she was interviewed after the match – one hand displaying the colors of the rainbow flag, the other displaying the colors of the trans flag – in an apparent show of support for the LGBTQ+ community. But I am confident that we will find ways, no matter what, to make sure our voices are heard.”New Zealand defeated Norway 1-0 in its opening match of the Women's World Cup. “Nothing stopping Ali Riley from showing PRIDE at the World Cup this summer,” the website Women’s Sport Exchange tweeted. Even Hollywood actress Jennifer Garner praised the New Zealand captain, commenting on Angel City’s post: “We stan (Ali Riley).”

Persons: CNN — Ali Riley, ”, –, Riley, Amanda Davies, “, Abbie Parr, Ali Riley, Jennifer Garner, Angel City’s Organizations: CNN, New Zealand, Norway, FIFA, Angel City FC, PRIDE, Exchange Locations: Qatar, England, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Wales, Norway

SYDNEY/AUCKLAND, July 20 (Reuters) - Australia and New Zealand will open the ninth Women's World Cup co-hosted by the two nations on Thursday, despite a shooting near the Norwegian team hotel in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland that left three dead and six injured. Tracey Taylor, a professor of sports management at RMIT University in Melbourne, said many members of grassroots football clubs expected the tournament to have a transformative effect for participation in women’s sport in Australia. Several participating nations, including tournament heavyweights England and Spain, have been in dispute with their administrators over working conditions and pay in recent months. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many New Zealanders to experience a top-tier FIFA World Cup event,” he said. Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Additional reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney and Philip O'Connor in Stockholm; Editing by Lincoln Feast.

Persons: Chris Hipkins, Maren Mjelde, Sydney –, Tracey Taylor, ”, Sam Kerr, Anthony Albanese, Fatma, “, Grant Robertson, “ It’s, Alasdair Pal, Renju Jose, Philip O'Connor, Lincoln Organizations: SYDNEY, Police, New Zealand, New Zealand’s Football Ferns, Norway, Gang, Australia, RMIT University, England, rugby, Blacks, FIFA’s, Kiwis, Zealand, Wednesday, FIFA, Thomson Locations: AUCKLAND, Australia, New Zealand, Norwegian, New Zealand's, Auckland, Eden, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Sydney, England, Melbourne, Spain, France, Zealanders, Stockholm

CNN —Soccer players at the 2023 Women’s World Cup will on average earn just 25 cents for every dollar earned by men at their World Cup last year, a new CNN analysis found. In addition to prize money, FIFA committed to paying $42 million to the federations and players’ clubs for Women’s World Cup preparations. Havana Solaun (R) and Jamaica are appearing at their second ever Women's World Cup. But for the players, equal pay encompasses more than simply closing this gap to the salaries enjoyed by male footballers. June 2023 A record $110 million prize pot negotiated for the Women’s World Cup, at least $30,000 guaranteed for every player.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Sam Kerr, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Bob Marley’s, Cedella, Havana Solaun, Brendon Thorne, hadn’t, Jamaica’s Chinyelu Asher, ”, ” Asher, Asher, Saeed Khan, Morgan, Rapinoe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Brad Smith, ” Jonas Baer, Hoffmann, FIFPRO’s, It’s, that’s, –, Infantino, Baer, “, ringfenced, Ali Riley, CNN’s Amanda Davies, Riley, “ It’s, ” Ali Riley, Catherine Ivill, Women’s Soccer Australia Heather Reid, ” Riley, England’s Lionesses, ” FIFPRO’s Baer, – Carli Lloyd, Hope, Becky Sauerbrunn –, ” Lloyd, — Jan, USWNT, Lloyd, ” Reid, ’ Organizations: CNN — Soccer, CNN, FIFA, New Zealand, Women’s, US, National, Australia, Havana, Getty, Jamaica Football Federation, ’, CNN Sport, Forbes, USSF, CONCACAF, Africa, of Nations, Olympic, –, Canada Soccer, teams, Women’s Soccer Australia, English Football Association, French Football Federation, Royal Belgium Football Association, FIFA’s, US Soccer, States Women’s National, Football Federation, USWNT, Soccer, Court, Central, Central District of, The New York Times, LA Times, Guardian, Reuters, “ Locations: Australia, New, New Zealand, Jamaica, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Havana, AFP, France, Infantino, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, United States, Qatar, country’s, Sweden, Spanish, England, Central District, Central District of California, Canadian, El, China

☆ Viral ad makes gender statement as Matildas call for equal prizes in Women's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Hilary Whiteman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Brisbane, Australia CNN —Days out from the start of the Women’s World Cup, teams are turning up the pressure on the sport’s governing body and spectators to give women players equal pay and respect. The women players say it’s not enough. “Many football ‘fans,’ without ever having watched women’s football, have strong opinions about the level of the players,” according to according to trade journal Marketing Communication News. At the end, it’s revealed that viewers have been watching members of the women’s team. “What we need to reach equality and justice on the pitch and beyond is a gender revolution.”Sakina Karchaoui of France in action during a friendly match between Australia and Canada ahead of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia on 14 July, 2023.

