Latest news with #FIFAWomen'sWorldCup
Axios
4 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
Lumen Field getting upgrades ahead of 2026 World Cup
Seattle's Lumen Field is getting a makeover ahead of next summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup, including seating upgrades, a new playing pitch and a temporary name change. Why it matters: Some changes are needed to comply with rules set by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, so that Lumen remains in line to host six men's World Cup matches next year, Zach Hensley, the stadium's vice president of operations and general manager, told Axios. The big picture: The upgrades could also boost Lumen's chances to host future international events, such as the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2031 and upcoming Rugby World Cup matches in 2031 and 2033, Hensley said. Catch up quick: Washington's Legislature approved $19.4 million for the Lumen Field upgrades in the state capital budget, which Gov. Bob Ferguson signed last week. Zoom in: One of the biggest FIFA-mandated changes will involve replacing Lumen's artificial turf with grass. That will require a new irrigation and ventilation system, along with grow lights and maintenance equipment, Hensley said. Other changes are designed to create more space for media, such as by removing some of the stadium's corner seating. FIFA requires all seats to have backs, which means upgrading the bleacher-style seating in the Hawks Nest, located at the north end zone. The stadium will also install turnstiles and other security upgrades, such as new bollards, lighting and cameras. Between the lines: Lumen Field is set to be called Seattle Stadium during the World Cup matches next June and July because FIFA doesn't allow the use of corporate-branded stadium names, unless the companies are official FIFA sponsors. That will mean stripping or covering all signage that reads "Lumen Field," as well as other corporate advertisements — something Hensley called "a very large task." The fine print: State lawmakers also approved money to help local governments with security; improve local transit ahead of the matches; and upgrade facilities at Gonzaga University and the University of Washington. What they're saying:"Getting ready to welcome the world requires a massive public and private partnership," April Putney, the chief strategy officer for the local World Cup organizing committee, said in a written statement to Axios. "We're incredibly appreciative of the Legislature's support." What's next: Some of the Lumen Field work, including replacing the playing surface, won't begin until after the Seahawks conclude their 2025 NFL season in early 2026, Hensley said.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Inside Mary Earps' England retirement as goalkeeper quits International duties
Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football, a decision she described as "difficult" just five weeks ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper alluded to "many dimensions" influencing her choice and hinted at a "new" direction for the England squad. The 32 year old was pivotal in the Lionesses' triumph at Euro 2022 and their second-place finish at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. Despite her significant contributions, Earps has seen less frequent selection for the starting line-up recently, with Chelsea's Hannah Hampton occasionally getting the nod. Earps has 53 caps for England across an eight-year career, during which she secured the Euros trophy and the 2023 Women's Finalissima cup. She saved a penalty during the Finalissima shootout to help lead England to win the first-ever trophy of its kind in women's football, and was ultimately crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. Regarding her sudden retirement now, though, England head coach Sarina Wiegman said she was "disappointed" by Earps' decision, and admitted that she had hoped the goalkeeper would play an "important role" in the Euros squad this summer. Here, Mirror Football has delved into Earps' cryptic retirement message, her England kit row with Nike, and her X-rated reaction at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Earps' retirement message in full is an homage to the joy and pride she has felt while representing England at multiple international tournaments over the years. However, after her announcement went public, BBC Sport reported that Earps met with manager Wiegman before the camp and told her team-mates of her decision on Monday at St George's Park. It is understood that the squad was disappointed to hear Earps would no longer be at the Euros, as the goalkeeper stepped out of training and has since left the camp. In her post on social media, the shot-stopper said: "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge and represent my country. I'm a proper sop when it comes to playing for England, anyone who knows me knows that playing at the top of the game is what drives me, and it doesn't get bigger than the international stage. "I wish I could do it forever – but sadly, all good things must come to an end." Earps went on to cryptically allude to the "many dimensions to this decision", highlighting the "new era and a new England team" that she is looking forward to watching from the sidelines this summer. Fans may spot a hint of hurt behind the veteran goalie's words, as she added: "In the end, all you have is who you are - your character. And I know that whilst this won't make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts." Wiegman has since commented on Earps' retirement decision, stating that she is "clear" on why the choice was made. She said: "I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision, and it is something we need to accept. "Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros." While it is unclear the exact reason behind the goalkeeper's decision to hang up her international boots at this crucial time, fans continue to speculate about a potential rift in the squad after Earps lost her starting position to Chelsea star Hampton. When discussing Hampton's place in the starting XI, Wiegman said: "I have two world-class goalkeepers. At the moment, [Hampton] is a little bit ahead." Many believe this to be a major influence behind Earps' decision to step back from international football, but neither player nor manager has confirmed or denied these rumours. Despite a 1-0 loss in the Women's World Cup final against Spain in 2023, Earps was England's hero once again as she stopped a Jenni Hermoso penalty in the 70th minute to keep her team in it for the rest of the game. The goalkeeper proved her worth as number one for England at that moment, and was rewarded with the Golden Glove award for the best in her position at the World Cup. However, it was Earps' reaction after the