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☆ Qatar World Cup: Amnesty International says ‘abuses persist’ and ‘too little has been done’ to protect workers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Qatar now leads the region on workers’ rights and labor reforms, setting an example for other countries on how a system can be successfully overhauled. Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts World Cup after defeating France in the final. Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty ImagesIn the build-up to last year’s World Cup, the organizers received widespread criticism for their treatment of migrant workers. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. Amnesty International also reiterated its 10-point plan which was published in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup.

Persons: Qatar’s, “, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Julian Finney, Hassan Al Thawadi, CNN’s Becky Anderson, Steve Cockburn, “ Qatar’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Qatar’s International Media, FIFA, France, Getty, Guardian, Economic Social Justice, Qatar “, Qatar Locations: Qatar, Qatari, Europe

LONDON (AP) — One year after Qatar hosted the men’s World Cup, the gas-rich emirate and soccer governing body FIFA were urged Thursday by human rights group Amnesty International to do more for migrant workers who were essential to prepare the tournament and still face labor abuses. FIFA, under a different leadership, is now embarked on a similar journey toward Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup in 2034. “Qatar’s continued failure to properly enforce or strengthen its pre-World Cup labor reforms puts any potential legacy for workers in serious peril,” Amnesty said. A key point for activists and some FIFA member federations has been compensating the families of workers in Qatar who were injured or died. Weeks before the World Cup started, FIFA’s top lawyer had said it was open to helping create a compensation fund.

Persons: ”, Steve Cockburn, “ Qatar’s, “, Weeks, Michael Llamas Organizations: —, Qatar, FIFA, Amnesty, Progress, “ Qatar, United Nations, International Labor Organization, Labor, ” Amnesty, InBev, Budweiser, ” FIFA, “, ILO, Ministry of Labor Locations: Qatar, United States, Saudi Arabia, Gibraltar, “, Geneva

Reviewing refereeing decisions has come a long – and increasingly unloved – way from the VAR (video assistant referee) project first trialed by FIFA in 2016. Two days earlier, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta lashed out at “an absolute disgrace” to allow Newcastle a decisive goal after a triple-layered VAR review. “Significant human error,” the league officials' group acknowledged after Tottenham's 2-1 win that is still title-chasing Liverpool's only loss in the league. Former Australia coach Postecoglou said he is traditional and prefers soccer without VAR, where all accept occasional mistakes and respect the referee. “You can’t tell me referees are in control of games,” Postecoglou said Monday.

Persons: Mikel Arteta, Massimo Busacca, ” Busacca, “, ”, Ange Postecoglou, Bjorn Kuipers, Thierry Henry’s, we’re, Postecoglou, Liverpool's, Busacca, ” Postecoglou, “ They’re Organizations: FIFA, Tottenham, Chelsea, English Premier League, Arsenal, Newcastle, Premier League, Associated Press, ” Tottenham, Burnley, Bournemouth, Norway, League, Former, Swiss FIFA Locations: Russia, Zurich, France, Ireland, Liverpool, Former Australia

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia is all but certain to host the men's 2034 World Cup after the Australian soccer federation declined to enter the bidding contest. “We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and — having taken all factors into consideration — we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia said in a statement. Indonesia’s football association initially showed interest in a joint bid with Australia, potentially alongside Malaysia and Singapore, but that faded when Indonesia instead backed Saudi Arabia. Australia and New Zealand successfully co-hosted the Women's World Cup in July and August. Saudi Arabia also will host the men's Asian Cup in 2027 and has started a widespread construction program to build and renovate stadiums that likely also will be used for the World Cup.

Persons: “, LIV, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jamal Khashoggi, Gianni Infantino, Australia —, Minky Worden, ” Worden, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, ” Football Australia, Newcastle, Saudi Crown, South America — FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Qatar, soccer, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi, Rights Locations: Saudi Arabia, Australian, Saudi, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, South, Asia, Oceania, Australia, Qatar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New, Brisbane, Queensland

☆ Saudi Arabia Is Set to Be Sole Bidder for 2034 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Tariq Panja | More About Tariq Panja | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

FIFA’s move to speed up the bidding for 2034 surprised many, coming 11 years before the scheduled start of the tournament and a full three years before the 2034 host was supposed to be decided. FIFA also said only bidders from Asia and Oceania, two of soccer’s six regional confederations, could be considered for selection. Saudi Arabia, which had for years been public about its desire to host the World Cup, moved fast to secure the tournament after FIFA set the rules this month. In the face of that support, Australian officials concluded they would have been overmatched if they challenged Saudi Arabia to secure the votes of the majority of FIFA’s 211 federations. Saudi Arabia has signed agreements in the past year with scores of FIFA’s member nations, committing millions of dollars to projects across Asia and lavishing attention on Africa, where it signed an agreement with the regional governing body and sponsored a new tournament.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al Khalifa Organizations: FIFA, Saudi Locations: Asia, Oceania, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Australia, Africa, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabian

