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☆ 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

☆ Swiss prosecutors end criminal proceedings against FIFA boss Gianni Infantino
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his dealings with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber have been closed, Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday, a decision Infantino hailed as a vindication of “the new FIFA.”Infantino was elected in 2016 to clean up world soccer body FIFA after it became embroiled in corruption scandals. However, Swiss authorities launched proceedings against Infantino himself in 2020 on suspicions of secrecy violations, abuse of office and aiding and abetting related to meetings he held with Lauber. In ending the proceedings, prosecutors said their investigations had “invalidated” such suspicions. Swiss authorities had been investigating contacts between Infantino and Lauber, who resigned as Swiss attorney general after a court concluded he covered up a meeting with the FIFA boss and lied to supervisors while his office investigated corruption at the football body. The prosecutors said that their investigation had turned up no evidence that Infantino had “instrumentalized” the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland “into unusual, inexplicable, erroneous or even criminal acts or omissions.”FIFA said they had noted the decision to close the proceedings “with extreme satisfaction.”

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Michael Lauber, ” Infantino, Infantino, Italian Infantino, ” Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Swiss, Lauber, ” FIFA Locations: Italian, Infantino, Switzerland

☆ Swiss prosecutors end proceedings against FIFA boss Infantino
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] FIFA president Gianni Infantino is seen after Spain won the Women's World Cup final, Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2023. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 26 (Reuters) - Criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his dealings with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber have been closed, Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday, a decision Infantino hailed as a vindication of "the new FIFA". Infantino was elected in 2016 to clean up world soccer body FIFA after it became embroiled in corruption scandals. In ending the proceedings, prosecutors said their investigations had "invalidated" such suspicions. Swiss authorities had been investigating contacts between Infantino and Lauber, who resigned as Swiss attorney general after a court concluded he covered up a meeting with the FIFA boss and lied to supervisors while his office investigated corruption at the football body.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Michael Lauber, Infantino, Italian Infantino, Rohith Nair, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Toby Chopra Organizations: FIFA, Spain, REUTERS, Swiss, Lauber, Thomson Locations: Australia, Sydney, Italian, Infantino, Switzerland, Bengaluru

☆ Bobby Charlton: English soccer in mourning as tributes paid to country’s ‘greatest’ player
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Emotions ran high in England over the weekend after it was announced that Bobby Charlton, widely regarded as the country’s greatest soccer player, had died on Saturday at the age of 86. “A little bit of England has died,” said The Sunday Times of the man who played a starring role in England’s 1966 World Cup win. Flowers are placed in memory of Bobby Charlton beside the "United Trinity" statue at Old Trafford. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, said: “Sir Bobby Charlton. Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesEngland won the 1966 World Cup final with a 4-2 win against West Germany at Wembley Stadium, where Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick.

Persons: Bobby Charlton, David Beckham, Prince William, ”, Sir Bobby, George Best, Denis Law, Beckham, Charlton, United, ” Beckham, Robert, Beckham’s, Ted, Barrington Coombs, Pelé, Bobby Moore, Garrincha, Franz Beckenbauer, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby, Jon Super, Gianni Infantino, Gary Lineker, Geoff Hurst, Hurst, ” Hurst, “, Jack Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, Sunday Times, Charlton, English Football Association, United Trinity, England, Trinity, Ballon, United, FA, European, Champions League, Football Association, First, Getty, FIFA, Benfica, Keystone, Hulton, West Germany, Wembley, Premier League, Observer, West Locations: England, Manchester, United Kingdom, Old Trafford, United, AFP, Barcelona, West Germany

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Soccer officials in Australia and Indonesia have floated the idea of teaming up in a bid to rival Saudi Arabia for the hosting rights to the men’s World Cup in 2034. The Sydney Morning Herald reported comments Wednesday from Indonesia soccer federation president Erick Thohir about ongoing talks that could also include Malaysia and Singapore in a possible bid. Political Cartoons View All 1206 ImagesThohir is an Indonesian government minister who has ties to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Any opponent to Saudi Arabia in the 2034 World Cup contest has to express official interest by Oct. 31. FIFA has said it will decide which months to play the 2034 World Cup after its members confirm the host at a meeting likely to be held late next year.