Persons: it’s, Eugenie Le Sommer of France, Baptiste Fernandez, Marcel, “, Stacey Pope, Mark Avellino, …, —, Gianni Infantino, ”, Infantino Organizations: Australia CNN, Orange, French national, Zealand, FIFA, Tallaght, Communication, Football, French Women’s, Durham University, Australian, Twitter, Australia, Socceroos, ”, FIFA Women’s Locations: Brisbane, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Eden, Qatar, Ireland, France, Tallaght, Orange, French, United Kingdom, Canada, Melbourne

☆ How FIFA’s Sale of Women’s World Cup TV Rights Went Wrong
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Rachel Bachman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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Persons: Dow Jones Organizations: fifa, womens

CNN —US Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe, a two-time Women’s World Cup winner, has announced she will retire at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season. Rapinoe, an Olympic gold medalist from London 2012, will play in her fourth and final World Cup this summer in Australia and New Zealand, before returning to her NWSL team OL Reign. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.”Megan Rapinoe has won two World Cup and Olympic gold with the USWNT. In her domestic career, Rapinoe won the French league title and French Cup with Lyon in the 2012-2013 season and has won three NWSL Shields with the Seattle Reign and OL Reign. “When you talk about players performing on the biggest stages, she’s right up there with the best to ever do it for the US Women’s National Team.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe, “ I’ve, ” Rapinoe, “, we’ve, Brad Smith, ”, Cooper, Shields, “ Megan, Kate Markgraf, Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, US Women’s National, Women’s Soccer League, Wales, National Team, US Soccer, Ballon, Lyon, Seattle, US, National Locations: Australia, New Zealand, United States

☆ Women’s World Cup teams permitted to wear armbands that highlight ‘social causes’
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Amanda Davies | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —World soccer governing body FIFA will allow a variety of different armbands that highlight “a range of social causes” to be worn at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the organization said Friday. “FIFA, in partnership with several United Nations agencies, will use the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ to highlight a range of social causes, selected following extensive consultation with stakeholders including players and the 32 participating member associations,” FIFA said in a statement. “But football does even more than that – it can shine the spotlight on very important causes in our society. Several European teams were set to participate in the “OneLove” campaign to promote inclusion and oppose discrimination, but those countries were prevented by FIFA from doing so. There is no explicit mention of LGBTQ rights in Women’s World Cup armbands, beyond the “themes” of “gender equality” and “inclusion.”The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be played from July 20 to August 20 with the opening game taking place in Auckland when co-hosts New Zealand play Norway.

Persons: ”, “, Gianni Infantino, Hadja Lahbib, Nancy Faeser – Organizations: CNN, FIFA, “ FIFA, United Nations, ” FIFA, Football, Inclusion, UN Human, Indigenous Peoples, Equality, UN, Peace –, UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency, Education, –, Cultural Organization, UNESCO, UN Women, World Health Organization, WHO, Qatar –, Belgian Foreign Affairs, German, New Zealand Locations: Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, Infantino, Auckland, Norway

☆ Golf’s new Saudi deal presents questionable political, business and sporting realities
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

And the deal is also undeniably a great piece of business, assuming PGA Tour players accept it. And all pending litigation between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour was also mutually ended under the new agreement. He “co-opted the 9/11 community last year in the PGA’s unequivocal agreement that the Saudi LIV project was nothing more than sports washing of Saudi Arabia’s reputation,” the group said in a statement. Unresolved sporting conundrumsThere are as many sporting questions about the PGA Tour/LIV Golf partnership that remain unanswered. Then there is the question of how current PGA Tour members will respond.

Persons: LIV Golf, Arnold Palmer, Jamal Khashoggi, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, –, LIV –, Jay Monahan, Monahan, ”, “, Saudi LIV, ” Monahan, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Cam Smith, Donald Trump, LIV, Trump, Khashoggi, ” Trump, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Tuesday’s LIV, Qataris, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, ” Yasir Al, Rumayyan, of Famer Greg Norman, Collin Morikawa, Mickelson, Alan Shipnuck, Shipnuck Organizations: CNN, PGA, Saudi, Post, Premier League, Global, Families United, Saudi shills, Crown, Formula One, NBA, Tour, Qatar, Soccer, Manchester City, United, Newcastle, Indian Premier League, Al, Real, Saudi Public Investment, “, Saudi Public Investment Fund, CNBC, of Famer, Open, Twitter Locations: Washington, Saudi, Qaeda, Riyadh, China, Western Europe, East, India, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ittihad, Real Madrid, French

CNN —Inter Milan and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku says the world’s top soccer stars could form a union to tackle racist abuse in the sport. Speaking exclusively to CNN, Lukaku says authorities are currently not doing enough to protect players in the wake of yet more racist abuse aimed at Vinícius Jr. during Real Madrid’s match against Valencia last month. “I think it will start,” Lukaku told CNN’s Senior Sports Analyst Darren Lewis when asked whether players could form a union. “That’s where you need to start, that’s where we need to have diversity,” Lukaku said of the upper echelons of the sport. “I think that’s how it should happen,” Lukaku added.

Persons: Romelu Lukaku, Lukaku, Vinícius Jr, ” Lukaku, Darren Lewis, “, FIFA ”, “ It’s, Vinícius, Marco Bertorello, Senegal’s, Samoura, Rwanda’s Martin Ngoga, Ghana’s Anin Yeboah, India’s, Mugdal Organizations: CNN — Inter Milan, CNN, Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, CNN’s, UEFA, FIFA, La Liga, Getty, ”, Belgian, Board, Twitter Locations: Belgium, AFP, Belgian, European

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