☆ Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup as Australia withdraws interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew its interest in hosting the global showpiece just hours before the bid deadline on Tuesday. Instead the Australia football federation has opted to proceed with their bids for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. In a press release sent out on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the only bidder for the 2034 tournament. In 2022, Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a heavyweight title clash. To host the World Cup would be viewed as a major coup for Saudi Arabia, which has been frequently been criticized of sportswashing.

Persons: “, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Andrew Couldridge, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Luca Bruno, ”, Steve Cockburn Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Australia, ” Football Australia, FIFA Club, FIFA Council, ” FIFA, King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Formula One, Saudi Pro League, sportswashing, MBS, Fox News, Sports & Rights Alliance, Getty, Economic, Social, “ FIFA, Rights, Saudi Arabia Football Federation Locations: Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Jeddah, Saudi Arabian, Saudi

☆ FIFA Bars Former Spanish Soccer Chief for 3 Years
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Cassandra Vinograd | Tariq Panja | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer’s global governing body on Monday barred Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s soccer federation, from the sport for three years over his forcible kiss of a player after the Women’s World Cup final in August. It also led to accusations in the days that followed that Mr. Rubiales and others at the federation had pressured the player to say the kiss was consensual. Ms. Hermoso instead filed a criminal complaint of sexual assault, and Mr. Rubiales — who initially resisted calls to resign — was placed under a provisional 90-day suspension while FIFA, soccer’s governing body, investigated the episode. He quit as the head of Spain’s soccer federation less than a month after the final, under pressure from players who were refusing to take the field for the women’s national team. It did not provide further details on the findings but said that Mr. Rubiales could request them, at which point a so-called reasoned decision would be made public.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Hermoso, Rubiales —, — Organizations: Mr, FIFA, women’s

☆ Jenni Hermoso scores the winner on triumphant Spain return after unwanted kiss
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( David Close | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Spain’s Jenni Hermoso scored a late winning goal on Friday in a glorious return to the national team following the unwanted kiss controversy that overshadowed La Roja’s World Cup win in August. Television broadcasts showed traveling Spanish fans jumping for joy as Hermoso was surrounded by her celebrating teammates. “When Italy sat deep, we needed someone like Jenni to step up with her shooting boots,” Spain’s head coach Montse Tomé said after the game. The fallout over Rubiales’ behavior triggered a crisis in Spanish soccer and sparked condemnation in Spain and across the world. Rubiales’ actions partly “ruined” the tournament and “derailed” Spain’s joyous celebrations, a senior official at soccer’s governing body FIFA said.

Persons: CNN — Spain’s Jenni Hermoso, “, Jenni, ”, Montse Tomé, We’ve, ” Hermoso, Tomé, Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, General Fatma Samoura, Darren Lewis Organizations: CNN, La, UEFA Women’s Nations League, Italy, Salerno . Television, Pachuca Femenil, Spain, Sweden, Spanish Football Federation, England, Spanish, FIFA Locations: Salerno, Italy, Switzerland, Sydney, Spanish, Spain, Africa, London

☆ Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso ‘derailed’ joy of Spain’s Women’s World Cup success, says FIFA Secretary General
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Zayn Nabbi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —FIFA’s outgoing Secretary General Fatma Samoura said she was encouraged by the global support Jenni Hermoso received after Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss on her following Spain’s triumph in the Women’s World Cup final, saying the Spanish football federation president’s actions partly “ruined” the tournament and “derailed” the world champion’s joyous celebrations. Rubiales resigned from his roles as president of the Spanish Football Federation and one of UEFA's vice-presidents. I think we have to have 211 member associations deciding who’s the best for the FIFA president. Samoura shakes hands with Spain's Salma Paralluelo during the award ceremony following the 2023 Women's World Cup final. It takes 1,000 people to organize the World Cup, it takes even more to fight all forms of discrimination in the stadium,” said Samoura.

