<p>The stage is set for the future stars of women's football as the match schedule and host cities for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 were unveiled by FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Tuesday alongside the official slogan for the tournament.</p>

<p>With only 258 days to go until the action gets underway, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Navi Mumbai have been confirmed as the five host cities for the tournament.</p>

<p>Sixteen teams featuring the rising stars of women's football will compete across 32 matches to lift the coveted trophy in Navi Mumbai on November 21.</p>

<p>Following the launch of the official emblem in November 2019, the unveiling of the five host cities and the match schedule marks a major milestone for the tournament as fans in the host cities and across India prepare to welcome the future stars and heroes of women's football.</p>

<p>Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, "It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate the five cities hosting the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020. As India prepares to host yet another FIFA event, I look forward to the support from the whole country in making this tournament a rousing success. Our Indian U-17 women's team will be playing in a FIFA tournament for the first time. It is a proud moment for the nation and we will provide all possible support to ensure its success."</p>

<p>In another significant announcement, the Official Slogan - Kick Off The Dream - was also unveiled at a press conference in Delhi.</p>

<p>Building on the passion and excitement generated by last year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France, as well as the legacy left by the FIFA U-17 World Cup that was hosted by India in 2017, Kick Off The Dream represents a powerful message that aims to encourage and inspire both men and women in India and beyond to pursue their dreams and help to kick start a new era of growth for women's football in the country and around the world.</p>

<p>Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer, said: "Today's announcement of the match schedule, host cities and Official Slogan for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 represents a major moment for the tournament and football fans across India and around the world."</p>

<p>"As we look to build on the incredible success of last year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France, as well as the legacy left by the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India provides an exciting opportunity, not just for the development of women's football, but for fans across India and worldwide to watch the next superstars of the women's game," she added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to GUWAHATI, KOLKATA, BHUBANESWAR, AHMEDABAD &amp; MUMBAI on being selected as the 5⃣ host cities for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup 2020 in India!<br />
The following is the match schedule for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U17WWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U17WWC</a> 2020⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/vHYHH5rm1h">https://t.co/vHYHH5rm1h</a> <a href="https://t.co/o2i7PVKr6O">pic.twitter.com/o2i7PVKr6O</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1229761317784801280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Praful Patel, LOC Chairman, and FIFA Council member added: "The announcement of the match schedule is an important moment on the road to the tournament as we not only know which cities will host what number of matches, but fans too can start saving the dates for this November. I am confident that the five host cities will do a wonderful job hosting the best young footballers in this important tournament."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's time to Kick Off The Dream!<br />
The 5⃣ host cities and match schedule have been unveiled for November's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U17WWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#U17WWC</a> 2020 in India⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/2ywjk9daRU">pic.twitter.com/2ywjk9daRU</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1229758233041981440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Roberto Grassi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments, said: "With five host cities and 16 teams playing across 32 matches, the stage is set for the rising stars at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020. Tournament preparations are well underway and approaching their final stages, and we are excited to work closely with the LOC to bring the tournament to life. We are confident that India will deliver a truly spectacular FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup later this year while providing the players with a platform to perform at their highest level."</p>

<p><strong>The key dates for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 include:</strong><br />
Opening match - November 2<br />
Quarter-finals - November 12 and 13<br />
Semi-finals - November 17<br />
3rd/4th-place playoff and final - November 21.</p>

<p>Group-stage matches will be played in four host cities Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, and Kolkata with the knockout stages also taking place in four cities Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Navi Mumbai. The winners will lift the trophy at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 21.</p>


The stage is set for the future stars of women's football as the match schedule and host cities for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 were unveiled by FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Tuesday alongside the official slogan for the tournament.

The stage is set for the future stars of women's football as the match schedule and host cities for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 were unveiled by FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Tuesday alongside the official slogan for the tournament. With only 258 days to go until the action gets underway, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Kolkata, and Navi Mumbai have been confirmed as the five host cities for the tournament. Sixteen teams featuring the rising stars of women's football will compete across 32 matches to lift the coveted trophy in Navi Mumbai on November 21. Following the launch of the official emblem in November 2019, the unveiling of the five host cities and the match schedule marks a major milestone for the tournament as fans in the host cities and across India prepare to welcome the future stars and heroes of women's football. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju said, "It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate the five cities hosting the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020. As India prepares to host yet another FIFA event, I look forward to the support from the whole country in making this tournament a rousing success. Our Indian U-17 women's team will be playing in a FIFA tournament for the first time. It is a proud moment for the nation and we will provide all possible support to ensure its success." In another significant announcement, the Official Slogan - Kick Off The Dream - was also unveiled at a press conference in Delhi. Building on the passion and excitement generated by last year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France, as well as the legacy left by the FIFA U-17 World Cup that was hosted by India in 2017, Kick Off The Dream represents a powerful message that aims to encourage and inspire both men and women in India and beyond to pursue their dreams and help to kick start a new era of growth for women's football in the country and around the world. Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women's Football Officer, said: "Today's announcement of the match schedule, host cities and Official Slogan for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 represents a major moment for the tournament and football fans across India and around the world." "As we look to build on the incredible success of last year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France, as well as the legacy left by the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in India provides an exciting opportunity, not just for the development of women's football, but for fans across India and worldwide to watch the next superstars of the women's game," she added. Congratulations to GUWAHATI, KOLKATA, BHUBANESWAR, AHMEDABAD & MUMBAI on being selected as the 5⃣ host cities for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup 2020 in India! The following is the match schedule for the #U17WWC 2020⚽️ https://t.co/vHYHH5rm1h pic.twitter.com/o2i7PVKr6O — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 18, 2020 × Praful Patel, LOC Chairman, and FIFA Council member added: "The announcement of the match schedule is an important moment on the road to the tournament as we not only know which cities will host what number of matches, but fans too can start saving the dates for this November. I am confident that the five host cities will do a wonderful job hosting the best young footballers in this important tournament." It's time to Kick Off The Dream! The 5⃣ host cities and match schedule have been unveiled for November's #U17WWC 2020 in India⚽️ pic.twitter.com/2ywjk9daRU — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 18, 2020 × Roberto Grassi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments, said: "With five host cities and 16 teams playing across 32 matches, the stage is set for the rising stars at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020. Tournament preparations are well underway and approaching their final stages, and we are excited to work closely with the LOC to bring the tournament to life. We are confident that India will deliver a truly spectacular FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup later this year while providing the players with a platform to perform at their highest level." The key dates for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 include: Opening match - November 2 Quarter-finals - November 12 and 13 Semi-finals - November 17 3rd/4th-place playoff and final - November 21. Group-stage matches will be played in four host cities Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, and Kolkata with the knockout stages also taking place in four cities Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Navi Mumbai. The winners will lift the trophy at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 21.

Navi Mumbai set to host FIFA World Cup U-17 Women's World Cup final

<p>Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended&nbsp;women's&nbsp;soccer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-australia-new-zealand-join-forces-for-2023-womens-world-cup-bid-268042">World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in&nbsp;2023</a>, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;the tournament, officials said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The trans-Tasman neighbours last week launched a joint bid backed by both governments to bring the tournament to the southern hemisphere for the first time in&nbsp;2023.</p>

<p>Their official bid book was presented to&nbsp;world&nbsp;governing body <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-invest-1billion-in-womens-football-in-the-next-four-years-infantino-257832">FIFA</a> last Friday.</p>

<p>Brazil, Colombia and Japan also submitted formal bids to host the tournament, the first to feature 32 teams.</p>

<p>This year's 24-team&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in France, won by the United States, set&nbsp;records for attendance and attracted unprecedented viewing figures on television.</p>

<p>Average attendance in France was about 23,500, with the final in Lyon attracting 57,900. The 2015 tournament in Canada sold a&nbsp;record&nbsp;total of 1.35 million tickets.</p>

<p>New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said their bid, which is marketed with the tag-line 'As One', was also built on providing a legacy for soccer in both countries and throughout the South Pacific.</p>

<p>"Moving the dial for&nbsp;women's&nbsp;football across our confederations and beyond sits at the very heart of our vision for the FIFA&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;2023, as well as leading the way for gender equity and creating strong role models for women in leadership," Wood said in a statement on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"We stand ready 'As&nbsp;One'&nbsp;to deliver FIFA the most successful&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;ever, a ground-breaking tournament whose impact will reverberate across the globe."</p>

<p>The pool phase for the joint&nbsp;Australasian bid would be split evenly with four groups in each country.</p>

<p>Auckland's Eden Park, the site of two men's rugby&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;finals, would host the opening ceremony and first match.</p>

<p>Australia, with its bigger stadia, would then host the majority of the knockout matches with five of the eight second round games, three quarter-finals, one semi-final and the playoff for third.</p>

<p>Sydney's redeveloped Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, would be the venue for the final.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Australasian bid is the first that crosses the boundaries of FIFA's six confederations. Australia realigned with the Asian confederation in early 2006, while New Zealand remained in the much smaller Oceania region.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;2023&nbsp;hosts will be decided by FIFA next year.</p>


Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended women's soccer World Cup in 2023, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are awarded the tournament, officials said on Tuesday.