Persons: Erick Thohir, Israel, Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, ___ Organizations: — Soccer, Sydney Morning Herald, Indonesia, FIFA, Israel, International Olympic Committee, Inter Milan, Italian soccer, Asian Football Confederation, AFC Locations: SYDNEY, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Argentina, Indonesian, Italian, Asia, Oceania, United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, South America, Saudi Arabian, Australian

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

The joint bid from Morocco, Portugal and Spain was the sole candidate to host the tournament. Spain have been awarded the World Cup weeks after their disgraced former chief Luis Rubiales was forced to step down for alleged sexual assault at the Women's World Cup. "As a result, a celebration will take place in South America and three South American countries - Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay - will organise one match each of the FIFA World Cup 2030." WORLD CUP RETURNS TO SPAINWhile Portugal and Morocco have never hosted the World Cup, Spain last hosted the tournament in 1982. "I am sure that together with Morocco and Portugal we will organise the best World Cup in history," he said.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Carl Recine, Luis Rubiales, Gianni Infantino, Infantino, Robert Harrison, Pedro Rocha, Fernando Gomes, King Mohammed VI, FIFA's, Rohith Nair, Daniela Desantis, Osama Khairy, Emma Pinedo Gonzalez, William Maclean Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Lusail, REUTERS, Uruguay, FIFA, Argentine Football Association, FIFA Council, Montevideo's Estadio Centenario, Paraguayan Football Association, South, Management, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Portuguese Football Federation, Christian, Thomson Locations: Argentina, France, Lusail, Qatar, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Paraguay, Uruguay, Montevideo, South America, Asia, Oceania, Bengaluru, Asuncion

A key lure of the unprecedented three-continent project is being able to open in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, where the Centenario Stadium hosted the inaugural 1930 World Cup final. “The centennial World Cup could not be far from South America, where everything began," said Alejandro Dominguez, the president of South American soccer body CONMEBOL. Saudi Arabia has targeted the 2034 edition and Australia also is interested after successfully co-hosting the Women’s World Cup this year with New Zealand. The South American co-host bid has been promoted since the 2018 World Cup in Russia and had included Chile, which was not mentioned Wednesday. The first 48-team men's World Cup will be hosted in 2026 by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Persons: “, Alejandro Dominguez, Gianni Infantino, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, Argentina, Centenario, South, CONMEBOL, New Zealand, South America, ” FIFA, UEFA Locations: Europe, Africa, South America, Uruguay, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Paraguay, Uruguayan, Montevideo, South American, Asia, Oceania . Saudi Arabia, Australia, New, Qatar, South, Argentina, Russia, Chile, Ukraine, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Mexico

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA is set to approve the reintegration of Russian youth teams into under-17 competitions and ease a total international ban on the country amid the war in Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA moved within days of Russia invading Ukraine in February 2022 to ban the country's national and club teams from international soccer competitions. Future opponents of Russian national teams, including Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, had already refused to play those games. With the war showing no signs of ending, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has signaled wanting to restore Russian teams into youth competitions. Russian teams can only access the FIFA-run Under-17 World Cups by advancing through the UEFA-run qualifying format.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Aleksander Ceferin, —, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, FIFA Council, Associated Press, UEFA, Russian, Sport, Russian U17, International Olympic Committee Locations: Russian, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland

☆ 2030 men’s FIFA World Cup to be hosted in six countries across three continents to mark 100-year anniversary of first edition
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The 2030 men’s World Cup will be hosted by six countries in three different continents to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the first edition of the tournament, soccer’s world governing body FIFA announced on Wednesday. Spain, Portugal and Morocco will co-host the tournament, while Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina will all stage an opening match each to mark 100 years since the first World Cup was staged. “In a divided world, FIFA and football are uniting,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “The FIFA Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.”“The FIFA Council also agreed unanimously that the only bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2030 will be the joint bid of Morocco, Portugal and Spain,” added Infantino. The 2030 edition of the World Cup will see Morocco host the global tournament for the first time, also becoming the first North African side to host official games.

