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CNA
3 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
Women's Copa America highlights inequality in South American women's football
Intended to spotlight women's football in South America, the 2025 Women's Copa America in Ecuador has instead exposed deep inequalities with the men's game, outraging some players and drawing unflattering comparisons with the Women's Euros in Switzerland. With Olympic and Pan American qualification at stake, the continent's finest players expected professional conditions when the tournament kicked off earlier this month. What they found sparked widespread outrage and calls for systemic change. The controversy erupted when images circulated on social media showing Brazil and Bolivia players warming up side-by-side in a cramped indoor space before their Group B clash, rather than on the pitch as is standard in men's competitions. Brazil great Marta, who came out of international retirement for the competition, led the calls for change. "We are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation," the six-time FIFA Player of the Year told Globo Esporte. Brazil midfielder Ary Borges delivered even sharper criticism, directly challenging CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez: "Even amateur matches are better organised than this. Ask Alejandro if he could warm up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint," she said. "I think we saw an example of what can be done with the Men's Copa America and its huge infrastructure. Why does the women's tournament have to deal with this kind of thing?" TECH GAP DEEPENS FRUSTRATION While CONMEBOL eventually allowed 15-minute pitch warm-ups following the backlash, the absence of VAR technology in knockout stages intensified player grievances. Chilean forward Yanara Aedo called the lack of VAR "disrespectful" after a controversial 2-1 loss to Argentina. "VAR changes everything... Everyone could see the two penalties that weren't awarded," she told reporters. "This is the Women's Copa America, and it should be the same as the men's tournament. The Women's Euros are being played at the same time, so it's disappointing for us to see this competition taking place with no VAR," she added. The timing proved particularly galling, with Europe's tournament in Switzerland breaking attendance records while utilising cutting-edge technology. Brazil's Kerolin captured the growing discontent on social media: "I'm watching the Euros today... and man. The difference in structure, audience and investment is surreal. It's discouraging." The disparities have also drawn criticism beyond South America. Lynn Williams, the National Women's Soccer League's all-time leading scorer, challenged governing bodies on Sam Mewis's podcast The Women's Game. "Think about a tournament that's happening at the same time, the Euro Cup. And you, as a player, are witnessing this, having a very different experience between media coverage, access to the game, and investment in the sport in these countries. Why aren't we investing in them?" Former United States midfielder Mewis, a Women's World Cup winner in 2019, added: "I want to see governing bodies and people in positions of power advocating more for the players." Next year's Finalissima in Los Angeles against the European champions could further highlight the inequalities.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Women's Copa America highlights inequality in South American women's football
July 27 (Reuters) - Intended to spotlight women's football in South America, the 2025 Women's Copa America in Ecuador has instead exposed deep inequalities with the men's game, outraging some players and drawing unflattering comparisons with the Women's Euros in Switzerland. With Olympic and Pan American qualification at stake, the continent's finest players expected professional conditions when the tournament kicked off earlier this month. What they found sparked widespread outrage and calls for systemic change. The controversy erupted when images circulated on social media showing Brazil and Bolivia players warming up side-by-side in a cramped indoor space before their Group B clash, rather than on the pitch as is standard in men's competitions. Brazil great Marta, who came out of international retirement for the competition, led the calls for change. "We are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation," the six-time FIFA Player of the Year told Globo Esporte. Brazil midfielder Ary Borges delivered even sharper criticism, directly challenging CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez: "Even amateur matches are better organised than this. Ask Alejandro if he could warm up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint," she said. "I think we saw an example of what can be done with the Men's Copa America and its huge infrastructure. Why does the women's tournament have to deal with this kind of thing?" While CONMEBOL eventually allowed 15-minute pitch warm-ups following the backlash, the absence of VAR technology in knockout stages intensified player grievances. Chilean forward Yanara Aedo called the lack of VAR "disrespectful" after a controversial 2-1 loss to Argentina. "VAR changes everything... Everyone could see the two penalties that weren't awarded," she told reporters. "This is the Women's Copa America, and it should be the same as the men's tournament. The Women's Euros are being played at the same time, so it's disappointing for us to see this competition taking place with no VAR," she added. The timing proved particularly galling, with Europe's tournament in Switzerland breaking attendance records while utilising cutting-edge technology. Brazil's Kerolin captured the growing discontent on social media: "I'm watching the Euros today... and man. The difference in structure, audience and investment is surreal. It's discouraging." The disparities have also drawn criticism beyond South America. Lynn Williams, the National Women's Soccer League's all-time leading scorer, challenged governing bodies on Sam Mewis's podcast The Women's Game. "Think about a tournament that's happening at the same time, the Euro Cup. And you, as a player, are witnessing this, having a very different experience between media coverage, access to the game, and investment in the sport in these countries. Why aren't we investing in them?" Former United States midfielder Mewis, a Women's World Cup winner in 2019, added: "I want to see governing bodies and people in positions of power advocating more for the players." Next year's Finalissima in Los Angeles against the European champions could further highlight the inequalities.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Copa América Femenina faces backlash over poor conditions and low attendance