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended women's soccer World Cup in 2023, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are awarded the tournament, officials said on Tuesday. The trans-Tasman neighbours last week launched a joint bid backed by both governments to bring the tournament to the southern hemisphere for the first time in 2023. Their official bid book was presented to world governing body FIFA last Friday. Brazil, Colombia and Japan also submitted formal bids to host the tournament, the first to feature 32 teams. This year's 24-team World Cup in France, won by the United States, set records for attendance and attracted unprecedented viewing figures on television. Average attendance in France was about 23,500, with the final in Lyon attracting 57,900. The 2015 tournament in Canada sold a record total of 1.35 million tickets. New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said their bid, which is marketed with the tag-line 'As One', was also built on providing a legacy for soccer in both countries and throughout the South Pacific. "Moving the dial for women's football across our confederations and beyond sits at the very heart of our vision for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, as well as leading the way for gender equity and creating strong role models for women in leadership," Wood said in a statement on Tuesday. "We stand ready 'As One' to deliver FIFA the most successful Women's World Cup ever, a ground-breaking tournament whose impact will reverberate across the globe." The pool phase for the joint Australasian bid would be split evenly with four groups in each country. Auckland's Eden Park, the site of two men's rugby World Cup finals, would host the opening ceremony and first match. Australia, with its bigger stadia, would then host the majority of the knockout matches with five of the eight second round games, three quarter-finals, one semi-final and the playoff for third. Sydney's redeveloped Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, would be the venue for the final. The Australasian bid is the first that crosses the boundaries of FIFA's six confederations. Australia realigned with the Asian confederation in early 2006, while New Zealand remained in the much smaller Oceania region. The 2023 hosts will be decided by FIFA next year.

Australasia promise record crowds if awarded 2023 Women's World Cup

<p>Eight member associations will continue their bid to host the expanded women's World Cup in 2023, soccer's world governing body FIFA confirmed on Tuesday.</p>

<p>FIFA agreed to increase the number of participating teams for the 2023 event from 24 to 32 following this year's edition in France, and it subsequently reopened the bidding process.</p>

<p>Bidding member associations include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea, which is interested in a joint bid together with North Korea.</p>

<p>Belgium, which registered its interest last month, as well as Bolivia were not on the latest list.</p>

<p>"FIFA has dispatched updated bidding and hosting documents to all eight member associations, which will have until Dec. 13 to submit their bid book, the signed hosting agreement and all other hosting and bidding documents," FIFA said in a statement https://www.fifa.com/womens-football/news/bidding-process-for-fifa-women-s-world-cup-2023tm-continues-with-eight-member-as.</p>

<p>"Up until the deadline for bid submissions, any member association wishing to join an existing bid will be permitted to do so provided it also submits a bidding registration to FIFA."</p>

<p>The tournament's expansion was pledged by FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the end of this year's World Cup, which was won for a record-extending fourth time by the United States.</p>

<p>Interest in the women's game has arguably never been higher, with broadcast records broken all over the world in the June-July showpiece.</p>

<p>Almost 59 million people watched France beat potential 2023 hosts Brazil in the last 16, becoming the most viewed women's soccer match of all time.</p>

<p>FIFA will conduct official inspections for relevant member associations in January and February 2020, and the hosts are expected to be named in May.</p>


Eight member associations will continue their bid to host the expanded women's World Cup in 2023, soccer's world governing body FIFA confirmed on Tuesday. FIFA agreed to increase the number of participating teams for the 2023 event from 24 to 32 following this year's edition in France, and it subsequently reopened the bidding process.

Eight member associations will continue their bid to host the expanded women's World Cup in 2023, soccer's world governing body FIFA confirmed on Tuesday. FIFA agreed to increase the number of participating teams for the 2023 event from 24 to 32 following this year's edition in France, and it subsequently reopened the bidding process. Bidding member associations include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea, which is interested in a joint bid together with North Korea. Belgium, which registered its interest last month, as well as Bolivia were not on the latest list. "FIFA has dispatched updated bidding and hosting documents to all eight member associations, which will have until Dec. 13 to submit their bid book, the signed hosting agreement and all other hosting and bidding documents," FIFA said in a statement https://www.fifa.com/womens-football/news/bidding-process-for-fifa-women-s-world-cup-2023tm-continues-with-eight-member-as. "Up until the deadline for bid submissions, any member association wishing to join an existing bid will be permitted to do so provided it also submits a bidding registration to FIFA." The tournament's expansion was pledged by FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the end of this year's World Cup, which was won for a record-extending fourth time by the United States. Interest in the women's game has arguably never been higher, with broadcast records broken all over the world in the June-July showpiece. Almost 59 million people watched France beat potential 2023 hosts Brazil in the last 16, becoming the most viewed women's soccer match of all time. FIFA will conduct official inspections for relevant member associations in January and February 2020, and the hosts are expected to be named in May.

Eight member associations in race to host 2023 women's World Cup

<p>US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">World Cup triumph on Sunday</a> and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain.</p>

<p>"Congratulations to the US Women's Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump, who had exchanged barbs with player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe during the finals in France.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1147946170293071872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>After Rapinoe, who led her side to victory on Sunday, told a reporter last month she would not go to the White House if the team were invited, Trump fired off a series of tweets saying: "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!..."</p>

<p>"Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her &amp; the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"</p>

<p>He went on to promise a White House invitation to the team "win or lose."</p>

<p>However, when asked by reporters on Sunday if Trump would invite the team to the White House, he said, "We haven't really thought about it. We will look at that."</p>

<p>English-born US&nbsp;national team coach Jill Ellis said she would not bet on an invite.</p>

<p>The United States duly claimed their fourth World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, with goals from Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle.</p>

<p>Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also tweeted their congratulations, along with numerous other politicians, athletes and celebrities.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USWNT</a>, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneNationOneTeam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneNationOneTeam</a></p>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1147918213952360448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Trump also waded into the female athlete pay debate, saying that he "would like to see" women paid as much as their male counterparts, but noted that further study was needed.</p>

<p>Rapinoe on Saturday took aim at world soccer's governing body FIFA over a sizeable gap in the prize money offered to women's World cup champions compared to male winners.</p>


US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their World Cup triumph on Sunday and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain.

US President Donald Trump praised the women's national soccer team in the wake of their World Cup triumph on Sunday and said he would look into inviting them to the White House, just days after a spat with the captain. "Congratulations to the US Women's Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump, who had exchanged barbs with player of the tournament Megan Rapinoe during the finals in France. Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play. America is proud of you all! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 7, 2019 × After Rapinoe, who led her side to victory on Sunday, told a reporter last month she would not go to the White House if the team were invited, Trump fired off a series of tweets saying: "Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job!..." "Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!" He went on to promise a White House invitation to the team "win or lose." However, when asked by reporters on Sunday if Trump would invite the team to the White House, he said, "We haven't really thought about it. We will look at that." English-born US national team coach Jill Ellis said she would not bet on an invite. The United States duly claimed their fourth World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in Lyon, with goals from Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. Former US presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also tweeted their congratulations, along with numerous other politicians, athletes and celebrities. Yes! Fourth star. Back to back. Congrats to the record breakers on the @USWNT, an incredible team that’s always pushing themselves—and the rest of us—to be even better. Love this team. #OneNationOneTeam — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 7, 2019 × Trump also waded into the female athlete pay debate, saying that he "would like to see" women paid as much as their male counterparts, but noted that further study was needed. Rapinoe on Saturday took aim at world soccer's governing body FIFA over a sizeable gap in the prize money offered to women's World cup champions compared to male winners.

