Latest news with #Women'sEURO
Forbes
5 days ago
- Sport
- Forbes
WSL Fans Can Now Drink Pitch-Side, Premier League Fans Still Banned
Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood of WSL teams Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively, and England ... More (Photo by) This season, seven Women's Super League clubs—Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Everton, and the London City Lionesses—will allow fans to drink alcohol in their seats. No spirits smuggled in hidden flasks. No sprint-finished pints during half‑time. Just… sipping in your seat, watching the football. Like a normal person. Why? Because, last season, a pilot in the second tier (now WSL2) let fans drink in view of the pitch. Over 50,000 people took part, 66 percent supported the policy, and there were zero reported incidents. No fights. No pitch invasions. In fact, match officials reported no change in fan behaviour whatsoever. The verdict? It passed muster—and now it's expanding to the WSL's biggest clubs. That means the women's game is being trusted with something men's football still won't offer. Since 1985, drinking alcohol in view of the pitch has been banned in men's professional football in England and Wales, a relic of moral panic amid rampant hooliganism. Whereas, in women's football, it seems you don't need flares, hate‑crime chants, or some 2,000 arrests a year to generate 'passion'. You can have space for kids, decent food, and a glass of wine that doesn't taste like it came from the darkest corner of a petrol-station stock room. All while supporting great football. Record growth only sharpens the point. WSL attendance hit 902,000 this season. Arsenal Women now average over 30,000 at Emirates Stadium. Last day derbies at Old Trafford and the Joie Stadium sold out. The audience is here, and so are the expectations. Arsenal supporters celebrate Arsenal's women team victory of the UEFA Champions League during ... More celebrations outside the Emirates Stadium, in London, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) Naturally, there's a strong business consideration, too. Alcohol money already flows into women's football. Asahi Super Dry, in particular, has made a major commercial move in both men's and women's football this month, signing a multi‑year global partnership with Arsenal and taking over as the club's Official Beer Partner. Through the season, Asahi UK will have exclusive beer, ale, and cider pouring rights at Emirates Stadium, and the deal will likely land Arsenal £3-4 million ($4-5 million) per season, not just from the brand deal, but primarily from matchday pouring rights. Manchester City operates under the same Asahi umbrella—official beer across its men's and women's sides, reinforcing a coordinated global licensing strategy. Financial details weren't disclosed, but insiders point to a comparable deal range. Meanwhile, Heineken, UEFA's long-time Champions League sponsor (extended through 2027), has integrated the women's game since 2021, covering the UEFA Women's Champions League and Women's EURO tournaments. While the exact spend for women's football isn't public, it's clear Heineken views the investment as core to its broader European football strategy. To reckon with these numbers: Arsenal's sponsorship portfolio for women's football (already funded in the low millions) now includes a pouring partner that expects to recoup sales. Markets like these don't invest unless they see a return. If giving fans a pint means more respect—and revenue—for and from the fans, then the WSL isn't just pioneering, but outpacing the men's game entirely. Turns out you can grow a sport, please your sponsors, and treat fans like adults in football, after all. Raise a glass accordingly.
Fox Sports
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
For Spain To Win Euro 2025, It Must Do Something It's Never Done: Beat Germany
UEFA Women's EURO For Spain To Win Euro 2025, It Must Do Something It's Never Done: Beat Germany Updated Jul. 22, 2025 2:27 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link World Cup winner Spain has never reached the final of the Women's European Championship. It has also never beaten Germany. Both those things could change on Wednesday. Spain plays Germany in the Euro 2025 semifinals in Zurich, knowing that it has never managed to get the better of its opponents in eight previous meetings — five losses and three draws. "For my experience in the Spanish team in the last seven years, I had the chance to play five times against Germany. We never managed to beat them, but I also feel that in those five times we were closer and closer to the victory," Spain coach Montse Tomé said Tuesday. "Today we are in another point, they are also a different team. But Germany is always Germany." Spain beat Switzerland to reach only its second-ever Euros semifinal — 28 years after its first. After winning the World Cup and Nations League in the past two years, the team is moving closer to adding the European Championship trophy to its collection. ADVERTISEMENT Spain has lost just one of its past 15 matches — winning 12 — since its last encounter with Germany, a 1-0 defeat in the bronze medal match at last year's Paris Olympics. "Every player tries to find a way to write history," captain Alexia Putellas said. "I see tomorrow's match more as an opportunity than revenge. "The Olympics was a totally different competition. That game will have nothing to do with tomorrow's game. We have the opportunity to beat them for the first time." Spain has lost just one of its past 15 matches — winning 12 — since its last encounter with Germany, a 1-0 defeat in the bronze medal match at last year's Paris Olympics. (Photo by) While Spain is favorite to progress, Germany has proved you can never write off the record eight-time European champion. Germany managed to beat France on penalties in their quarterfinal, despite playing with 10 players from the 13th minute after midfielder Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for pulling an opponent's hair. And Germany is ready to dig deep to defy the odds