penalty save that caught the eye of fans across the world. After not only saving but holding onto Hermoso's penalty shot, the 'keeper let her emotions flare as she was caught on the big screen yelling, "F*** off", and sticking out her tongue. During the game, fans took to social media to share their joy at Earps' save and subsequent reaction, as one said: "Penalty – but what happened after is Mary Earps finest moment. I could see her confidence and mental toughness, along with the background work off the pitch." Another said: "Gutted for the @Lionesses but Spain were worthy winners Whatever the result – this team are game-changers and we could all do with a little more Mary Earps in our lives." The goalkeeper's influence on the team was clear to see among her team-mates as they rushed to celebrate her save and continue the pressure on the eventual champions. These moments will be aspects of Earps' game that fans and pundits will miss in future international tournaments, but the PSG star has left memories that are forever etched into England's sporting history. Before the Women's World Cup kicked off, Earps was already involved in a heated row regarding her position in the sport. The England international admitted that Nike's decision not to manufacture her replica shirt the same as her teammates was "very hurtful", and that she had been "fighting behind closed doors" to sort this issue out before the tournament began. In July 2023, Earps expressed her anger at the brand's decision, as she said: "I can't really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful. "On a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year." The shot-stopper, who had won the FIFA award for best female goalkeeper that same year, detailed the double standards faced by players in her position, as her fellow team-mates' jerseys were all available for fans to purchase. Earps said: "For my own family and friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they are going to come out and wear normal clothes and I know that sounds like, 'Oh Mary, what a horrible problem,' but on a personal level that is really hard. "So what you are saying is that goalkeeping isn't important but you can be a striker if you want." However, following a petition that garnered over 152,000 signatures and pushback from Earps and many fans, Nike confirmed that they had "secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys to be sold" after the World Cup final in 2023. In an official statement at the time, the brand said: "We've seen and share the unprecedented passion and interest in women's football this year and remain committed to playing our part by offering the best products and services to athletes and fans. We invested more in this year's World Cup than any other global tournament to date. "Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, US, France, and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners. "We recognise that during the tournament we didn't serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squad's goalkeepers. We are committed to retailing women's goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future." Since then, there have been multiple runs of goalkeeper kits, and Earps shared her relief at Nike's U-turn at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2023. Earps, who won the award that year, said: "It was more fighting for the principle than anything. It's about the message being sent out before being really damaging and now you don't have that. "Representation, visibility, is so important and [now] young girls or adults or whoever wants the shirts can have access to them. "I've had that commitment from Nike that it will never happen again and I'm sure other sports brands will follow suit. OK, we might be complaining there's not enough, but I'd take that complaint over there being absolutely none, any day of the week."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
KC Current owners Angie and Chris Long expand to multi-club model, purchasing Danish club HB Koge
Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long are expanding their global soccer footprint, acquiring HB Køge Women, a top-flight Danish women's soccer club competing in the country's highest division. The Longs made the purchase through their investment firm, Ballard Capital. The Longs worked with the seller, George Altirs, and his team at Capelli Sport to separate the women's team from the men's side, allowing them to buy only the women's club. Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang did the same with French women's club OL Lyonnes in 2023, as did Chelsea when it sold its women's team to sister company BlueCo earlier this year. Advertisement The Longs did not set out to build a multi-club organization when they invested in Kansas City Current, but those plans have changed. 'We were looking for a place where we can integrate with the community and build this together,' Angie Long told . 'It is something that we've loved about what we've done in Kansas City, and finding a location where we felt we could attract and develop talent was really important. Denmark, and Køge especially, we think really offer that opportunity.' Founded in 2009 through the merger of KøgeBøldklub and Herfølge Bøldklub to become HB Køge Pigefodbold, the club won the championships three straight seasons from 2021 to 2023. The club also competed in the UEFA Women's Champions League during that time. HB Køge plays its home matches at the Køge Stadium, which it shares with the men's side. The stadium is currently under renovation, paid for by the previous owners. Advertisement With the investment from the Longs, the club is planning to build a women's youth soccer academy in Scandinavia. The couple is also planning to make a significant investment in the business side to build franchise value over time. 'We think there are so many opportunities to elevate the community and the team to continue to compete at a really high level on the football side,' Chris Long said. The amount of the investment was not disclosed, but a Current spokesperson told the deal represents one of the most significant women's sports transactions in Denmark history. The Longs became interested in owning a women's soccer team after the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. A little over a year later, they teamed up with former soccer player Brittany Mahomes and her husband, NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, to make their vision come true. Advertisement The group announced they had purchased the Utah Royals FC from Dell Loy Hansen and moved the NWSL club back to Kansas City. The team began play in the 2021 season and rebranded as the Kansas City Current in 2022. The following year, the Longs funded the construction of a $120 million venue, CPKC Stadium, which opened in 2024. The Current is the most financially successful team in the league with $36.3 million in revenue, according to 's latest valuations. Last month, the Longs broke ground on a $1 billion mixed-use development on land adjacent to the stadium that will include about 2 million square feet of retail, office and residential space. In addition to their recent investment in Denmark, the Longs are actively looking to expand their presence in women's soccer through the acquisition of additional clubs. 