Persons: CNN —, General Fatma Samoura, Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, “, ” Samoura, Darren Lewis, Rubiales, Irina R, Hipolito, ”, Samoura, George Floyd, Catherine Ivill, Hermoso, Jorge Vilda, Jenni, you’ve, Shane Anthony SInclair, “ It’s, Gianni Infantino, ” Infantino, FairSquare, Lise Klaveness, Klaveness, Infantino, Spain's Salma Paralluelo, Alex Pantling, Sepp Blatter, Jérôme Valcke Organizations: CNN, Spanish, Spanish Football Federation, Europa Press, UN, FIFA, Samoura, Amnesty, Norway, organisation’s, FIFA Congress, “ Locations: Spanish, Africa, London, Spain, America, Russia, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, Doha, Kigali

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia formally informed FIFA of its wish to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 on Monday in a bidding contest that increasingly looks designed for the kingdom to win. That allows the 2034 edition to return to Asia 12 years after Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup. Infantino has built close ties to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on frequent visits to the oil-rich kingdom since before the 2018 World Cup. The Saudi soccer project has seen the sovereign wealth Public Investment Fund buy English club Newcastle in 2021. The FIFA Council which agreed to the 2034 World Cup bidding process included nine delegates from European soccer body UEFA, which now has the 2030 tournament.

Persons: “, ”, Gianni Infantino, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PIF, Karim Benzema, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, Oceania, Qatar, New Zealand, Saudi, Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, FIFA Council, UEFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian, Europe, Africa, South America, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States, Mexico, Canada, Asia, Australia, Saudi, Qatar, Egypt

☆ Christiane Endler: Chile’s football federation criticized for handling of star player’s 100th appearance
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —The Chilean football federation (ANFP) has been criticized for its handling of a star player’s 100th appearance for the women’s national team. On Tuesday, Endler, the team’s captain and goalkeeper, made history by becoming the first player to reach 100 caps for the Chile women’s national team in a 2-1 victory over New Zealand. One more for you guys,” Chile national team player Daniela Pardo replied to the graphic on Instagram. Endler captained Chile at its first ever Women's World Cup in 2019. That she has been able to achieve so much is remarkable, coming from a country whose federation has sometimes overlooked its women’s national team.

Persons: Christiane Endler, Endler, “, Edgar Merino, Pablo Milad, ” Milad, Justin Tallis, Tiane, Daniela Pardo, Claudio Bravo, Endler hasn’t, Michael Chow, ” Endler, Germain, Harold Cunningham, FIFPro, Gabriel Boric, ” Camila Garcia, ” Organizations: CNN, Chilean, women’s, Chile women’s, New, New Zealand, Lyon, Women's Champions League, Getty, Chile’s Sports Commission, La Tercera, Chile national, Chile men’s, South, Estadio Nacional, Argentina, Santiago’s, USA, Network, Reuters, ADN, FIFA, Paris Saint, Champions League, America Femenina, Ministry, Labour Locations: Chile, New Zealand, France, La, South American, Santiago’s La Florida, La Florida, Paris, Lyon, Chilean, Haiti

☆ US Women’s National Team victorious in Megan Rapinoe’s final match
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —International soccer star Megan Rapinoe will leave her national team career a winner. The United States Women’s National Team defeated South Africa 2-0 in a friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday as Rapinoe played her final match with the team. Before kickoff, Rapinoe was recognized with a jersey bearing “203” for her number of appearances for the national team. US forward Megan Rapinoe played the final match of her international career on Sunday. While celebrating with teammates, Rapinoe did her iconic celebration, arms widely outstretched, to the crowd’s delight.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Trinity Rodman, Erin Hooley, Emily Sonnett, ” Rapinoe, ”, “ It’s, Féminin Organizations: CNN — International, United, United States Women’s National Team, South, Soldier, WNBA, Trinity, AP, US Soccer Federation, London Olympics Locations: United States, South Africa, Chicago, California

☆ Megan Rapinoe to leave behind a remarkable legacy after final US game
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Rapinoe won the Women's World Cup twice, most recently in 2019. She continued to do so for the US national team, a symbol not appreciated by everyone in the country. But, despite all the success that went before, her World Cup dreams ended in a penalty shootout heartbreak. There was to be no perfect ending for Rapinoe as the US was dumped out of the 2023 Women's World Cup last-16. A smile of disbelief masked the pain as she trudged off the pitch, never to play in a World Cup again.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, she’s, ” Rapinoe, Féminin, Rapinoe, Richard Heathcote, Bill Simmons, Colin Kaepernick, Donald Trump, she’d, Joe Biden, “, Biden, Emma Lazarus, ‘, ’ ” Joe Biden, Kevin Lamarque, ”, “ We’ve, I’m, Alex Pantling, ’, Kelley O’Hara, “ There’s Organizations: CNN, US, National, South, London Olympics, Getty, France, Seattle, NFL, White House, Reuters, US Soccer, men’s, FIFA, Fox Sports Locations: California, South Africa, Chicago, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden

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

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