After spat with soccer star Rapinoe, Trump may invite US women's World Cup winning team to White House

<p>The women footballers of United States might have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">won the World Cup</a> for a record fourth time but their off-field fight for pay equity continues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Throughout the tournament, fans demanded equal pay for the players with some of them even marching to stadiums with banners displaying "equal play".&nbsp;</p>

<p>They even booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron during the prize distribution ceremony after the final and gave a hero-like reception to the player of the match, co-captain Megan Rapinoe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some US websites reported that more than 50 members of Congress wrote to the national federation a few months ago saying that female football players receive a base salary of about $30,000 less than their male counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also mentioned that they earn less bonus money for making it to the World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid a growing outcry over the pay disparity between the men's and women's players, Infantino said that he wants to expand the field of teams for the next World Cup in 2023 from 24 to 32 and double the prize money to $60 million. But so far he has not said anything about increasing the salary of women players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US women's football team salary depends on how well the squad does in the World Cup and few sponsors also pay according to the performance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the World Cup, Australia made a landmark decision to raise the women players’ salaries. This will see professional female footballers in the country earning the same minimum wage as their male counterparts. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under a new collective bargaining agreement unveiled, the base annual pay for players in the W-League was hiked 33 per cent to Aus $16,344 (US$11,393).</p>


The women footballers of United States might have won the World Cup for a record fourth time but their off-field fight for pay equity continues. Throughout the tournament, fans demanded equal pay for the players with some of them even marching to stadiums with banners displaying "equal play".

The women footballers of United States might have won the World Cup for a record fourth time but their off-field fight for pay equity continues. Throughout the tournament, fans demanded equal pay for the players with some of them even marching to stadiums with banners displaying "equal play". They even booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron during the prize distribution ceremony after the final and gave a hero-like reception to the player of the match, co-captain Megan Rapinoe. Some US websites reported that more than 50 members of Congress wrote to the national federation a few months ago saying that female football players receive a base salary of about $30,000 less than their male counterparts. They also mentioned that they earn less bonus money for making it to the World Cup. Amid a growing outcry over the pay disparity between the men's and women's players, Infantino said that he wants to expand the field of teams for the next World Cup in 2023 from 24 to 32 and double the prize money to $60 million. But so far he has not said anything about increasing the salary of women players. The US women's football team salary depends on how well the squad does in the World Cup and few sponsors also pay according to the performance. Ahead of the World Cup, Australia made a landmark decision to raise the women players’ salaries. This will see professional female footballers in the country earning the same minimum wage as their male counterparts. Under a new collective bargaining agreement unveiled, the base annual pay for players in the W-League was hiked 33 per cent to Aus $16,344 (US$11,393).

US women footballers win World Cup battle, but still fighting for ‘equal pay’

<p>The crowd at the women's World Cup final booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron as United States fans demanded equal pay for the players after their team <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usa-win-womens-world-cup-after-beating-netherlands-2-0-in-final-233834">claimed a fourth global title</a> by beating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday.</p>

<p>Macron and Infantino, the head of soccer's world governing body, were turned on by the supporters as they approached the ceremony podium -- a sharp contrast with the hero-like reception given to player of the match Megan Rapinoe by the 57,900 crowd.</p>

<p>Despite a recent rebound, Macron's popularity was last at 38 per cent in an Ifop poll, up 15 points since a low in December at the peak of the anti-government yellow-vest crisis.</p>

<p>US&nbsp;captain Rapinoe, the leading voice for equal pay in a sport where the men are far better paid than the women, scored the opening goal with a VAR-awarded penalty in the 61st minute at the sold-out Groupama Stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rose Lavelle rounded off the victory eight minutes later as the Americans added to their 1991, 1999 and 2015 world titles.</p>

<p>After the game Rapinoe told reporters,&nbsp;"I think everyone is ready for this conversation and move to the next step. I think we're done with,&nbsp;'Are we worth it? Should we have equal pay?'."</p>

<p>Earlier this year, members of the US&nbsp;squad were named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the national soccer federation alleging gender discrimination.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Fans booed&nbsp;FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fans booed Infantino and followed it up by chanting “equal pay!” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWWC2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWWC2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/p4Kw7vZrbU">pic.twitter.com/p4Kw7vZrbU</a></p>
— Lissa Tan (@page1of1) <a href="https://twitter.com/page1of1/status/1147915571998146561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was filed in federal court last month and says the women are not paid the same as their male counterparts.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Rapinoe launched a scathing attack on FIFA, saying the organisation did not respect the women's game.</p>

<p>Rapinoe said FIFA’s decision to allow the men's Copa America final and Gold Cup showpiece to take place on the same day as the women’s final was “unbelievable”.</p>

<p>Rapinoe shook Infantino and Macron's hands as she received her medal.</p>

<p>"It’s unbelievable to know all the people who put in so much in this group," she said.</p>

<p>"We have all our families and friends here. It’s surreal. I don’t know how to feel right now. It’s ridiculous."</p>


The crowd at the women's World Cup final booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron as United States fans demanded equal pay for the players after their team claimed a fourth global title by beating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday.

The crowd at the women's World Cup final booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron as United States fans demanded equal pay for the players after their team claimed a fourth global title by beating the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday. Macron and Infantino, the head of soccer's world governing body, were turned on by the supporters as they approached the ceremony podium -- a sharp contrast with the hero-like reception given to player of the match Megan Rapinoe by the 57,900 crowd. Despite a recent rebound, Macron's popularity was last at 38 per cent in an Ifop poll, up 15 points since a low in December at the peak of the anti-government yellow-vest crisis. US captain Rapinoe, the leading voice for equal pay in a sport where the men are far better paid than the women, scored the opening goal with a VAR-awarded penalty in the 61st minute at the sold-out Groupama Stadium. Rose Lavelle rounded off the victory eight minutes later as the Americans added to their 1991, 1999 and 2015 world titles. After the game Rapinoe told reporters, "I think everyone is ready for this conversation and move to the next step. I think we're done with, 'Are we worth it? Should we have equal pay?'." Earlier this year, members of the US squad were named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the national soccer federation alleging gender discrimination. Watch: Fans booed FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and French president Emmanuel Macron Fans booed Infantino and followed it up by chanting “equal pay!” #FIFAWWC2019 #USWNT pic.twitter.com/p4Kw7vZrbU — Lissa Tan (@page1of1) July 7, 2019 × It was filed in federal court last month and says the women are not paid the same as their male counterparts. On Saturday, Rapinoe launched a scathing attack on FIFA, saying the organisation did not respect the women's game. Rapinoe said FIFA’s decision to allow the men's Copa America final and Gold Cup showpiece to take place on the same day as the women’s final was “unbelievable”. Rapinoe shook Infantino and Macron's hands as she received her medal. "It’s unbelievable to know all the people who put in so much in this group," she said. "We have all our families and friends here. It’s surreal. I don’t know how to feel right now. It’s ridiculous."

Watch: FIFA boss Gianni Infantino booed at women's World Cup final ceremony

Netherlands fans let out all their excitement as they filed out of Lyon Stadium after watching their side edge Sweden 1-0 after extra time in their last-four clash on Wednesday (July 3).

Netherlands fans roar as side reaches first World Cup final with extra-time rocket

<p>Referee Yoshimi Yamashita and assistants Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi are set to make AFC Cup history on Wednesday by becoming the first all-female trio to officiate a match at the tournament.</p>

<p>The three Japanese women will take charge of Yangon United's final Group F match against Cambodia's Naga World after passing a fitness test similar to the one required for male officials, the Asian Football Confederation said.</p>

<p>"This is one of my dreams," said Yamashita, who has officiated at two FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cups.</p>

<p>"We've worked very hard and this is the result. I have to thank the AFC for giving us this opportunity to join the history books in women`s refereeing in Asia",&nbsp;Yamashita said.</p>

<p>Yamashita joins the likes of Stephanie Frappart and Bibiana Steinhaus, who have officiated top-flight men's games in France and Germany, respectively.</p>

<p>The Japanese trio are also part of the AFC's list of 12 Asian match officials who will be at this year's Women's World Cup in France, which starts on June 7.</p>

<p>Assistant referee Teshirogi is hoping the appointment of the all-female refereeing trio inspires more women to officiate men's games.</p>

<p>"More women passed the men's fitness test so that shows how motivated women referees are," she said.</p>

<p>Two more women assistant referees will also be in action at the AFC Cup on Wednesday, with Kim Kyoung-min and Lee Seul-gi set to assist male referee Kim Dae-yong when Ceres Negros host Becamex Binh Duong.</p>


Referee Yoshimi Yamashita and assistants Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi are set to make AFC Cup history on Wednesday by becoming the first all-female trio to officiate a match at the tournament.