Persons: ”, Gianni Infantino, “, ” “, Europe – Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Uruguay, FIFA Council, South America Locations: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, “, Africa, Europe, South, Montevideo

☆ Will Lionel Messi play on Atlanta United’s artificial turf?
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-16 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Sixteen years on, six MLS teams (over 20%) have artificial turf in their home grounds, including Atlanta United’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Inter Miami will play on Saturday with potentially Lionel Messi featuring. “Truth is it’s been a while since I’ve played on artificial turf, but I have no problem adapting myself again,” said Messi. The science is conflicting as to whether artificial turf presents increased health concerns to those playing on it. Lower-extremity injuries, in particular knee and ankle injuries, more commonly occur on artificial turf in comparison to natural grass.”Lower leg injuries suffered on artificial turf aren’t just an issue for NFL players. More than 70,000 fans are expected in Atlanta to watch Atlanta United play Inter Miami, but for his next trick just how will Messi potentially deal with playing on artificial surface?

Persons: CNN —, ”, David Beckham, Atlanta United’s Mercedes, Lionel Messi, Beckham, it’s, I’ve, Messi, Shaun Botterill, Aaron Rodgers ’, Simone Magill –, Megan Briggs, Magill, ” Holly Silvers, Sanjay Gupta, Silvers, Granelli, Alex Slitz, Dr, Andrew Pearle, Rodgers ’, David Bakhtiari, Roger Goodell, he’ll, Gianni Infantino, They’ll, Goodell, “, Thierry Henry, ” Henry, Fred Kfoury III, Germain Organizations: CNN, Major League Soccer, MLS, Atlanta, Benz, Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, Toronto’s BMO, Bodø, Young Boys, Toronto FC, BMO Field, NFL, Orthopaedic Journal, Sports Medicine, soccer, ” Northern Ireland, CORE, CNN Chief, Atlanta United, Hospital for Special Surgery, Green Bay Packers, Twitter, ESPN, FIFA, New York Red Bulls, “, New, Gillette, Paris Saint, US Locations: Europe, Barcelona, Glimt, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Los Angeles, California, New York City, North America, Foxborough, Paris, Atlanta

☆ 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

☆ Who is Luis Rubiales and why did he kiss Jenni Hermoso?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( Joshua Berlinger | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The scandal began just moments after La Roja’s historic 1-0 victory against England, when the head of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. Fast forward seven days and Spain’s World Cup winners are refusing to play. After showing one of the Spanish players kissing the Women’s World Cup Trophy, the broadcast cut to Rubiales hugging Hermoso. Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesWhat Rubiales and Hermoso are sayingHermoso said at no point did she consent to the kiss. Spanish players’ union FUTPRO called for Rubiales to be punished after the kiss, while global players’ union FIFPRO called for “immediate disciplinary action” following Rubiales’ Friday speech.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, “, Gianni Infantino, Letizia, Sofia, Rubiales, royal’s, Anthony Albanese, James, Hermoso, ”, ” Rubiales, FUTPRO, FIFPRO, Rafael del Amo, Jenni, Jenni Hermoso, Christian Chavez, Jorge Vilda –, Borja Iglesia, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Luis de la Fuente, Fran Santiago, Pedro Sanchez, Yolanda Diaz Organizations: CNN, England, Spanish, FIFA, Australian, British, Spain’s High, of Sport, Rubiales, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Pachuca women's, “, Atletico Madrid players, Sevilla, Getty Locations: Spanish, Spain, Eurasia, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Madrid, Seville

That professionalisation has underpinned the success of the ninth Women's World Cup, which ended on Sunday with Spain beating England by a single goal in a final that pitted the two European countries with the strongest domestic leagues against each other. Attracting record crowds and television audiences, the tournament buoyed hopes that the women's game can start to bridge the yawning financial gap that exists with the men. TV BLACKOUTIn broadcast rights, the women's game has struggled to compete. The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, threatened Europe's "Big 5" nations with a TV World Cup blackout unless their broadcasters upped their offers. But both Chadwick and Carlota Planas, a Spain-based women's' football agent representing several World Cup players, argued that the women's game now offers the values of tenacity, resilience and togetherness, which can appeal to advertisers.

