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BBC News
16 minutes ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Women's Copa America criticised after Euros success
While this summer's Euro 2025 was marked by record attendances, a smooth operation and memorable performances capped by England's triumph, the women's Copa America has suffered in Brazil and Colombia prepare for Sunday's final, the tournament in Ecuador has come in for criticism for poor organisation, low attendances and below-par Brazil hosting the 2027 World Cup, it was hoped Conmebol would raise its game, and standards, for the Copa America Femenina after similar problems at the Copa Libertadores Femenina in legend and six-time Fifa Player of the Year Marta has been vocal in her criticism, questioning organisers for making teams warm up in confined indoor areas rather than on the spread on social media, before her country's dominant Group B win over Bolivia, of players from both teams warming up side by side in a confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda measure was taken to prevent damage to the pitch, which hosted two matches in a day during the group stage, and left the 39-year-old Marta - who retired after the Olympics last year - "saddened by these circumstances".Manchester City's Brazil forward Kerolin reflected on the difference with the Euros as she wrote on her X account: "While at the Euros they are breaking records in technology, we are warming up in a room with a maximum of 20 square metres, smelling of paint." 'Structural issues' at Copa America compared to success of Euros As the Euros soared to greater heights, there were more lows at the Copa totals in Switzerland came to 657,291 - a new record for a women's European Championship - with the average for a game topping 20,000 for the first before England retained their title by toppling world champions Spain in the final, a number of players had praised the tournament's organisation on and off the has not been the case in journalist Julia Belas highlighted "structural issues" at the competition as she told BBC Sport: "The Copa America has been heavily criticised by the players, staff from the teams and the federations, especially because of the structure, the lack of structure, they have provided to the teams participating. "For example, they were only using two stadiums within the group stage, so all of the games were played in only two stadiums and that meant the pitch quality wasn't great. "For two rounds, the players weren't able to warm up on the pitch to try to preserve the quality of the grass. At the same time, you know, just the structural issues that we've seen before in other Conmebol competitions such as the Copa Libertadores." 'Conmebol needs to pick up the pace' South America will host its first women's World Cup in 2027 and it has a lot to live up to after the success of the 2023 competition in Australia and the past two also showed up in their thousands for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations with 150,000 spectators thought to have bought tickets as Nigeria lifted the asked if the Copa America was a good look for the continent, Belas added: "No, not at all. "It is the first time the Women's World Cup is going to South America and, of course, part of the bid was the fact that we have huge stadiums in Brazil that were used for the men's World Cup 11 years ago. "Conmebol really needs to pick up the pace because we've seen such an amazing World Cup happening in Australia. We've seen the Euros in Switzerland drawing 100,000s of fans, even in the Africa Cup of Nations we've seen stadiums with heavily attended games. "In the Copa America, we don't even know the numbers of fans who are at each game. It's difficult to compare with other continents at the moment. With only two years to go to the World Cup, they really need to step it up."BBC Sport approached Conmebol for comment.