Referee Yoshimi Yamashita and assistants Makoto Bozono and Naomi Teshirogi are set to make AFC Cup history on Wednesday by becoming the first all-female trio to officiate a match at the tournament. The three Japanese women will take charge of Yangon United's final Group F match against Cambodia's Naga World after passing a fitness test similar to the one required for male officials, the Asian Football Confederation said. "This is one of my dreams," said Yamashita, who has officiated at two FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cups. "We've worked very hard and this is the result. I have to thank the AFC for giving us this opportunity to join the history books in women`s refereeing in Asia", Yamashita said. Yamashita joins the likes of Stephanie Frappart and Bibiana Steinhaus, who have officiated top-flight men's games in France and Germany, respectively. The Japanese trio are also part of the AFC's list of 12 Asian match officials who will be at this year's Women's World Cup in France, which starts on June 7. Assistant referee Teshirogi is hoping the appointment of the all-female refereeing trio inspires more women to officiate men's games. "More women passed the men's fitness test so that shows how motivated women referees are," she said. Two more women assistant referees will also be in action at the AFC Cup on Wednesday, with Kim Kyoung-min and Lee Seul-gi set to assist male referee Kim Dae-yong when Ceres Negros host Becamex Binh Duong.

First all-female trio set to officiate Asian Football Confederation Cup game

<p>FIFA has recommended the use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France this year.</p>

<p>The organising committee of world soccer's governing body met on Monday and backed the use of VAR at the tournament after it was introduced at the men's World Cup last year in Russia.</p>

<p>The FIFA council will make a final decision on whether the technology will be used at this year's women's event, which runs from June 7-July 7, when it meets in Miami later this month.</p>

<p>"I can’t see them not having (VAR), I think it would be a little bit insulting if we weren't afforded the same opportunity (as the men)," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said in July.</p>

<p>The technology, which is operating in most of the leading European soccer leagues, has been used in the Champions League knockout stage for the first time this season.</p>

<p>The English Premier League plans to use VAR next season.</p>


FIFA has recommended the use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France this year. The organising committee of world soccer's governing body met on Monday and backed the use of VAR at the tournament after it was introduced at the men's World Cup last year in Russia.

FIFA has recommended the use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France this year. The organising committee of world soccer's governing body met on Monday and backed the use of VAR at the tournament after it was introduced at the men's World Cup last year in Russia. The FIFA council will make a final decision on whether the technology will be used at this year's women's event, which runs from June 7-July 7, when it meets in Miami later this month. "I can’t see them not having (VAR), I think it would be a little bit insulting if we weren't afforded the same opportunity (as the men)," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said in July. The technology, which is operating in most of the leading European soccer leagues, has been used in the Champions League knockout stage for the first time this season. The English Premier League plans to use VAR next season.

FIFA recommends use of VAR at 2019 Women's World Cup

<p>Australia's preparations for the Women's World Cup have been rocked with the sacking of coach Alen Stajcic, with Football Federation Australia (FFA) announcing his departure on Saturday.</p>

<p>Stajcic, who took charge of the 'Matildas' in 2014, guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and the same stage at the Rio Olympics the following year.</p>

<p>The decision to terminate Stajcic's contract came after the FFA conducted an internal survey of players and staff, followed by a supplementary review carried out by women's rights group Our Watch.</p>

<p>"The ultimate responsibility for driving change and leading a high-performance environment that puts the team in the best possible position to achieve what they are capable of, rests with the head coach," FFA Chief Executive David Gallop said in a statement.</p>

<p>"We no longer have confidence that Alen is the right person to lead the team and staff.</p>

<p>"FFA is committed to providing the best possible environment for the Westfield Matildas and this change is being made with that objective in mind.</p>

<p>"We will continue to review other aspects of the team set-up and monitor the Matildas environment in the coming weeks and months as we build for the FIFA Women's World Cup in France."</p>

<p>Australia will be one of the favourites at the June 7 to July 7 World Cup, where they are one of the top six seeded nations at the tournament. They will face Italy, Jamaica and Brazil in the group stage.</p>

<p>The FFA said it would now begin the process of appointing an interim coach to take charge of the team through until the World Cup.</p>


Australia's preparations for the Women's World Cup have been rocked with the sacking of coach Alen Stajcic, with Football Federation Australia (FFA) announcing his departure on Saturday.

Australia's preparations for the Women's World Cup have been rocked with the sacking of coach Alen Stajcic, with Football Federation Australia (FFA) announcing his departure on Saturday. Stajcic, who took charge of the 'Matildas' in 2014, guided the team to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup and the same stage at the Rio Olympics the following year. The decision to terminate Stajcic's contract came after the FFA conducted an internal survey of players and staff, followed by a supplementary review carried out by women's rights group Our Watch. "The ultimate responsibility for driving change and leading a high-performance environment that puts the team in the best possible position to achieve what they are capable of, rests with the head coach," FFA Chief Executive David Gallop said in a statement. "We no longer have confidence that Alen is the right person to lead the team and staff. "FFA is committed to providing the best possible environment for the Westfield Matildas and this change is being made with that objective in mind. "We will continue to review other aspects of the team set-up and monitor the Matildas environment in the coming weeks and months as we build for the FIFA Women's World Cup in France." Australia will be one of the favourites at the June 7 to July 7 World Cup, where they are one of the top six seeded nations at the tournament. They will face Italy, Jamaica and Brazil in the group stage. The FFA said it would now begin the process of appointing an interim coach to take charge of the team through until the World Cup.

Australia women's coach Stajcic sacked five months before World Cup

<p>Indian women's cricket team <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-world-t20-mandhana-hits-83-to-set-up-indias-48-run-win-over-australia-177938">defeated Australia in Women T20 World Cup</a> on Saturday, a match where opener Smriti Mandhana smashed a career-best 83 to notch up India's fourth victory in as many matches to top group B.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After winning the match, India's young talented player Jemimah Rodrigues interacted with media and said that the team needs to continue the momentum and strive to do even better in the semi-final.</p>

<p>"I think it's important, not just because it's Australia but for ourselves and our team, because we have the momentum," said Jemimah.</p>

<p>"It plays a huge impact on our team, we look forward to it (semi-final) but won't get carried away by it and (will) try to do even better in the semi-final," she added.</p>

<p>The 18-year-old denied on being asked whether India have ticked all the boxes ahead of the semi-final, she said there is always scope for improvement.</p>

<p>Adding to that she mentioned, "But I think we did pretty well, from the first match until today I've seen a lot of improvement in our bowling and our fielding."</p>

<p>Rodrigues made her Twenty20 International debut on February, 13, 2018 against South Africa. While speaking to the media she hailed the teammates and coached for putting in efforts.</p>

<p>"Our teammates, everybody, the coaches, everybody is putting in a lot of effort, working really hard and it's paying off, so we'll just try and get better."</p>


Indian women's cricket team defeated Australia in Women T20 World Cup on Saturday, a match where opener Smriti Mandhana smashed a career-best 83 to notch up India's fourth victory in as many matches to top group B.

Indian women's cricket team defeated Australia in Women T20 World Cup on Saturday, a match where opener Smriti Mandhana smashed a career-best 83 to notch up India's fourth victory in as many matches to top group B. After winning the match, India's young talented player Jemimah Rodrigues interacted with media and said that the team needs to continue the momentum and strive to do even better in the semi-final. "I think it's important, not just because it's Australia but for ourselves and our team, because we have the momentum," said Jemimah. "It plays a huge impact on our team, we look forward to it (semi-final) but won't get carried away by it and (will) try to do even better in the semi-final," she added. The 18-year-old denied on being asked whether India have ticked all the boxes ahead of the semi-final, she said there is always scope for improvement. Adding to that she mentioned, "But I think we did pretty well, from the first match until today I've seen a lot of improvement in our bowling and our fielding." Rodrigues made her Twenty20 International debut on February, 13, 2018 against South Africa. While speaking to the media she hailed the teammates and coached for putting in efforts. "Our teammates, everybody, the coaches, everybody is putting in a lot of effort, working really hard and it's paying off, so we'll just try and get better."

India will try to do 'even better' in semis, says Jemimah Rodrigues

<p>FIFA will raise the prize money for the Women's World Cup from $15 million to $30 million starting with next year's edition in France, president Gianni Infantino announced on Friday, though critics immediately said the increase was not enough.</p>

<p>Following a FIFA council meeting in Rwanda, the Swiss-Italian also said that $20 million would be made available for pre-tournament preparations, meaning that $50 million in total would be allocated across the 24 participating nations.</p>

<p>The prize money is double the amount awarded in the 2015 World Cup in Canada and for the first time clubs will be rewarded for their players taking part in the tournament, as is the case in the men's edition.</p>

<p>"It's a very important message for women's football. It will certainly boost this World Cup even more," Infantino told a news conference.</p>

<p>However, global footballers' union FIFpro said the changes were not enough to redress the inequality between men's and women's football worldwide.</p>

<p>"FIFPro notes the willingness of FIFA to increase prize money for the Women's World Cup and make structural improvements to support women’s football. However, despite these changes football remains even further from the goal of equality for all World Cup players regardless of gender," a FIFpro statement said.</p>

<p>"In reality, the changes actually signify an increase in the gap between men’s and women’s prize money. This regressive trend appears to contravene FIFA’s statutory commitment to gender equality.</p>

<p>"We strongly support our members, women's national team players in multiple countries, who have written to FIFA in recent days expressing their dismay about the distribution of prize money."</p>

<p>Players' unions in Australia, Norway, Sweden and New Zealand had written to world soccer's governing body to protest that even with women's prize money being doubled, the rewards in the men's game still dwarf the new amounts.</p>

<p>The total prize money for this year's men's World Cup in Russia was $400m, with champions France receiving $38m.</p>

<p>The letter from Australia's PFA argued: "For the group stage alone, Socceroos players have shared $2.4 million for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, while the Matildas will only share $0.225 million, less than 10 percent.</p>

<p>"If the Matildas are to become World Champions, they will only receive 50 percent of what the Socceroos received for qualifying for Russia."</p>

<p>US&nbsp;women, the world's most successful squad and winners of three of the seven Women's World Cups, also called for an increase in prize money.</p>

<p>"The USWNT Players Association is thankful for the women and men who tirelessly work on a daily basis to advance women’s football within institutions like FIFA and US&nbsp;Soccer, as well as within fellow unions like FIFPro and its members," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The common objective of all these institutions - both management and labour - is ultimately to grow the game. Substantial investment is required to overcome generations of inequality and discrimination in the women's game, to make football the world’s preeminent sport for women and girls.</p>

<p>"We are committed to ... have continuous dialogue around how FIFA and US&nbsp;Soccer can fulfil their respective statutory obligations of gender equality, including the prize money for the 2019 World Cup, which is an area we feel immediate and impactful investment can be made.”</p>

<p>Infantino said that FIFA was committed to consistently increasing investment and cited the launch of a new strategy for women's football earlier this month which included plans to strengthen the game in all 211 member associations.</p>

<p>"Clearly... we want to invest more and earmark more for women's football and not only for the best 24 teams in the world who play the World Cup, for which we have increased significantly the allocations and prize monies, but we have a duty to do so all over the world," he said.</p>

<p>"Also in these regulations there are specific requirements for all associations in the world that in order to receive the necessary grants they have to organise women's competitions, otherwise they don't receive these grants."</p>


FIFA will raise the prize money for the Women's World Cup from $15 million to $30 million starting with next year's edition in France, president Gianni Infantino announced on Friday, though critics immediately said the increase was not enough.

FIFA will raise the prize money for the Women's World Cup from $15 million to $30 million starting with next year's edition in France, president Gianni Infantino announced on Friday, though critics immediately said the increase was not enough. Following a FIFA council meeting in Rwanda, the Swiss-Italian also said that $20 million would be made available for pre-tournament preparations, meaning that $50 million in total would be allocated across the 24 participating nations. The prize money is double the amount awarded in the 2015 World Cup in Canada and for the first time clubs will be rewarded for their players taking part in the tournament, as is the case in the men's edition. "It's a very important message for women's football. It will certainly boost this World Cup even more," Infantino told a news conference. However, global footballers' union FIFpro said the changes were not enough to redress the inequality between men's and women's football worldwide. "FIFPro notes the willingness of FIFA to increase prize money for the Women's World Cup and make structural improvements to support women’s football. However, despite these changes football remains even further from the goal of equality for all World Cup players regardless of gender," a FIFpro statement said. "In reality, the changes actually signify an increase in the gap between men’s and women’s prize money. This regressive trend appears to contravene FIFA’s statutory commitment to gender equality. "We strongly support our members, women's national team players in multiple countries, who have written to FIFA in recent days expressing their dismay about the distribution of prize money." Players' unions in Australia, Norway, Sweden and New Zealand had written to world soccer's governing body to protest that even with women's prize money being doubled, the rewards in the men's game still dwarf the new amounts. The total prize money for this year's men's World Cup in Russia was $400m, with champions France receiving $38m. The letter from Australia's PFA argued: "For the group stage alone, Socceroos players have shared $2.4 million for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, while the Matildas will only share $0.225 million, less than 10 percent. "If the Matildas are to become World Champions, they will only receive 50 percent of what the Socceroos received for qualifying for Russia." US women, the world's most successful squad and winners of three of the seven Women's World Cups, also called for an increase in prize money. "The USWNT Players Association is thankful for the women and men who tirelessly work on a daily basis to advance women’s football within institutions like FIFA and US Soccer, as well as within fellow unions like FIFPro and its members," it said in a statement. "The common objective of all these institutions - both management and labour - is ultimately to grow the game. Substantial investment is required to overcome generations of inequality and discrimination in the women's game, to make football the world’s preeminent sport for women and girls. "We are committed to ... have continuous dialogue around how FIFA and US Soccer can fulfil their respective statutory obligations of gender equality, including the prize money for the 2019 World Cup, which is an area we feel immediate and impactful investment can be made.” Infantino said that FIFA was committed to consistently increasing investment and cited the launch of a new strategy for women's football earlier this month which included plans to strengthen the game in all 211 member associations. "Clearly... we want to invest more and earmark more for women's football and not only for the best 24 teams in the world who play the World Cup, for which we have increased significantly the allocations and prize monies, but we have a duty to do so all over the world," he said. "Also in these regulations there are specific requirements for all associations in the world that in order to receive the necessary grants they have to organise women's competitions, otherwise they don't receive these grants."

FIFA approves prize money increase for 2019 Women's World Cup

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday named Team India skipper Mithali Raj as the captain of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup 2017 team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali, 34, was chosen as captain of the Women&rsquo;s World Cup XI after she led India to the final of the just-concluded ICC Women&#39;s World Cup.</p>

<p>Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma are the other two Indians who are a part of the ICC squad.</p>

<p>India lost to England by a mere nine runs in the nailbiting finals at the Lord&#39;s Stadium in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tournament XI &nbsp;includes four players from England, player of the tournament Tamsin Beaumont, player of the final Anya Shrubsole, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and left-arm spinner Alex Hartley; three from South Africa, opener Laura Wolvaardt and bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk; and Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry.</p>

<p>Mithali, Taylor and Shrubsole have been picked in the Team of the Tournament for the second time in their careers.</p>

<p>England&#39;s Natalie Sciver, who scored 369 runs and took seven wickets, was selected as the 12th player.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali scored 409 runs during the 30-day ICC Women&#39;s World Cup tournament. Her best was 109 runs in the virtual quarter-final against New Zealand in Derby, enabling India to reach the semifinals with a 186-run win.</p>

<p>Her other notable scores in the tournament were 71 against England in the tournament opener in Derby, 46 against the West Indies in Taunton, 53 against Sri Lanka in Derby and 69 against Australia in Bristol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mithali and Taylor were selected in the Team of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup in 2009. England won the 2009 tournament in Sydney. Shrubsole was named in the Team of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup 2013, won by Australia.</p>


Mithali, 34, was selected as captain after she led India to the final of the just-concluded ICC Women's World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday named Team India skipper Mithali Raj as the captain of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 team. Mithali, 34, was chosen as captain of the Women’s World Cup XI after she led India to the final of the just-concluded ICC Women's World Cup. Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma are the other two Indians who are a part of the ICC squad. India lost to England by a mere nine runs in the nailbiting finals at the Lord's Stadium in London. The tournament XI includes four players from England, player of the tournament Tamsin Beaumont, player of the final Anya Shrubsole, wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor and left-arm spinner Alex Hartley; three from South Africa, opener Laura Wolvaardt and bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk; and Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry. Mithali, Taylor and Shrubsole have been picked in the Team of the Tournament for the second time in their careers. England's Natalie Sciver, who scored 369 runs and took seven wickets, was selected as the 12th player. Mithali scored 409 runs during the 30-day ICC Women's World Cup tournament. Her best was 109 runs in the virtual quarter-final against New Zealand in Derby, enabling India to reach the semifinals with a 186-run win. Her other notable scores in the tournament were 71 against England in the tournament opener in Derby, 46 against the West Indies in Taunton, 53 against Sri Lanka in Derby and 69 against Australia in Bristol. Mithali and Taylor were selected in the Team of the ICC Women's World Cup in 2009. England won the 2009 tournament in Sydney. Shrubsole was named in the Team of the ICC Women's World Cup 2013, won by Australia.

