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The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Norway's Hegerberg seeks to inspire as Euros enter knockout phase
NEUCHATEL, Switzerland (Reuters) -The women's game has come a long way since the last time Norway played a knockout game at the Euros, agonisingly losing the 2013 final 1-0 to Germany with a callow, 18-year-old Ada Hegerberg, now team captain, starting up front. At that tournament in Sweden, a combined total of 28,814 spectators saw Norway's group games, a number dwarfed by the 34,063 who saw their 2025 opener, a 2-1 win over hosts Switzerland in which Hegerberg equalised with a bullet header, and the 30-year-old has played a greater role than most in the growth of the game. "You've got to take care of the next generation as well. We're here to inspire, we're here to be open, and that's what we want to do," Hegerberg told Reuters at a training session open to fans near the team's base in Neuchatel where locals had come in their droves to watch. Together with vice-captain Caroline Graham Hansen and former captain Maren Mjelde, Hegerberg came so close to winning in 2013, but German keeper Nadine Angerer saved two penalties to thwart the young stars. "Me and Caro (Graham Hansen), we haven't talked a lot about that game when we were younger, because I don't think we realised then what an opportunity that was. But we talk about it today and we're like, damn it, we were one goal away from winning a Euros," Hegerberg explained. "And I think people tend to forget that, but you know it was an incredible experience. Things have changed a lot since, football has changed a lot, but, yeah, it's starting to become a long, long time ago, and we've experienced a whole deal after that." To say that Hegerberg has experienced a lot since then is something of an understatement; she has won 10 French league titles and six Champions League titles with Olympique Lyonnais and a slew of individual awards including the first women's Ballon d'Or in 2018. She has also spent almost five years in self-imposed exile from the national team in protest at how the Norwegian Football Federation treated women's football. She returned in 2022 and has since taken over the captain's armband from Mjelde, ushering in a new era. "It's a huge responsibility, something that I take very seriously, very inspired to take on that role as well. And you know, Caro is my vice captain, and we've been in the game for a long while," she said. "It's all about transmitting experience calmness when that's needed, power when that's needed, you know, I learn an awful lot, being in that role... I'm myself with them and authenticity is the only way." In contrast to many teams in the modern game, the Norwegians continue to be very open, taking time to sign autographs and take selfies after games and training, and splitting the players into groups to make them available to the media. For Hegerberg, that openness is key to growing the game. "It's our day off after a game but I need to get there (to the fans) as soon as possible as well," she said, looking over her shoulder at the throngs of young admirers waiting for a moment with her. "We're still coming here because it's important people are showing up to see us. We want to give back. I think the whole (Norwegian) federation, with Lisa Klaveness running it, has this vibe that we want to bring as many people into this vibe." Her effect on young female fans is visible around the training pitch in Neuchatel as young girls with their hair fixed in Hegerberg's signature power braid wait for her and, as always with the iconic striker, there is a story behind it that has its roots in attention to detail and her will to win. "I can almost do it blind now," she says of her hairstyle. "It comes from the day when my dad told me that I was touching my hair too much while playing football. "I was around maybe eight and he was like, 'you spend too much energy touching your hair, so you've got to do something about it', and that's where the braid came in." That braid has followed her from her first team in Norway through a Women's Euro final and now again into the knockout stage where Norway meet Italy in Geneva on Wednesday, and where more girls in the stands will mimic her style. "It's fantastic," she said, before taking off the microphone used in the interview and going to greet her fans. (Reporting by Philip O'Connor; editing by Clare Fallon)
Int'l Business Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
European Walkout After Late Infantino Delays FIFA Congress
European delegates staged a walkout at FIFA's Congress in Paraguay on Thursday after world football chief Gianni Infantino jetted in late for the session following meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Infantino's late arrival at the global governing body's annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours. Several representatives from European football associations -- including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin -- cut short their attendance after Infantino called a recess at the event taking place in Luque, outside Asuncion. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed dismay at Infantino in a statement circulated to reporters. "The delayed arrival of the FIFA President at the 75th FIFA Congress is disappointing," Klaveness said. "The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football. The situation is concerning. 210 member associations have traveled from all over the world to participate at this Congress here in Paraguay, expecting professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level. "I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we feel sorry for the excellent hosts in Paraguay." Infantino for his part issued an apology for his tardiness in remarks to the congress before the delegates left. Infantino blamed flight problems for his late arrival but stressed the importance of attending the meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively. "As FIFA president, my responsibility is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization (...) I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," Infantino said of his visit to the Gulf. The FIFA leader accompanied Trump -- who he visited last week at the White House -- on his tour of both countries. The United States will take centre stage for FIFA over the coming years, hosting next month's inaugural Club World Cup before staging the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year, with the Women's World Cup in 2031. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate on Infantino's late arrival following the meeting. "I have no comment on that; he explained the reasons why it was delayed. He had important matters to discuss. We had a great Congress," he told reporters. Thursday's meeting wrapped with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, the head of South American federation CONMEBOL, meanwhile used the occasion to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has recently pushed a controversial proposal for the tournament to be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, said he believed "no-one" should be left out of the event, which marks the World Cup's centenary. "A World Cup is the most popular celebration on planet Earth, and no one should be left out of that celebration," Dominguez said, without explicitly mentioning his idea of expansion. Dominguez's proposal -- which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay while the bulk of games would remain in Spain, Morocco and Portugal -- has met with stiff opposition throughout the football world. The presidents of the ruling football bodies in Europe, Asia and Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all spoken out against expansion. "I'm not inviting you to change your position, but rather to reflect together on creating something worthy of history," Dominguez said.
France 24
15-05-2025
- Politics
- France 24
European walkout after late Infantino delays FIFA Congress
FIFA President Infantino's late arrival at the global governing body's annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours. Several representatives from European football associations -- including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin -- cut short their attendance after Infantino called a recess at the event taking place in Luque, outside Asuncion. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed dismay at Infantino in a statement circulated to reporters. "The delayed arrival of the FIFA President at the 75th FIFA Congress is disappointing," Klaveness said. "The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football. The situation is concerning. 210 member associations have traveled from all over the world to participate at this Congress here in Paraguay, expecting professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level. "I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we feel sorry for the excellent hosts in Paraguay." Infantino apology Infantino for his part issued an apology for his tardiness in remarks to the congress before the delegates left. Infantino blamed flight problems for his late arrival but stressed the importance of attending the meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively. "As FIFA president, my responsibility is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization (...) I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," Infantino said of his visit to the Gulf. The FIFA leader accompanied Trump -- who he visited last week at the White House -- on his tour of both countries. The United States will take centre stage for FIFA over the coming years, hosting next month's inaugural Club World Cup before staging the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year, with the Women's World Cup in 2031. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate on Infantino's late arrival following the meeting. "I have no comment on that; he explained the reasons why it was delayed. He had important matters to discuss. We had a great Congress," he told reporters. 'No-one left out' Thursday's meeting wrapped with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, the head of South American federation CONMEBOL, meanwhile used the occasion to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has recently pushed a controversial proposal for the tournament to be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, said he believed "no-one" should be left out of the event, which marks the World Cup's centenary. "A World Cup is the most popular celebration on planet Earth, and no one should be left out of that celebration," Dominguez said, without explicitly mentioning his idea of expansion. Dominguez's proposal -- which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay while the bulk of games would remain in Spain, Morocco and Portugal -- has met with stiff opposition throughout the football world. The presidents of the ruling football bodies in Europe, Asia and Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all spoken out against expansion.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
European walkout after late Infantino delays FIFA Congress
FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks at FIFA's Congress in Paraguay on Thursday, where European delegates left early following the football supremo's late arrival (DANIEL DUARTE) European delegates staged a walkout at FIFA's Congress in Paraguay on Thursday after world football chief Gianni Infantino jetted in late for the session following meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Infantino's late arrival at the global governing body's annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours. Advertisement Several representatives from European football associations -- including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin -- cut short their attendance after Infantino called a recess at the event taking place in Luque, outside Asuncion. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed dismay at Infantino in a statement circulated to reporters. "The delayed arrival of the FIFA President at the 75th FIFA Congress is disappointing," Klaveness said. "The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football. The situation is concerning. 210 member associations have traveled from all over the world to participate at this Congress here in Paraguay, expecting professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level. Advertisement "I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we feel sorry for the excellent hosts in Paraguay." - Infantino apology - Infantino for his part issued an apology for his tardiness in remarks to the congress before the delegates left. Infantino blamed flight problems for his late arrival but stressed the importance of attending the meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively. "As FIFA president, my responsibility is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization (...) I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," Infantino said of his visit to the Gulf. Advertisement The FIFA leader accompanied Trump -- who he visited last week at the White House -- on his tour of both countries. The United States will take centre stage for FIFA over the coming years, hosting next month's inaugural Club World Cup before staging the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year, with the Women's World Cup in 2031. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate on Infantino's late arrival following the meeting. "I have no comment on that; he explained the reasons why it was delayed. He had important matters to discuss. We had a great Congress," he told reporters. Advertisement - 'No-one left out' - Thursday's meeting wrapped with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, the head of South American federation CONMEBOL, meanwhile used the occasion to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has recently pushed a controversial proposal for the tournament to be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, said he believed "no-one" should be left out of the event, which marks the World Cup's centenary. "A World Cup is the most popular celebration on planet Earth, and no one should be left out of that celebration," Dominguez said, without explicitly mentioning his idea of expansion. Advertisement Dominguez's proposal -- which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay while the bulk of games would remain in Spain, Morocco and Portugal -- has met with stiff opposition throughout the football world. The presidents of the ruling football bodies in Europe, Asia and Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all spoken out against expansion. "I'm not inviting you to change your position, but rather to reflect together on creating something worthy of history," Dominguez said. tev/raa/iga/rcw/ea
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
FA chair joins protest against Gianni Infantino's late arrival to Fifa Congress after Saudi trip with Donald Trump
FA chair Debbie Hewitt joined European delegates on an unprecedented walkout of Fifa Congress in Paraguay, in protest at Gianni Infantino 's hours-late arrival from a trip to the Middle East with Donald Trump. The situation created the embarrassing situation of the Fifa president speaking alongside rows of empty seats at the Fifa Council. The situation could precipitate a new civil war within Fifa, football's global governing body, although senior sources insist this was more about sending 'a strong message' for Infantino 'to change his behaviour' and reassess 'his personal political agenda'. The Norwegian football federation accused Infantino of disrespect and demanded an explanation from Fifa. The annual Congress had already been moved due to Infantino's trip to the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where he spent time with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump, two world leaders he has developed close links with over the past eight years. Delegates later received an email saying Infantino had been further delayed to 'unforeseen circumstances', which caused the farcical sight of senior football officials tracking his movements on online flight radars. Such absurdity was nevertheless complemented by fury. There had already been growing unrest within European football administration about the general direction of Fifa, and how so many key decisions seem to be taken without wider consultation. Among them are calls on the newly expanded Club World Cup and the highly controversial voting processes for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. While Infantino eventually arrived in Asuncion and gave hurried apologies before his rushed keynote speech, numerous officials were left furious. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin led a delegation of European Council members in deciding to walk out after the break, leaving the sight of so many empty seats for the rest of Congress. The Council is Fifa's highest body, and supposed to act as the body's main check and balance. The Norwegian federation added that its delegation 'chose to leave the Congress venue together with several European colleagues at 2pm as initially planned' – by the previous time schedule – 'for a respectful departure'. Infantino later defended his trip, insisting it was crucial 'to represent football' in 'important discussions' with 'world leaders in politics and economy', not to mention those central to the hosting of the 2026 (USA, Mexico and Canada) and 2034 World Cups (Saudi Arabia). But some officials were sceptical that the extended time was merely down to his personal political agenda. There was also a feeling that this went against the Fifa president's very job description, since he is essentially supposed to serve the members who vote him in. There was further difficulty for Infantino when a representative of the Palestine FA, Susan Shalabi, took the floor to admonish the governing body for continuously postponing a decision on their proposal that Israel should be banned for football over the claim the country has gone against Fifa statutes by staging football matches on illegally occupied land. Some senior figures feel the issue is going to be continuously put off due to the political sensitivity, as well as the very idea that a football federation would take a decision of this nature before international bodies like the United Nations. It is also where Infantino's relationship with Trump is seen as potentially influential, given the US president's generally pro-Israel policy on Gaza. The Norwegian FA's secretary general, Karl-Petter Loken, stayed behind to express his federation's support for the case of the Palestinian FA.