again. "Well I think the performance we have shown is the blueprint of all the matches really," Germany defender Rebecca Knaak said. "It's the perfect example of passion, mental strength. All these things are characteristics we exhibit. "So this is important tomorrow as well and of course we have been prepared on a tactical level as well by the coach and the team," she added. "But the fundamental characteristic has been built in the French match." That was actually the second straight time Germany had to play the majority of the match at a numerical disadvantage. Defender Carlotta Wamser was sent off barely half an hour into a 4-1 loss to Sweden in their final group stage match. Wamser returns but Germany will again have to reshuffle its defense with Hendrich suspended and Sarai Linder joining captain and right-back Giulia Gwinn on the injury list. Midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken is also suspended after receiving her second yellow card of the tournament against France. "It says a lot about the team that we accepted every situation as they came along," Knaak said. "There were so many different and unusual situations, and we adapted. "We supported each other and at the end it doesn't really matter who plays next to whom," she continued, "we are a team and we have the squad for exactly those reasons, that we can adapt and we can adapt to the opponents as well." Defending champion England plays Italy on Tuesday in the other semifinal. The final will be played on Sunday in Basel. Reporting by The Associated Press. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! share
Powys County Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Tuesday's briefing: Carter unstoppable as Lionesses target a place in final
Jess Carter is set to play for England in their European Championship semi-final against Italy despite being the target of online racist abuse during the tournament. England coach Sarina Wiegman is expecting to be able to pick from a full-strength squad, with Leah Williamson shrugging off an injury she sustained in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat of Sweden. Manchester United and Liverpool have been splashing the cash ahead of the new Premier League season, while Rangers are also looking to make a statement in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League. England at full strength for Italy showdown Sarina Wiegman has suggested captain Leah Williamson will be fit for England's Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy and said Jess Carter is 'ready to perform' after the defender revealed she had been the target of racist abuse. There were concerns about centre-back Williamson's fitness after she rolled her ankle in extra time of Thursday's dramatic last-eight shoot-out victory over Sweden, but the Arsenal defender – alongside every other member of the squad – trained with the team on Monday morning. Carter, in a statement shared to her accounts on several platforms on Sunday, said she would be 'taking a step back' from social media, while Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed his organisation has involved UK police. Asked if she expected to have a full complement available for the semi in Geneva, England boss Wiegman said: 'That's what it looks like, yeah.' Meanwhile FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says he is 'deeply saddened' by racist abuse directed at Carter and promised FIFA will share data with the relevant authorities to identify the culprits. FIFA president Infantino wrote on Instagram: 'I am deeply saddened to see the online abuse directed at England's Jess Carter during the ongoing Women's EURO tournament. There is no place for racism in football or in society.' Mbeumo finally completes United move Manchester United have completed the long-awaited signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo for a fee rising to £71million. Nearly seven weeks after seeing their first offer rebuffed, the Red Devils finally have their man and the 25-year-old has signed a deal until 2030 with the option of a further year. Mbeumo leaves Brentford for an initial £65m fee that PA understands could rise by a further £6m should certain add-on clauses related to team and player be achieved. 'As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,' the Cameroon international said. Ekitike heading to Liverpool Liverpool have struck a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt worth up to £79million for striker Hugo Ekitike, the PA news agency understands. The talented 23-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga club after last summer making his loan move from Paris St Germain permanent. Newcastle and Manchester United have been among the interested parties but Premier League champions Liverpool look set to sign Ekitike. The PA news agency understands the Reds have agreed to pay a guaranteed £69m to sign the France Under-21 international, with a further £10m possible in add-ons. The player has been given permission to travel to Merseyside to complete the deal. Ekitike is set to arrive on Tuesday for his medical and to complete what is expected to be a deal until 2031. Martin believes Rangers are ready to shine Russell Martin believes Rangers will 'take some stopping' if they can harness an energy and connection between players, supporters and everyone else associated with the club. The Ibrox head coach is determined to ensure that process takes shape in his first match in charge against Panathinaikos on Tuesday. Rangers take on the Greek side in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round at Ibrox and Martin hopes fans can quickly see the dominant, intense, aggressive team that forms his vision for his reign. The former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager said: 'Every day I wake up and I'm honoured to be in this position. I feel extremely grateful for it. I'm excited by it and I will give it absolutely everything I've got. We all will.' What's on today The big night has finally arrived for England women who face Italy in the European Championship semi-final in Geneva.