ICC names Mithali Raj as captain of Women's World Cup 2017 team

<p>England beat India by nine runs to win the Women&#39;s World Cup final at Lord&#39;s on Sunday.</p>

<p>India, set 229 for victory, were on course at 191 for three but Punam Raut&#39;s dismissal for 86 sparked a dramatic collapse.</p>

<p>Anya Shrubsole took five wickets for 11 runs in 19 deliveries as India slumped to 219 all out with eight balls to spare.</p>

<p>India lost their last seven wickets for 28 runs, with pace bowler Shrubsole finishing with six for 46 in 9.4 overs.</p>

<p>Earlier India held England to 228 for seven with veteran pace bowler Jhulan Goswami enjoying an excellent return of three for 23 in 10 overs in an innings where Nat Sciver&#39;s 51 was the top score.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity &amp; skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team! <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen">@BCCIWomen</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/889167218675556352">July 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Brief scores</strong></p>

<p>England 228-7, 50 overs (N Sciver 51; J Goswami 3-23)</p>

<p>India 219, 48.4 overs (P Raut 86, H Kaur 51; A Shrubsole 6-46)</p>


Set a winning target of 229, India fell short as England triumphed with Anya Shrubsole taking 6-46

England beat India by nine runs to win the Women's World Cup final at Lord's on Sunday. India, set 229 for victory, were on course at 191 for three but Punam Raut's dismissal for 86 sparked a dramatic collapse. Anya Shrubsole took five wickets for 11 runs in 19 deliveries as India slumped to 219 all out with eight balls to spare. India lost their last seven wickets for 28 runs, with pace bowler Shrubsole finishing with six for 46 in 9.4 overs. Earlier India held England to 228 for seven with veteran pace bowler Jhulan Goswami enjoying an excellent return of three for 23 in 10 overs in an innings where Nat Sciver's 51 was the top score. Our women cricketers gave their best today. They have shown remarkable tenacity & skill through the World Cup. Proud of the team! @BCCIWomen — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2017 × Brief scores England 228-7, 50 overs (N Sciver 51; J Goswami 3-23) India 219, 48.4 overs (P Raut 86, H Kaur 51; A Shrubsole 6-46)

Women's World Cup final: England beat India by nine runs

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a bow <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a> , best innings I&#39;ve ever seen!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a></p>
&mdash; Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lottie2323/status/888063123101536261">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incredible batting by <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a>! Come on India- Let&#39;s go out and win the second half of the game as well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomenInBlue?src=hash">#WomenInBlue</a></p>
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/888071405081952257">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a genuinely Kapil-Dev-at-Tunbridge-Wells kind of innings from <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a> now. Hope it inspires other young girls to follow</p>
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/888062344298889216">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leaving aside what it has done for India, Harmanpreet&#39;s blockbuster is one of best things to have happened to women&#39;s cricket.</p>
&mdash; Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sambitbal/status/888071418998513664">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>This was a week which began with a sparking off of the Greatest-Of-All-Time debate in sport. Roger Federer&#39;s capturing of a record-extending 19th Grand Slam with a historic eighth title at Wimbledon had arguably sealed his position in the pantheon of sporting immortals. Think Ali, Bradman, Dhyan Chand, Pele, Jordan, Phelps - surely Federer already ranks among them, but could he be considered better?</p>

<p>Comparisons are difficult. Especially when they are across generations. When they are across disciplines. When they are across formats. When they are across gender.</p>

<p>Late last year, Harmanpreet Kaur, then 27, became the first (and thus-far only) Indian to play in the Women&#39;s Big Bash League in Australia. A little over seven months later, the Aussies might rue the hospitality and platform, they provided Down Under.</p>

<p>Only four times in the 44-year history of Women&#39;s ODI cricket had an individual scored over 171 in an innings. Only once had someone touched three figures in a World Cup knockout game.</p>

<p>Kaur did it with India in a position of discomfort, having lost their top-three, against six-time champions of the competition. &nbsp;India had only ever made one final before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When you consider different generations in sport, everything that changes with time - basically, everything - becomes a hindrance in drawing comparisons.</p>

<p>When you consider different formats of the same sport - say Tests and ODIs, for instance - the varied challenges faced depending on scenario becomes a hindrance in drawing comparisons.</p>

<p>When you consider different genders in sport, societal convention - effectively, everything - becomes a hindrance in drawing comparisons.</p>

<p>Let&#39;s go back in time, say two decades earlier when the Indian Men&#39;s team was accustomed to tasting defeat with regularity against a to-be world-conquering Australian unit.</p>

<p>Let&#39;s say the sides met in a match to decide whether India could reach the final of the tournament.</p>

<p>Imagine one man scored an exorbitant proportion of the team&#39;s runs, say close to 60% even, to alter the course of the game and provide India the desired result.</p>

<p>You could call it one of the greatest innings ever, couldn&#39;t you?</p>

<p>Against Australia, at Sharjah, in the final group stage match of the Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup, on 22 April 1998, Sachin Tendulkar scored 59.09% of India&#39;s runs.</p>

<p>Against Australia, at Derby, in the semi-finals of the ICC Women&#39;s World Cup 2017, on 20 July 2017, Harmanpreet Kaur scored 60.85% of India&#39;s runs.</p>

<p>Yes, comparisons are difficult. They rely heavily on an element of opinion. Opinion, while not always, does sometimes deviate from fact. And facts are the best base for comparison.</p>

<p>But whichever way one looks at it, Harmanpreet Kaur&#39;s epic is one of the greatest knocks in the history of Indian cricket - Men&#39;s, or Women&#39;s.</p>

<p>Since we&#39;re there, let&#39;s say this too: If India are to defeat England at Lord&#39;s this Sunday, it will be the greatest moment in Indian cricket - Men&#39;s, or Women&#39;s - since 2 April 2011.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perhaps even since 25 June 1983.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As an aside, Sachin Tendulkar followed that breath-taking century at Sharjah with another one two days later to win India the title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over to Lord&#39;s then. Go on, #WomenInBlue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Harmanpreet Kaur&#39;s astonishing unbeaten 171, the highest individual score ever made in a women&#39;s world cup knockout game, powered India to victory against the six-time world champions setting a final showdown with hosts England at Lord&#39;s on Sunday (WION)</p>
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India's Harmanpreet Kaur struck an astonishing unbeaten 171, the highest score by an Indian player, male or female, in a World Cup knockout match

