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CBC
a day ago
- Sport
- CBC
As women's sports grows, so do the threats to racialized athletes
This past weekend, both the Women's Euros and the Women's African Cup of Nations crowned new champions, with England and Nigeria, respectively, emerging victorious. For the WEuros, hosted in Switzerland, 29 of 31 matches were sold out, setting a record for overall attendance with more than 650,000 tickets sold. The African finals, held in Rabat, Morocco, saw views and engagement online skyrocket from previous tournaments, largely because of partnerships with YouTube, TikTok and X. Prize money has increased and merchandise is flying off the shelves. On this side of the pond, as the new Northern Super League advances boldly into the second half of the season, we can feel the energy and the power of the movement that is global women's soccer. But not all is coming up roses. There were deplorable instances of racism and misogyny around the WEuros and it begs the question, with the growth of women's soccer, do we also see a burgeoning cloud of racism expanding overhead? With all the growth and attention, does it come with heightened forms of abuse in women's sport? This has been reported on with respect to the WNBA, and reporting shows that there is a " darker vibe shift" in women's sports spaces. Discussions of safety protocols and strategies should be top of mind. Jess Carter of England's Lionesses and NWSL's Gotham FC posted online that she was stepping away from social media because of the rampant racist and misogynistic abuse she received after England lost their first match against France. The national team rallied around her and there was a sweep of support online for Carter and other Black players. The issue isn't only singling out a particular player for their ill-perceived performance. It's that attacks on racialized women will often be layered with misogynoir, xenophobia, and a litany of other societal cancers. The English squad has only a few of Black women, one of which, Michelle Aygemang, was hailed as the "super sub" because in two playoff matches, she came off the bench and scored the game-winning goals. Despite those achievements, people noticed that King Charles's statement of support ahead of the final omitted Aygemang's face completely. I spoke with Liz Mary Ward, who works with UEFA and other football organizations on diversity and inclusion, about what can be done to eradicate racism in the women's soccer ecosystem. "If Black and Brown people are already undervalued by society, and this is compounded by the media, I think that creates a base-level of injustice that provides a fertile breeding ground for hate," Ward said. "When cultural commentators point out these very low-level micro aggressions, they are often met immediately with anger, defensiveness, or cries of reverse-racism, which tends to very quickly end in racist comments and threats." I can certainly add that racialized women columnists also get intense levels of abusive emails or messages if they speak out against racism or toxic cultures within sport. It almost feels unjust that as women's sport grows and continues to thrive, we see increased hatred hurled at women. Are the league and governing bodies prepared to manage this onslaught of abuses? FIFA recently decided to cancel anti-racism messaging at the men's Club World Cup venues in the U.S. just weeks before the women's tournaments. Would it set a precedent? Minky Warden of Human Rights Watch said, "Any cancellation of FIFA's well-established campaigns to eradicate hateful actions in sport is an inexplicable and inexcusable step backward." During the NSL pre-season, Montreal Roses player Latifah Abd posted to her Instagram story about receiving abuse steeped in misogynoir. The NSL responded immediately. I reached out to FIFA, UEFA, Canada Soccer and the NSL to ask whether they had a sense of accountability, and any policies and strategies to eradicate racism in women's sport. The NSL said it fosters a positive environment in the stadiums, and enforces codes of conduct for fans, employees and players, and a third-party reporting system of violations of policies. Canada Soccer said it needed more time to properly respond, but In the past it has offered anti-racism literacy and action learnings and workshops in the past. According to its website, Canada Soccer has an "ongoing commitment to amplify the stories of our Black athletes and leaders." UEFA responded with a long list of policies and practices consisting of awareness, engagement and actions — including their partnership with Fare's match observer program. In 2021, UEFA approved a human rights commitment and, almost ironically, UEFA said "a human rights declaration issued in March 2025, under which the Swiss federal government, host cities, the Swiss Football Association and UEFA made a joint declaration to respect, protect and promote human rights at this summer's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament." FIFA said their policies and practices, including the FIFA Social Media Protection service which filters online abuse, protect players, teams and officials. UEFA has a similar program. I am not aware whether Carter or Abdu registered for these programs. Online abuse can often muddy the waters because it's difficult to track commenters down and penalize them or hold them accountable. There should be lifetime bans from soccer events and matches for racist abuse in stadiums and online. The reality is that despite all the well-intentioned programs in the world, racialized and misogynist hatred can fester. One can have a barrage of policies and practice but whether they are effective remains to be seen. Much of this boils down to the human aspect: action and reaction from us — whether we are on the pitch, in the press box or in the stands. "How we all learn from moments like this is key," Ward said. "And supporters taking time to learn about different communities' experiences within their environments is key to creating a culture that is more inclusive. Learn about racist dog whistles, learn about your own biases, and become absolutely dedicated to always calling out injustice."