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Women's Copa America highlights inequality in South American women's football
Conmebol's President Alejandro Dominguez speaks during the inauguration of the FIFA Museum, in Asuncion, Paraguay May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo (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?" 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. (Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico CityEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Women's Copa America highlights inequality in South American women's football
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Conmebol's President Alejandro Dominguez speaks during the inauguration of the FIFA Museum, in Asuncion, Paraguay May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo 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?" Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Workers used nylon rope to rescue driver of car that fell into Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole Asia Singapore-only car washes will get business licences revoked, says Johor govt World Food airdropped into Gaza as Israel opens aid routes Sport Arsenal beat Newcastle in five-goal thriller to bring Singapore Festival of Football to a close Singapore Benchmark barrier: Six of her homeschooled kids had to retake the PSLE Asia S'porean trainee doctor in Melbourne arrested for allegedly filming colleagues in toilets since 2021 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
The Guardian
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘Disrespectful': players hit out at Conmebol over issues at Copa América Feminina
In Europe the summer has been marked by record attendances, a smooth operation and some outstanding performances at Euro 2025. But the picture from the 2025 Copa América Feminina, played in the South American winter, is less rosy with criticism from players, coaches, fans and media regarding the poor organisation, low attendances and questionable refereeing. With the fiasco of the Copa Libertadores Feminina last October, another tournament blighted by organisational problems, fresh in memory the hope was that Conmebol would raise their game for this year's Copa América in Ecuador. However, the tournament feels years behind its European rival and that is worrying in the extreme as the continent prepares to host its first Women's World Cup, in Brazil in 2027. The issues at the tournament reflect deeper structural problems within South American women's football. Major competitions often lack the technology now ever-present in the men's game, such as VAR from the group stage, and the main stadia in the country are not being used. Promotion for this competition has also been lacking, with tickets, for example, only going on sale on 4 July, just eight days before the tournament started. It is no surprise that there has been a low turnout. Brazilian legend Marta was one of those who spoke out about the limited investment in the tournament. 'It's been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances. We hope that Conmebol will change things and improve the situation,' she told Globo Esporte. Undeterred and while under fire for its handling of the Copa América, Conmebol announced a new international tournament: the Nations League. The draw will take place on 31 July in Paraguay and will run between 2025 and 2026. Two places at the World Cup are up for grabs, with another two available at the intercontinental playoffs. At least VAR will be used at all the games. That has not been the case in Ecuador, where the Chilean defender Fernanda Pinilla spoke up against the lack of it for the group stages. It will only be used in this week's semi-finals and the final. 'I think VAR can work for you or against you, but it gets us closer to fairness,' she said after the 2-1 defeat to Argentina. 'It would be really important that, in such a major tournament like the Copa América, it could be used. We still need to improve the tournament, the format, everything, and one of these improvements would be to have VAR from the group stage.' Pinilla was not the only one to criticise the tournament's organisation. Her teammate Yanara Aedo said: 'It's disrespectful that we don't have VAR. For us, as players, it's shameful to watch the [differences between] the Euros and the Copa América … In our last match [a 3-0 win over Peru], a legitimate goal was disallowed. It's good that the game was broadcast so people could see the two penalties we weren't given. I'm not saying Argentina didn't deserve to win but VAR would have changed the game for them and us, for every player. The organisers should get their act together because we're as much footballers as the men are.' Another heavily criticised issue was the warm-up arrangements before matches. Players were not allowed to warm up on the pitch; instead they had to get ready in small rooms in the stadium. 'While at the Euros they are breaking records in technology, we are warming up in a room with a maximum of 20 square metres, smelling of paint,' wrote the Brazilian and Manchester City forward Kerolin on her X account after scoring a hat-trick in the 6-0 win against Bolivia. The Brazilian women's national team, who have won the tournament nine times, have been at the forefront of the criticism over Conmebol's handling of the competition. They had to warm up in these small rooms before the games against Venezuela and Bolivia – together with their opponents. 'The warm-up issue really worries me,' the Brazil coach, Arthur Elias, said. 