Take a bow @ImHarmanpreet , best innings I've ever seen!! #WWC17 — Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) July 20, 2017 × Incredible batting by @ImHarmanpreet! Come on India- Let's go out and win the second half of the game as well. #AUSvIND #WWC17 #WomenInBlue — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 20, 2017 × This is a genuinely Kapil-Dev-at-Tunbridge-Wells kind of innings from @ImHarmanpreet now. Hope it inspires other young girls to follow — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 20, 2017 × Leaving aside what it has done for India, Harmanpreet's blockbuster is one of best things to have happened to women's cricket. — Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) July 20, 2017 × This was a week which began with a sparking off of the Greatest-Of-All-Time debate in sport. Roger Federer's capturing of a record-extending 19th Grand Slam with a historic eighth title at Wimbledon had arguably sealed his position in the pantheon of sporting immortals. Think Ali, Bradman, Dhyan Chand, Pele, Jordan, Phelps - surely Federer already ranks among them, but could he be considered better? Comparisons are difficult. Especially when they are across generations. When they are across disciplines. When they are across formats. When they are across gender. Late last year, Harmanpreet Kaur, then 27, became the first (and thus-far only) Indian to play in the Women's Big Bash League in Australia. A little over seven months later, the Aussies might rue the hospitality and platform, they provided Down Under. Only four times in the 44-year history of Women's ODI cricket had an individual scored over 171 in an innings. Only once had someone touched three figures in a World Cup knockout game. Kaur did it with India in a position of discomfort, having lost their top-three, against six-time champions of the competition. India had only ever made one final before. When you consider different generations in sport, everything that changes with time - basically, everything - becomes a hindrance in drawing comparisons. When you consider different formats of the same sport - say Tests and ODIs, for instance - the varied challenges faced depending on scenario becomes a hindrance in drawing comparisons. When you consider different genders in sport, societal convention - effectively, everything - becomes a hindrance in drawing comparisons. Let's go back in time, say two decades earlier when the Indian Men's team was accustomed to tasting defeat with regularity against a to-be world-conquering Australian unit. Let's say the sides met in a match to decide whether India could reach the final of the tournament. Imagine one man scored an exorbitant proportion of the team's runs, say close to 60% even, to alter the course of the game and provide India the desired result. You could call it one of the greatest innings ever, couldn't you? Against Australia, at Sharjah, in the final group stage match of the Cherry Blossom Sharjah Cup, on 22 April 1998, Sachin Tendulkar scored 59.09% of India's runs. Against Australia, at Derby, in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017, on 20 July 2017, Harmanpreet Kaur scored 60.85% of India's runs. Yes, comparisons are difficult. They rely heavily on an element of opinion. Opinion, while not always, does sometimes deviate from fact. And facts are the best base for comparison. But whichever way one looks at it, Harmanpreet Kaur's epic is one of the greatest knocks in the history of Indian cricket - Men's, or Women's. Since we're there, let's say this too: If India are to defeat England at Lord's this Sunday, it will be the greatest moment in Indian cricket - Men's, or Women's - since 2 April 2011. Perhaps even since 25 June 1983. As an aside, Sachin Tendulkar followed that breath-taking century at Sharjah with another one two days later to win India the title. Over to Lord's then. Go on, #WomenInBlue. Harmanpreet Kaur's astonishing unbeaten 171, the highest individual score ever made in a women's world cup knockout game, powered India to victory against the six-time world champions setting a final showdown with hosts England at Lord's on Sunday (WION) ×

Harmanpreet's hour: India's hero, India's pride

<p>India&#39;s women&#39;s cricket team beat Australia by 36 runs to reach the Women&#39;s World Cup final.</p>

<p>Harmanpreet Kaur hit an incredible 171 not out as India made 281 off their rain-restricted 42 overs before they dismissed six-time champions Australia for 245.</p>

<p>Australia, set 282 to win and what would have been a record World Cup chase if successful, got off to a terrible start as they lost three wickets inside the opening eight overs.</p>

<p>Despite some impressive hitting from Elyse Villani, who recorded her best ODI score of 75, they were never able to keep up with the required run rate and were dismissed for 245 with 11 balls to spare.</p>

<p>India will face now England, the three-time champions, in Sunday&#39;s final at Lord&#39;s. This is only the second time&nbsp;the Indian cricket team has reached the finals.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brilliant finish by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomenInBlue?src=hash">#WomenInBlue</a>! The pic says it all! Here we come Lord&#39;s! My best wishes for the final against England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/WPNLsLFhuE">pic.twitter.com/WPNLsLFhuE</a></p>
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/888113519371014149">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Filled with pride seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCIWomen">@BCCIWomen</a> perform like this.Congratulations on the great victory. Unforgettable knock by <a href="https://twitter.com/ImHarmanpreet">@ImHarmanpreet</a></p>
&mdash; Kapil Dev (@therealkapildev) <a href="https://twitter.com/therealkapildev/status/888111461137997824">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Player of the Match award went to none other than India&rsquo;s Harmanpreet Kaur.</p>

<p>Indian had won the toss and elected to bat first.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/live-updates-womens-world-cup-india-win-toss-elect-to-bat-first-18123">Women&#39;s World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet Kaur&#39;s ton puts India on top against Australia</a></p>

<h1 title="Women's World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet?Kaur's ton puts India on top against Australia">&nbsp;</h1>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Winners! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/SoQEomeRgS">pic.twitter.com/SoQEomeRgS</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/888110267422261249">July 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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India won the Women?s World Cup semi-final against Australia by 36 runs

India's women's cricket team beat Australia by 36 runs to reach the Women's World Cup final. Harmanpreet Kaur hit an incredible 171 not out as India made 281 off their rain-restricted 42 overs before they dismissed six-time champions Australia for 245. Australia, set 282 to win and what would have been a record World Cup chase if successful, got off to a terrible start as they lost three wickets inside the opening eight overs. Despite some impressive hitting from Elyse Villani, who recorded her best ODI score of 75, they were never able to keep up with the required run rate and were dismissed for 245 with 11 balls to spare. India will face now England, the three-time champions, in Sunday's final at Lord's. This is only the second time the Indian cricket team has reached the finals. Brilliant finish by the #WomenInBlue! The pic says it all! Here we come Lord's! My best wishes for the final against England #AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/WPNLsLFhuE — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 20, 2017 × Filled with pride seeing @BCCIWomen perform like this.Congratulations on the great victory. Unforgettable knock by @ImHarmanpreet — Kapil Dev (@therealkapildev) July 20, 2017 × The Player of the Match award went to none other than India’s Harmanpreet Kaur. Indian had won the toss and elected to bat first. Women's World Cup semi-final: Harmanpreet Kaur's ton puts India on top against Australia Winners! ????#AUSvIND #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/SoQEomeRgS — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 20, 2017 ×

India trounce Australia to enter Women's World Cup final

<p>England beat South Africa by two wickets with two balls to spare in the last over to reach the finals&nbsp;of the Women&#39;s World Cup at Bristol.</p>

<p>South Africa had set England a competitive 219-run target which the English team achieved in the 50th over with 2 balls to spare.</p>

<p>Earlier, South African captain Dane van Niekerk won the toss and chose to bat first. Opener Laura Wolvaardt hit a confident 66(100 balls) studded with 8 boundaries along with Mignon du Preez who hit 76 in 95 balls with five&nbsp;boundaries even as the English bowlers kept a tight line to keep the South Africans at bay.</p>

<p>The South African top and middle order failed to step on the gas as English bowlers Shrubsole, Sciver, Gunn and Knight picked up wickets at regular intervals with Kapp and skipper Niekerk losing their wicket softly to runouts.</p>

<p>Luus and Preez took South Africa to 218 for 6 in their 50 overs after they lost six wickets for 170.</p>

<p>England in reply kept up with the run rate even though the hosts kept losing wickets. Sarah Taylor hit 54 in 76 balls with seven boundaries before being run out as England innings stuttered in the middle overs.</p>

<p>Jenny Gunn and Anya Shrubsole held their nerves to take England beyond the finish line as Shrubsole closed the match with a boundary to take her team into the finals.</p>

<p>England now awaits the winner of the match between Australia and India to be played on Thursday at Derby.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The winning moment!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/IRtcweQxvV">pic.twitter.com/IRtcweQxvV</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/887348226814246912">July 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks for your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskCaptain?src=hash">#AskCaptain</a> question <a href="https://twitter.com/malavika21">@malavika21</a> - here&#39;s a message from winning captain, and finalist, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeatherKnight?src=hash">#HeatherKnight</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/lgtu1yIfNF">pic.twitter.com/lgtu1yIfNF</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/887349434320924672">July 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With 54 and top work behind the stumps, congratulations to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash">#ENGvSA</a> semi-final Player of the Match, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarah_Taylor30">@Sarah_Taylor30</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWC17?src=hash">#WWC17</a> <a href="https://t.co/lPR7kRZCho">pic.twitter.com/lPR7kRZCho</a></p>
&mdash; Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/887347865181401088">July 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


South Africa had set England a competitive 219-run target which the English team achieved in the 50th over with 2 balls to spare