Powys County Times
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Gianni Infantino ‘deeply saddened' by racist abuse directed at Jess Carter
Gianni Infantino says he is 'deeply saddened' by the online racist abuse directed at England's Jess Carter at Euro 2025 and promised FIFA will share data with the relevant authorities to identify the culprits. Defender Carter said she will be 'taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with' after revealing she has been the target of 'a lot of racial abuse' during the tournament in Switzerland. FIFA president Infantino wrote on Instagram: 'I am deeply saddened to see the online abuse directed at England's Jess Carter during the ongoing Women's EURO tournament. There is no place for racism in football or in society. 'We stand with Jess. We stand with every player and every individual who has suffered from racist abuse. 'No player should be discriminated against in any way, they should be free to be at their very best on the pitch. 'Through FIFA's Social Media Protection Service, we have helped tackle such abuse across multiple tournaments. We will continue to collaborate and support confederations, FIFA Member Associations and their players. 'In this instance, we will be offering our support with any further action required, as well as sharing data for appropriate action to be taken against any perpetrators.' Football Association chief Mark Bullingham has confirmed his organisation has already referred the 'abhorrent' abuse to UK police, who are 'in touch with the relevant social media platform'. — Jess Carter (@_JessCarter) July 20, 2025 Bullingham said the FA 'will continue to discuss with the relevant authorities and social media companies about what more can and should be done.' Lucy Bronze said she was 'sad' for her England team-mate Carter ahead of the Lionesses semi-final against Italy in Geneva on Tuesday, and warned social media companies that football players can 'thrive' without their services. 'I think no player needs social media,' said Bronze. 'I think that's one thing that we can always remember, is that we play football because we love the sport. 'Someone like Jess, she's had an amazing tournament. I think she was one of our best players in the Netherlands game, for example, and she should be able to see messages and the fans and the support and live in that moment, because it's something you should be able to celebrate.' The Lionesses have collectively agreed they will not be 'taking the knee' ahead of kick-off in Geneva, a symbolic anti-racism gesture that since 2016, when NFL player Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the Star Spangled Banner in protest, has become widespread practice across sport. 'Until now, we have chosen to take the knee before matches,' read a team statement. 'It's clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism. 'We have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kick-off on Tuesday.'
Irish Examiner
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Gianni Infantino ‘deeply saddened' by racist abuse directed at Jess Carter
Gianni Infantino says he is 'deeply saddened' by the online racist abuse directed at England's Jess Carter at Euro 2025 and promised FIFA will share data with the relevant authorities to identify the culprits. Defender Carter said she will be 'taking a step back from social media and leaving it to a team to deal with' after revealing she has been the target of 'a lot of racial abuse' during the tournament in Switzerland. FIFA president Infantino wrote on Instagram: 'I am deeply saddened to see the online abuse directed at England's Jess Carter during the ongoing Women's EURO tournament. There is no place for racism in football or in society. England defender Jess Carter says she has been the target of 'a lot of racial abuse' during Euro 2025 (Nick Potts/PA) 'We stand with Jess. We stand with every player and every individual who has suffered from racist abuse. 'No player should be discriminated against in any way, they should be free to be at their very best on the pitch. 'Through FIFA's Social Media Protection Service, we have helped tackle such abuse across multiple tournaments. We will continue to collaborate and support confederations, FIFA Member Associations and their players. 'In this instance, we will be offering our support with any further action required, as well as sharing data for appropriate action to be taken against any perpetrators.' Football Association chief Mark Bullingham has confirmed his organisation has already referred the 'abhorrent' abuse to UK police, who are 'in touch with the relevant social media platform'. Bullingham said the FA 'will continue to discuss with the relevant authorities and social media companies about what more can and should be done.' Lucy Bronze said she was 'sad' for her England team-mate Carter ahead of the Lionesses semi-final against Italy in Geneva on Tuesday, and warned social media companies that football players can 'thrive' without their services. 'I think no player needs social media,' said Bronze. 'I think that's one thing that we can always remember, is that we play football because we love the sport. 'Someone like Jess, she's had an amazing tournament. I think she was one of our best players in the Netherlands game, for example, and she should be able to see messages and the fans and the support and live in that moment, because it's something you should be able to celebrate.' Lucy Bronze issued a warning to social media companies after the online racist abuse suffered by her England team-mate Jess Carter at Euro 2025 (Nick Potts/PA) The Lionesses have collectively agreed they will not be 'taking the knee' ahead of kick-off in Geneva, a symbolic anti-racism gesture that since 2016, when NFL player Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the Star Spangled Banner in protest, has become widespread practice across sport. 'Until now, we have chosen to take the knee before matches,' read a team statement. 'It's clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism. 'We have agreed as a squad to remain standing before kick-off on Tuesday.'