The Copa América Femenina has gotten off to a rough start. Players complained about the training conditions for group-stage matches in the tournament in Ecuador and the lack of VAR, as well as near-empty stadiums for many games. Soccer great Marta, a six-time world player of the year who came out of retirement to play for Brazil in the premier women's tournament for South America, was not happy to be forced to warm up at Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium in a small indoor area before a match against Bolivia. 'There wasn't enough space. I don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. We hope that CONMEBOL will address some of these issues and take steps to improve. Is this professional football?' Marta said. 'I haven't played in a tournament in South America for many years, and these situations deeply sadden me.' The tournament organizers did not allow players to warm up on the field to protect it because in the group stage there are back-to-back matches in that stadium. 'We deserve much better' 'Even amateur tournaments are better organized than this," Brazil's Ary Borges said. "Ask Alejandro (Domínguez, CONMEBOL president) if he's ever had to warm up in a 5- or 10-meter space that smells of paint. Why do things like this happen in women's football? Honestly, I think we deserve much better.' The tournament is being played across three stadiums in the capital of Quito. The final is set for Aug. 2 at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, the third largest one in Ecuador, with a capacity of 44,000 fans. Players have also complained about the lack of VAR, with video review only being used for the semifinals and final. 'It's disrespectful that there's no VAR. The (Women's) European Championship is being played in parallel (in Switzerland) and for us, as players, it's a disgrace to watch the European Championship and the Copa América,' said Chile striker Yanara Aedo. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. For some teams, problems arose before the start of the tournament. Uruguay arrived with their players upset with their federation over training conditions and they agreed to participate just 72 hours before their match after their demands were met. The players asked to use the training facility in Uruguay known as 'Complejo Celeste' with the same conditions as their male counterparts, to have better equipment and an increase in their daily money allowance for national and international competitions. Ticket sales Low attendance has also been an issue. Although no official numbers have been released, television images show most of the stadiums with empty seats even for the host nation. In Ecuador's first match against Uruguay only 6,000 fans were announced at the IDV stadium, which seats 12,000. Tickets for the event went on sale to the general public on July 4, just eight days before the opening game. At an international forum on labor conditions in women's sport earlier this month in Geneva, delegates were told that a lack of promotion in Ecuador allegedly saw just 30 tickets sold for one game in a near-empty stadium. 'It's a global issue' FIFPRO, the global soccer players' union, surveys players following big events and works with confederations to make necessary changes. 'It's just not isolated in CONMEBOL, it's a global issue. I think what's happened is obviously that the players with the biggest platforms, Marta, Kerolin, they're able to speak out, but there's a lot of players who are unable to use their voice," said Alex Culvin, FIFPRO's director of global policy for women's football. "That's where FIFPRO obviously has a responsibility to shield the players so they don't have to advocate for themselves, and we do that through anonymous surveying, and when players do speak out, we offer support.' ___
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Copa América Femenina faces backlash over poor conditions and low attendance
Associated Press The Copa América Femenina has gotten off to a rough start. Players complained about the training conditions for group-stage matches in the tournament in Ecuador and the lack of VAR, as well as near-empty stadiums for many games. Soccer great Marta, a six-time world player of the year who came out of retirement to play for Brazil in the premier women's tournament for South America, was not happy to be forced to warm up at Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium in a small indoor area before a match against Bolivia. 'There wasn't enough space. I don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. We hope that CONMEBOL will address some of these issues and take steps to improve. Is this professional football?' Marta said. 'I haven't played in a tournament in South America for many years, and these situations deeply sadden me.' The tournament organizers did not allow players to warm up on the field to protect it because in the group stage there are back-to-back matches in that stadium. 'We deserve much better' CONMEBOL, South America soccer's governing body, has not commented on the complaints. 'Even amateur tournaments are better organized than this," Brazil's Ary Borges said. "Ask Alejandro (Domínguez, CONMEBOL president) if he's ever had to warm up in a 5- or 10-meter space that smells of paint. Why do things like this happen in women's football? Honestly, I think we deserve much better.' The tournament is being played across three stadiums in the capital of Quito. The final is set for Aug. 2 at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, the third largest one in Ecuador, with a capacity of 44,000 fans. Players have also complained about the lack of VAR, with video review only being used for the semifinals and final. 'It's disrespectful that there's no VAR. The (Women's) European Championship is being played in parallel (in Switzerland) and for us, as players, it's a disgrace to watch the European Championship and the Copa América,' said Chile striker Yanara Aedo. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. For some teams, problems arose before the start of the tournament. Uruguay arrived with their players upset with their federation over training conditions and they agreed to participate just 72 hours before their match after their demands were met. The players asked to use the training facility in Uruguay known as 'Complejo Celeste' with the same conditions as their male counterparts, to have better equipment and an increase in their daily money allowance for national and international competitions. Ticket sales Low attendance has also been an issue. Although no official numbers have been released, television images show most of the stadiums with empty seats even for the host nation. In Ecuador's first match against Uruguay only 6,000 fans were announced at the IDV stadium, which seats 12,000. Tickets for the event went on sale to the general public on July 4, just eight days before the opening game. At an international forum on labor conditions in women's sport earlier this month in Geneva, delegates were told that a lack of promotion in Ecuador allegedly saw just 30 tickets sold for one game in a near-empty stadium. 'It's a global issue' FIFPRO, the global soccer players' union, surveys players following big events and works with confederations to make necessary changes. 'It's just not isolated in CONMEBOL, it's a global issue. I think what's happened is obviously that the players with the biggest platforms, Marta, Kerolin, they're able to speak out, but there's a lot of players who are unable to use their voice," said Alex Culvin, FIFPRO's director of global policy for women's football. "That's where FIFPRO obviously has a responsibility to shield the players so they don't have to advocate for themselves, and we do that through anonymous surveying, and when players do speak out, we offer support.' ___ AP Soccer Writer Anne M. Peterson contributed to this report. ___ AP soccer: in this topic
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Copa América Femenina faces backlash over poor conditions and low attendance
The Copa América Femenina has gotten off to a rough start. Players complained about the training conditions for group-stage matches in the tournament in Ecuador and the lack of VAR, as well as near-empty stadiums for many games. Soccer great Marta, a six-time world player of the year who came out of retirement to play for Brazil in the premier women's tournament for South America, was not happy to be forced to warm up at Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium in a small indoor area before a match against Bolivia. 'There wasn't enough space. I don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. We hope that CONMEBOL will address some of these issues and take steps to improve. Is this professional football?' Marta said. 'I haven't played in a tournament in South America for many years, and these situations deeply sadden me.' The tournament organizers did not allow players to warm up on the field to protect it because in the group stage there are back-to-back matches in that stadium. 'We deserve much better' CONMEBOL, South America soccer's governing body, has not commented on the complaints. 'Even amateur tournaments are better organized than this,' Brazil's Ary Borges said. 'Ask Alejandro (Domínguez, CONMEBOL president) if he's ever had to warm up in a 5- or 10-meter space that smells of paint. Why do things like this happen in women's football? Honestly, I think we deserve much better.' The tournament is being played across three stadiums in the capital of Quito. The final is set for Aug. 2 at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, the third largest one in Ecuador, with a capacity of 44,000 fans. Players have also complained about the lack of VAR, with video review only being used for the semifinals and final. 'It's disrespectful that there's no VAR. The (Women's) European Championship is being played in parallel (in Switzerland) and for us, as players, it's a disgrace to watch the European Championship and the Copa América,' said Chile striker Yanara Aedo. The Copa América is among three big continental women's tournaments this summer, along with the European Championship and the Africa Cup of Nations. For some teams, problems arose before the start of the tournament. Uruguay arrived with their players upset with their federation over training conditions and they agreed to participate just 72 hours before their match after their demands were met. The players asked to use the training facility in Uruguay known as 'Complejo Celeste' with the same conditions as their male counterparts, to have better equipment and an increase in their daily money allowance for national and international competitions. Ticket sales Low attendance has also been an issue. Although no official numbers have been released, television images show most of the stadiums with empty seats even for the host nation. In Ecuador's first match against Uruguay only 6,000 fans were announced at the IDV stadium, which seats 12,000. Tickets for the event went on sale to the general public on July 4, just eight days before the opening game. At an international forum on labor conditions in women's sport earlier this month in Geneva, delegates were told that a lack of promotion in Ecuador allegedly saw just 30 tickets sold for one game in a near-empty stadium. 'It's a global issue' FIFPRO, the global soccer players' union, surveys players following big events and works with confederations to make necessary changes. 'It's just not isolated in CONMEBOL, it's a global issue. I think what's happened is obviously that the players with the biggest platforms, Marta, Kerolin, they're able to speak out, but there's a lot of players who are unable to use their voice,' said Alex Culvin, FIFPRO's director of global policy for women's football. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'That's where FIFPRO obviously has a responsibility to shield the players so they don't have to advocate for themselves, and we do that through anonymous surveying, and when players do speak out, we offer support.' ___ AP Soccer Writer Anne M. Peterson contributed to this report. ___ AP soccer:
