Money talks, and sportswashing often works. Some of football’s biggest names now call the Saudi Pro League home.
Spain’s Esther González holds the trophy celebrating at the end of the Women’s World Cup soccer final between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 20, 2023.
(AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
By examining the FIFA Women’s World Cup performances, we can gain insights into the efforts countries are making to address gender inequality beyond sports.
Have you found yourself liking sport for the first time and wondering how you got here? Here’s what might be going on – and why it might be the best thing for your wellbeing.
AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi and AAP Image/Darren England
On August 6, the Australian Diamonds won the Netball World Cup for the 12th time – but it received a fraction of the coverage the Matildas are getting.
Morocco football players celebrate with fans.
Aitor Alcalde - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Fifa is facing a bumpy road to balancing money and moral aspects of growing the Women’s World Cup.
Canada’s Vanessa Gilles reacts at the full-time whistle after losing their Group B soccer match 4-0 against Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, on July 31, 2023.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Scott Barbour
The implications of the Canadian women’s soccer team’s World Cup loss goes beyond Canadian national pride.
Canada forward Janine Beckie watches after attempting a shot during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup women’s soccer match against the United States, Feb. 16, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Gender disparities in sport extend to injuries too. Female soccer players are at greater risk for ACL tears than males and it is clear immediate action is needed to address the non-biological factors for the injury.
The increasing commercialisation and globalisation of women’s football – coupled with poor pay – has created the conditions for match-fixing to become a major problem.
If the FA aims to promote both their men’s and women’s national teams equally, my findings suggest they should reassess their current social media strategy.
Data suggests most professional sports experience some form of home ground advantage. But it’s not straightforward.
A United States women’s national team member takes a shot during a FIFA Women’s World Cup send-off soccer match in San Jose, Calif., on July 9, 2023. Sponsorship and marketing deals with women athletes are often performative and exploitative.
(AP Photo/Josie Lepe)
While positive change has been seen, especially surrounding this year’s Women’s World Cup, there is still much work to be done by organizations governing women’s professional sports.
France’s Estelle Cascarino, right, kicks the ball past Australia’s Mary Fowler during their friendly soccer match in Melbourne, on July 14, 2023, ahead of the Women’s World Cup.
(AP Photo/Hamish Blair)
While the 2023 Women’s World Cup might be the best yet for women in terms of investments and viewership, there is still room for improvement for the 2027 World Cup.
Dele playing for England in 2018.
Dokshin Vlad/Shutterstock
Dele discussed a range of shocking experiences including being a victim of sexual abuse, dealing drugs at the age of eight, and being hung off a bridge by an adult at the age of 11.
England prepare to face Portugal in July 2023.
EPA-EFE/VINCE MIGNOTT