'We had a player who, at the end of the warm-up, felt what was maybe be a muscle issue. We tested her [and she played], but if we had needed to replace her it would have been with a player who hadn't warmed up because there wasn't enough space for all 20 players.' Conmebol claimed that, with all matches being played in just two stadia, the pitches would deteriorate if the warm-ups were done on them too. However, the governing body later announced that, after re-evaluating the condition of the pitches, players would be allowed 15 minutes of warm-up on the playing field. 'I'd like to thank Conmebol for being conscious enough to allow us to warm up for 15 minutes. It'll be really important. It's still not ideal, not even close, but it's a good first step, and may we always evolve,' Kerolin said. The situation is not good enough and Conmebol have to listen to the players when it comes to providing the best support for women's football. In just two years, the continent will host fans from around the world who expect to enjoy the women's game at its highest level. There is a lot to be done before then. Business end: The Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals take place this week, starting with a thrilling clash between Nigeria and South Africa, which is followed by Morocco v Ghana. Nigeria were dominant in their 5-0 quarter-final win over Zambia while hosts Morocco also looked in fine form during their 3-1 victory over Mali. The final takes place on Saturday. Anger in Uruguay: The Uruguayan FA's president, Ignacio Alonso, has been criticised by players after he posted on social media celebrating the growth of the women's game under his leadership since 2019, highlighting 'more players, more divisions, and broadcasts'. Just before Uruguay's participation in the Copa América, players refused to train, calling for improvements to the working conditions – including use of men's national team facilities, better equipment and increased daily allowances for national and international commitments. Defensor Sporting's Camila Friciello replied to the post saying: 'Alonso, women's football in Uruguay is completely amateur. We went from playing in stadiums to playing on training grounds. From games broadcast on TV to streaming. We play with terrible balls. There are no salaries. No medical assistance. (…) Two weeks ago, the national team didn't train because they didn't have proper conditions.' Faye Carruthers, Suzy Wrack, Sophie Downey and Tim Stillman review two epic Euro 2025 quarter-finals and preview the semis. Listen here. It could not be anything else: Ann-Katrin Berger's incredible save in the quarter-final against France (among other great stops in the last eight). The player of the match was instrumental in securing Germany's place in the semis with a stellar performance, including two penalties saved in the shootout. As ever I am grateful for all of the support from the genuine fans but I am taking this measure to protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team anyway I can. Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it' – England defender Jess Carter on taking a step back from social media after being racially abused online. Jonathan Liew on that Berger save in Germany's win over France. Sarina Wiegman has praised Jess Carter and says she is ready to face Italy. A tale of two strikers: before England v Italy at Euro 2025 we profile Alessia Russo and Cristiana Girelli. Here are Sophie Downey's latest power rankings before the semi-finals. Nikita Parris is set to join newly-promoted WSL side London City Lionesses from Brighton. And you can catch all the moves from the top six leagues in the world in our transfer interactive.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
📹 Vasco thrashed by Del Valle, in trouble in Copa Sudamericana
At high altitude in Quito, Ecuador, Vasco was thrashed by Independiente del Valle 4-0 on Tuesday (15), in the first leg of the Conmebol South American playoffs 2025. Best moments below The ugly defeat inevitably passes through Lucas Piton's expulsion before the 15th minute of the first half. With one less, Léo Jardim worked miracles to save Vasco, who suffered 19 finishes in the first half - the highest number of a Brazilian, in international competitions, since 2017. Despite all the effort, Jardim could not prevent Carabajal from "opening the gate", in the additions, completing the rebound of the Vasco goalkeeper with a header. Advertisement On the return of the interval, there was no way. Independiente del Valle arrived with everything and expanded with Patrik Mercado, in a finish that Léo Jardim even touched the ball, which kissed the post and died in the back of the goal. Completely lost on the field, Vasco suffered the third goal in a flash. After a closed cross from the left, Spinelli appeared in the area behind the defender to deflect and overcome Léo Jardim. Without even being able to finish at the Ecuadorian goal, Vasco entered mode to avoid elimination in the first leg. But in the final minutes, Patrik Mercado turned the victory into a rout. Advertisement Spinelli even made what would be the fifth Ecuadorian goal, but the play was annulled by offside, after VAR review. However, Mauricio Lemos fouled Patrik Mercado in the area in the last minute of regular time. Léo Jardim, however, managed to defend the penalty taken by Cazares. 📉 The chaos in numbers 🚦 How it stays With the defeat, Vasco needs to win by five goals, in São Januário, next Tuesday (22), to advance to the quarterfinals of the Conmebol South American. In case of victory by four goals, the spot will be decided on penalties. The Ecuadorians can lose up to three goals and still qualify. Before, the Cruz-Maltino returns to the field next Saturday (19), when they host Grêmio, in São Januário, for the 15th round of the Brasileirão. Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. 📸 RODRIGO BUENDIA - AFP or licensors