IOL News
23-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Gabriela Salgado undergoes surgery after gruesome injury in Banyana's Wafcon exit
On the mend SAFA say Gabriela Salgado underwent a successful operation after breaking her leg in Banyana Banyana's Women's African Cup of Nations semi-final loss to Nigeria on Tuesday. Photo: Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix Image: Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix The South African Football Association has given an update on Gabriela Salgado, who suffered a horror injury in Banyana Banyana's heartbreaking Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final loss on Tuesday. With the game evenly poised at 1-1 and entering the final minutes, Salgado collided with a Nigerian opponent, leaving nearby teammates visibly distressed. After being stabilised by paramedics, she was later stretchered off the field, with Nigerian fans chanting 'Gabby! Gabby! Gabby!' The South Africans never recovered after the incident, and Nigeria were able to capitalise through a stoppage-time winner by Michelle Alozie, sending them to the final and knocking Desiree Ellis' team out of the tournament. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Salgado was taken to the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, where she had to undergo surgery. 'Gabi sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery,' said Banyana Banyana team doctor, Dr Lindi Mokoena. 'She will be out of action for the rest of the year, but we are pleased that she received exceptional care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF, and the hospital. 'We were fully confident and comfortable with the procedure being performed in Morocco and would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to CAF and the dedicated staff at the Mohamed VI University Hospital for their professionalism and outstanding support during this time.' On Wednesday, Salgado, in hospital, received a message of encouragement from South African president Cyril Ramaphosa. 'Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana's Gabriela Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery from her traumatic injury in last night's WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria,' a statement from the president read. 'I know you're a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you're a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well. Casablanca was always going to be a tough ask for our national team as Africa's defending champions, and Nigeria's breakthrough in referee's optional time proved this. 'We are confident Banyana Banyana will regroup and return to WAFCON as future champs. We wish Nigeria's Super Falcons and Morocco's Atlas Lionesses well for Saturday's dream home final for the host nation.' Banyana will go up against Ghana in Friday's third-place play-off. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Eyewitness News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Nigeria ends Banyana's WAFCON title defence
CAPE TOWN - Nigeria knocked Banyana Banyana out of the Women's African Cup of Nations on Tuesday night. The defending champions were defeated 2-1 in their semifinal match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with Nigeria scoring an injury-time winner. The scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, but Nigeria struck in the 94th minute to send the defending champions out of the tournament. Earlier, Nigeria took the lead through a penalty in the 45th minute. South Africa equalised through a Motlhalo penalty in the 60th minute. Nigeria will face either Morocco or Ghana in the final.
Morocco World
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Nigeria vs Zambia WAFCON: Where and When to Watch Quarterfinals
Rabat – Nigeria and Zambia will clash this evening as part of the Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals. The quarterfinals match will take place at the Larbo Zaouli stadium at 5 p.m. local time Several broadcasters will air the match. If you are in Zambia, you can watch the match at ZNBC, Diamond TV, or SuperSport. Nigerians can watch the match on SuperSport. Nigeria kicked off its stage group game with a win 3-0 against Tunisia. It also won its second game against Botswana 1-0. Meanwhile, Zambia drew 2-2 with Morocco in their first stage group match against Morocco 2-2. They won their remaining group games 3-2 and 1-0 against Senegal and DR Congo, respectively. Zambia finished third in the 2022 Wafcon after a hard-fought win over Nigeria in the bronze medal match. This year marks their fourth appearance in the continental tournament. In addition to Zambia vs Nigeria, today's fixtures also include a quarterfinal match between Morocco and Mali. The W The WAFCON game will take place at 8 p.m. local time at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. Arriyadia TNT and beIN Sports will air the match. Tags: morocco wafconnigeria wafcon
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Who will triumph in the WAFCON quarterfinals?
It's down to the serious business of the WAFCON knockout stages this weekend. Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis is looking to guide her team to another WAFCON title. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix The Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco gets down to the serious business of the quarterfinals this weekend, with Banyana Banyana very much in the mix to defend their title. Desiree Ellis' side will take on Senegal on Saturday in the last quarterfinal at the Honneur Stadium in Oidja, coming into that match on a high after a 4-0 mauling of Mali in their last Group C match. Banyana in WAFCON form After a stuttering start to this WAFCON, that performance was more like the Banyana that won the WAFCON for the first time 2022, and went on to reach the last 16 of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup. The Lionesses of Teranga are not the force that the Senegal men's team are in the continental game, and Banyana are clear favourites to progress from this last eight game. Betway's latest odds reflect this, with South Africa priced at 1.40. Senegal did reach the quarterfinals of the last WAFCON, losing to Tunisia on penalties, but are outsiders for this one, priced at 6.20, with a draw at 4.40. The West African side did score six goals in the group stages, and only lost narrowly to Zambia and Morocco. But Banyana should have too much skill and experience for them on Saturday. In Saturday's other quarterfinal, Algeria will host Ghana at the Berkane Stadium. Ghana gave Banyana serious problems in their opening Group C match, with South Africa slightly fortunate to emerge with a 2-0 win. They then drew with Mali and pummelled Tanzania 4-1 in their last group match to move into the quarterfinals as Group C runners-up. Algeria finished as runners-up in Group A, without conceding a goal but only scoring one. The odds for Algeria-Ghana are tight, with Ghana slight favourites at 2.24, a draw at 3.00 and Ghana Algeria at 3.10. In Friday's first quarterfinal, by far the continent's most successful side, Nigeria, take on Zambia. Zambia's attacking sensations Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji, already have three goals apiece in this WAFCON. Two clear favourites But Nigeria are still clear favourites, priced at 1.66, to Zambia's 4.90, with a draw at 3.40. In Friday's other quarterfinal, hosts Morocco take on Mali. Morocco are even clearer favourites than Nigeria for this one, priced at 1.27, with Mali the underdogs at 8.40 and a draw at 5.20. Please note that these Betway odds are correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