Persons: Stoke City's, Molly Holder, Spain's, Olga Carmona, Sunday's, Gianni Infantino, Jill Ellis, Lisa Parfitt, Jill Scott, Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, Kieran Maguire, Simon Chadwick, Chadwick, Carlota Planas, Planas, let's, Holder, Kate Holton, Nick Mulveney, Helen Reid, Suban Abdulla, Matt Scuffham Organizations: Stoke City women's, Reuters, Stoke City FC, REUTERS Acquire, Stoke, Spain, England, Deloitte, Real Madrid, Real Madrid men's, FIFA, Women, Football, Germany, University of Liverpool, Wembley, Super League, men's Premier League, Manchester City, Arsenal, School, Thomson Locations: Stoke, Trent, Britain, Handout, STOKE, England, MADRID, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, United States, Manchester, Chelsea, Liverpool, Sydney, London

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

☆ Alexia Putellas: World Cup winner says ‘FIFA should take note’ of issues in women’s football
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Matt Foster | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Newly crowned Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas spoke passionately after Sunday’s final victory over England about the need for FIFA to “take note” of the issues facing women in the sport. (From L to R) Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso and Irene Paredes celebrate with the trophy after winning the World Cup. The 2023 Women’s World Cup broke several viewing records throughout the competition and in a number of different countries. In his speech at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention in Sydney on Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed over 2 billion people had tuned in to the competition, hailing it as a “truly transformational” event. Spain’s victory earned the country’s maiden Women’s World Cup title, having only qualified for the flagship event three times, and it now joins Germany as the only nations to win both a men’s and women’s World Cup.

Persons: Alexia Putellas, – Putellas, it’s, Ballon d’Or, ” Putellas, “, “ We’ve, Jennifer Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Saeed Khan, Jorge Vilda, Putellas, ”, Gianni Infantino Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Colombian, CNN Sport, Getty, Spain, England, US Soccer, Seven Network, OzTAM, FIFA Women’s Football Convention Locations: England, AFP, Canada, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, Barcelona, Sydney, Germany

☆ Spanish queen celebrates side’s World Cup victory as British royals stay home
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Hafsa Khalil | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —When the Spanish women’s soccer team beat England in the Women’s World Cup final, Spain’s Queen Letizia was there to celebrate with them, while Britain’s royals – who decided to stay home – said their team were winners regardless. Joined by her youngest daughter, 16-year-old Infanta Sofia, the Spanish royals watched the match at the Stadium Australia in Sydney from the directors’ box alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Spanish sporting officials. FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) and Queen Letizia of Spain (2nd R) congratulate Spain's defender Laia Codina and forward Athenea del Castillo. World Champions!” the Spanish royal family wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. While Sofia said she was looking forward to the match, there was something else she was anticipating more – going “to the locker room afterwards as well to congratulate the (Spanish women’s football team) no matter what happens.”Queen Letizia celebrates with Spanish fans after Spain wins the Women's World Cup final.

Persons: Letizia, –, Sofia, Gianni Infantino, Spain, Laia Codina, Athenea del Castillo, Franck Fife, ”, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Queen “, ” William, Prince of Wales, Critics, King Charles III Organizations: London CNN, soccer, England, Australia, FIFA, Getty, Spanish women’s football, Spain, England’s Football Association Locations: Spanish, Sydney, AFP, Spain

☆ 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

☆ Opinion: What comes next for women’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Opinion Amy Bass | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

For the first time since 2011, a new champion in women’s soccer has been crowned. Amy Bass Rodney BedsoleSpain came out swinging with vigor and poise in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Sydney’s Stadium Australia, spreading the field, finding gaps in England’s backline and posting early dominant possession percentages. New worldAs the seconds of extra time ticked in the final, we already knew one result: no matter who won Sunday, the exclusive club of Women’s World Cup champions was about to have a newcomer. Jamaica made history at this World Cup because of the Reggae Girlz’ prowess, supported by a viral fundraising effort, not by its own federation. Indeed, it is his job to further the game, including and perhaps especially the women’s game, and not sit and wait to be convinced by women or anyone else.

Persons: Amy Bass, Amy Bass Rodney Bedsole Spain, England’s Lauren, Mary Earps, Spain’s Olga Carmona, Sarina Wiegman, Chloe Kelly, Lauren James, Gianni Infantino, anyone’s, Matildas, Salma Paraluello, Jorge Vilda, Mapi Leon, Aitana Bonmati, Vilda, Megyn Kelly, I’m, Alexi Lalas, Carli Lloyd, Lalas, ”, Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Abigail Adams, “, Infantino, you’ll, Rather, ahem Organizations: Manhattanville College, CNN, US, National, FIFA, Sydney’s, Sweden, England, New Zealand, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Fox, Tokyo, Soccer, Twitter, Facebook Locations: Australia, England, Spain, Norway, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, Haiti, New, Spanish, Colombia, Jamaica

☆ 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

☆ 'Best' Women's World Cup generates $570m for FIFA - Infantino
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"But actually, this World Cup generated over 570 million U.S. dollars in revenues, and so we broke even. We didn't lose any money and we generated the second highest income of any sport, besides of course the men's World Cup, at a global stage." Not just equal pay in the World Cup, which is a slogan that comes up every now and then. "Equal pay in the World Cup, we are going in that direction already. England play Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday to close the tournament.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Infantino, let's, it's, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: SYDNEY, FIFA, FIFA Women's Football Convention, Thomson Locations: Swiss, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, England, Spain, Sydney

☆ Atlas Lionesses: The Moroccan soccer revolution and the players inspiring a generation of girls
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Alasdair Howorth For Cnn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Morocco players celebrate after advancing to the knock out stage of the Women's World Cup. Her impact on the Moroccan women’s team has been equally dazzling. Chebbak’s legend has only grown this summer in leading the Atlas Lionesses at their first ever World Cup. Frustrated with the lack of women’s soccer, Illa and a few friends set up a team of their own. Nouhaila Benzina, pictured alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has become a history maker during the Women's World Cup.

Persons: Ghizlane Chebbak, Mohammed VI, King, Chebbak, –, Prince Moulay Abdallah, King Mohammed VI, Cheebak, Khadija Illa, “, Alex Grimm, Larbi Chebbak, Ghizlane, didn’t, Misr El, Paul Kane, ” Chebbak, ”, Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Morocco’s, Morocco's, Reynald Pedros, Gary Day, Illa, Colin Murty, Fouzi Lekjaa, Nouhaila, Gianni Infantino, Harold Cunningham Organizations: CNN, of Nations, Morocco women’s, National Women’s Football League, FIFA, Moroccan, Rabat’s AS, AS, CAF Champions League, Confederation of African Football, South, Chebbak, Getty, Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Women’s Football League, CAF Women’s Champions League Locations: Morocco, South Africa, Sahara, Egypt, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, France, Laâyoune, Rabat, soccer, AFP, Moroccan

☆ 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

☆ Viral women’s soccer ad uses doctored footage to prove a point
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Jennifer Korn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —One French company is using visual effects editing to promote the Women’s World Cup, putting out a now-viral video showing the French men’s soccer team playing at their best — until it is revealed that the footage is actually of the French women’s team. What first looks like Griezmann evading a defender dribbling down the field is actually a graphic overlay of Sakina Karchaoui, a professional player on the French women’s national team. The second half of the ad shows the original footage — with France’s top female soccer players owning the field. The ad was posted in June, ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place across Australia and New Zealand. 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.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Sakina, Marcel, ’, Gianni Infantino, Women’s Soccer Australia Heather Reid, Orange, ”, “, Craig Foster Organizations: New, New York CNN, French, Orange, French women’s, French women's, “, women’s, FIFA, CNN, Soccer, FIFPRO, Women’s Soccer Australia, CNN Sport, Football, Sport Locations: New York, Orange, Australia, New Zealand, Australian

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

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