England beat South Africa by two wickets with two balls to spare in the last over to reach the finals of the Women's World Cup at Bristol. South Africa had set England a competitive 219-run target which the English team achieved in the 50th over with 2 balls to spare. Earlier, South African captain Dane van Niekerk won the toss and chose to bat first. Opener Laura Wolvaardt hit a confident 66(100 balls) studded with 8 boundaries along with Mignon du Preez who hit 76 in 95 balls with five boundaries even as the English bowlers kept a tight line to keep the South Africans at bay. The South African top and middle order failed to step on the gas as English bowlers Shrubsole, Sciver, Gunn and Knight picked up wickets at regular intervals with Kapp and skipper Niekerk losing their wicket softly to runouts. Luus and Preez took South Africa to 218 for 6 in their 50 overs after they lost six wickets for 170. England in reply kept up with the run rate even though the hosts kept losing wickets. Sarah Taylor hit 54 in 76 balls with seven boundaries before being run out as England innings stuttered in the middle overs. Jenny Gunn and Anya Shrubsole held their nerves to take England beyond the finish line as Shrubsole closed the match with a boundary to take her team into the finals. England now awaits the winner of the match between Australia and India to be played on Thursday at Derby. The winning moment!#ENGvSA #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/IRtcweQxvV — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 18, 2017 × Thanks for your #AskCaptain question @malavika21 - here's a message from winning captain, and finalist, #HeatherKnight! #WWC17 #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/lgtu1yIfNF — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 18, 2017 × With 54 and top work behind the stumps, congratulations to the #ENGvSA semi-final Player of the Match, @Sarah_Taylor30! #WWC17 pic.twitter.com/lPR7kRZCho — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 18, 2017 ×

England beat South Africa to enter Women's World Cup final

Line&#39;s dream is about to become a reality, the 14-year-old Jordanian girl will make history later this year when she takes part in her first ever football world cup.<br />
<br />
FIFA&#39;s U-17 Women&#39;s World Cup will kick off on September 30 in Jordan, the first time a Middle Eastern country hosts an international women&#39;s football competition.<br />
<br />
Line and 20 other girl footballers, including devout Muslims, their heads covered by a scarf, have been practising hard for the tournament with a British coach.<br />
<br />
&quot;Here in Jordan... it was frowned upon to see a girl play football. But now things have changed,&quot; Line said.<br />
<br />
She still remembers how she defied social conventions in the conservative kingdom when at a younger age she decided to join the boys of her neighbourhood in a game of football.<br />
<br />
Jordan - a key ally of the West - is a Muslim country with a Christian minority but both communities are weighed down by religious and social constraints like other nations in the Middle East.<br />
<br />
For decades football was hands off for women but that changed in 2005 when the Jordanian federation - headed by Prince Ali, a half-brother of King Abdullah II - formed the first national female team.<br />
<br />
Ali, an ex-vice president of FIFA who ran but failed to be elected president of football&#39;s world governing body, is credited with having helped Jordan&#39;s bid to host the under-17 girls&#39; tournament.<br />
<br />
In May, FIFA said on its website that the first Jordanian women players who took to the pitch more than a decade ago &quot;have impressed&quot; and &quot;did not disappoint&quot;.<br />
<br />
British coach Robbie Johnson is confident that the under-17 girls team will shine at the upcoming world cup.<br />
<br />
<strong>Break stereotypes</strong><br />
<br />
&quot;This particular group are certainly keen to make a mark and certainly put the Middle East on the map,&quot; Johnson told AFP as he worked the girls on one practice night.<br />
<br />
&quot;It can be definitely the start of something to say to women, particularly in the Middle East or in the Gulf states as well: Look you can actually play and compete,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The girls&#39; training for the big day is tough.<br />
<br />
Line - a striker - and teammates listen carefully as the coach details his strategy with specific instructions to the wingers and goalkeepers, while parents sit back and watch the practice unfold.<br />
<br />
&quot;My goal is to get these players as competitive as possible and then who knows what may happen,&quot; said Johnson.<br />
<br />
Organisers of the tournament say it will reverberate beyond the pitch and contribute to change in Jordan and the wider Arab world.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are using football like a platform for social change,&quot; said Samar Nassar, a former member of Jordan&#39;s national swimming team who heads the kingdom&#39;s organising committee.<br />
<br />
The upcoming tournament &quot;is an opportunity to create a durable heritage for Jordan and the region,&quot; that would help challenge stereotypes and empower women, she said.<br />
<br />
Line agrees. Football &quot;has taught me many things. I feel more responsible and I have become more sociable.&quot;<br />
<br />
<strong>&#39;Unforgettable experience&#39;</strong><br />
<br />
Jordanian female athlete Yasmeen Khair, is one such woman whose name is linked to change.<br />
<br />
A gymnast who won several awards over the years and the nickname &quot;the kingdom&#39;s butterfly&quot;, Khair was among the first women football players to play for Jordan.<br />
<br />
FIFA chose her as &quot;ambassador&quot; of the under-17 world cup.<br />
<br />
Her mission is two-fold, to promote the tournament and raise awareness of girls&#39; football.<br />
<br />
&quot;I speak to girls a lot. I tell them they must live this rich and unforgettable experience,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
Khair said the beginnings of women&#39;s football in 2005 was tough.<br />
<br />
&quot;We had to face a lot of difficulties but bit by bit things began to change,&quot; she said, recalling how interest in female football grew in Jordan &quot;especially that we won more tournaments than the men&quot;.<br />
<br />
On its webpage, FIFA quoted Khader Eid, a former coach of the women&#39;s national team, recalling some of the hurdles that had to be overcome.<br />
<br />
&quot;We were conscious of the difficulties we would encounter to coach these young girls while respecting traditions and getting through to their families,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Jordan now counts 720 registered women players, a small number in a country with a population of 6.6 million but still a &quot;decisive step&quot; for women&#39;s football, according to FIFA.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

Jordan will hold FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, an international women's football competition, for the first time on September 30

Line's dream is about to become a reality, the 14-year-old Jordanian girl will make history later this year when she takes part in her first ever football world cup. FIFA's U-17 Women's World Cup will kick off on September 30 in Jordan, the first time a Middle Eastern country hosts an international women's football competition. Line and 20 other girl footballers, including devout Muslims, their heads covered by a scarf, have been practising hard for the tournament with a British coach. "Here in Jordan... it was frowned upon to see a girl play football. But now things have changed," Line said. She still remembers how she defied social conventions in the conservative kingdom when at a younger age she decided to join the boys of her neighbourhood in a game of football. Jordan - a key ally of the West - is a Muslim country with a Christian minority but both communities are weighed down by religious and social constraints like other nations in the Middle East. For decades football was hands off for women but that changed in 2005 when the Jordanian federation - headed by Prince Ali, a half-brother of King Abdullah II - formed the first national female team. Ali, an ex-vice president of FIFA who ran but failed to be elected president of football's world governing body, is credited with having helped Jordan's bid to host the under-17 girls' tournament. In May, FIFA said on its website that the first Jordanian women players who took to the pitch more than a decade ago "have impressed" and "did not disappoint". British coach Robbie Johnson is confident that the under-17 girls team will shine at the upcoming world cup. Break stereotypes "This particular group are certainly keen to make a mark and certainly put the Middle East on the map," Johnson told AFP as he worked the girls on one practice night. "It can be definitely the start of something to say to women, particularly in the Middle East or in the Gulf states as well: Look you can actually play and compete," he said. The girls' training for the big day is tough. Line - a striker - and teammates listen carefully as the coach details his strategy with specific instructions to the wingers and goalkeepers, while parents sit back and watch the practice unfold. "My goal is to get these players as competitive as possible and then who knows what may happen," said Johnson. Organisers of the tournament say it will reverberate beyond the pitch and contribute to change in Jordan and the wider Arab world. "We are using football like a platform for social change," said Samar Nassar, a former member of Jordan's national swimming team who heads the kingdom's organising committee. The upcoming tournament "is an opportunity to create a durable heritage for Jordan and the region," that would help challenge stereotypes and empower women, she said. Line agrees. Football "has taught me many things. I feel more responsible and I have become more sociable." 'Unforgettable experience' Jordanian female athlete Yasmeen Khair, is one such woman whose name is linked to change. A gymnast who won several awards over the years and the nickname "the kingdom's butterfly", Khair was among the first women football players to play for Jordan. FIFA chose her as "ambassador" of the under-17 world cup. Her mission is two-fold, to promote the tournament and raise awareness of girls' football. "I speak to girls a lot. I tell them they must live this rich and unforgettable experience," she said. Khair said the beginnings of women's football in 2005 was tough. "We had to face a lot of difficulties but bit by bit things began to change," she said, recalling how interest in female football grew in Jordan "especially that we won more tournaments than the men". On its webpage, FIFA quoted Khader Eid, a former coach of the women's national team, recalling some of the hurdles that had to be overcome. "We were conscious of the difficulties we would encounter to coach these young girls while respecting traditions and getting through to their families," he said. Jordan now counts 720 registered women players, a small number in a country with a population of 6.6 million but still a "decisive step" for women's football, according to FIFA. (AFP)

Jordan women take to football pitch to end stereotypes

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