'We've been very active looking across geographies already for the better part of 15-18 months to find incredible soccer and the ability to impact the community and drive beyond business improvement,' Chris Long said. 'But it's important to us that we do it right,' Angie Long added. 'We do it with excellence. And I think this offers an opportunity to learn how to first become a multi-club model, and then to really build on it.' This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Kansas City Current, NWSL, UK Women's Football 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Mary Earps' cryptic retirement message, X-rated incident, 'hurtful' England row
Lionesses hero Mary Earps has announced her sudden retirement from international football with just over a month to go before England compete at the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland Mary Earps has made the "difficult" choice to retire from international football, making the announcement just five weeks before the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper mysteriously nodded towards the "many dimensions" surrounding her decision, hinting at the "new" path that the England team is gearing towards. The 32-year-old played a significant role in the Lionesses winning Euro 2022 and finishing runners-up at the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. However, the veteran shot-stopper has recently not been selected as regularly for the starting XI, with Chelsea 's Hannah Hampton being preferred at times. Earps has 53 caps for England across an eight-year career, during which she secured the Euros trophy and the 2023 Women's Finalissima cup. She saved a penalty during the Finalissima shootout to help lead England to win the first-ever trophy of its kind in women's football, and was ultimately crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023. Regarding her sudden retirement now, though, England head coach Sarina Wiegman said she was "disappointed" by Earps' decision, and admitted that she had hoped the goalkeeper would play an "important role" in the Euros squad this summer. Cryptic retirement message - 'All you have is all you are' Earps' retirement message in full is an homage to the joy and pride she has felt while representing England at multiple international tournaments over the years. However, after her announcement went public, BBC Sport reported that Earps met with manager Wiegman before the camp and told her team-mates of her decision on Monday at St George's Park. It is understood that the squad was disappointed to hear Earps would no longer be at the Euros, as the goalkeeper stepped out of training and has since left the camp. In her post on social media, the shot-stopper said: "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge and represent my country. I'm a proper sop when it comes to playing for England, anyone who knows me knows that playing at the top of the game is what drives me, and it doesn't get bigger than the international stage. "I wish I could do it forever – but sadly, all good things must come to an end." Earps went on to cryptically allude to the "many dimensions to this decision", highlighting the "new era and a new England team" that she is looking forward to watching from the sidelines this summer. Fans may spot a hint of hurt behind the veteran goalie's words, as she added: "In the end, all you have is who you are - your character. And I know that whilst this won't make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts." Wiegman has since commented on Earps' retirement decision, stating that she is "clear" on why the choice was made. She said: "I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision, and it is something we need to accept. "Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros." While it is unclear the exact reason behind the goalkeeper's decision to hang up her international boots at this crucial time, fans continue to speculate about a potential rift in the squad after Earps lost her starting position to Chelsea star Hampton. When discussing Hampton's place in the starting XI, Wiegman said: "I have two world-class goalkeepers. At the moment, [Hampton] is a little bit ahead." Many believe this to be a major influence behind Earps' decision to step back from international football, but neither player nor manager has confirmed or denied these rumours. X-rated incident at 2023 Women's World Cup Despite a 1-0 loss in the Women's World Cup final against Spain in 2023, Earps was England's hero once again as she stopped a Jenni Hermoso penalty in the 70th minute to keep her team in it for the rest of the game. The goalkeeper proved her worth as number one for England at that moment, and was rewarded with the Golden Glove award for the best in her position at the World Cup. However, it was Earps' reaction after the penalty save that caught the eye of fans across the world. After not only saving but holding onto Hermoso's penalty shot, the 'keeper let her emotions flare as she was caught on the big screen yelling, "F*** off", and sticking out her tongue. During the game, fans took to social media to share their joy at Earps' save and subsequent reaction, as one said: "Penalty – but what happened after is Mary Earps finest moment. I could see her confidence and mental toughness, along with the background work off the pitch." Another said: "Gutted for the @ Lionesses but Spain were worthy winners Whatever the result – this team are game-changers and we could all do with a little more Mary Earps in our lives." The goalkeeper's influence on the team was clear to see among her team-mates as they rushed to celebrate her save and continue the pressure on the eventual champions. These moments will be aspects of Earps' game that fans and pundits will miss in future international tournaments, but the PSG star has left memories that are forever etched into England's sporting history. England kit row with Nike – 'Very hurtful' Before the Women's World Cup kicked off, Earps was already involved in a heated row regarding her position in the sport. The England international admitted that Nike's decision not to manufacture her replica shirt the same as her teammates was "very hurtful", and that she had been "fighting behind closed doors" to sort this issue out before the tournament began. In July 2023, Earps expressed her anger at the brand's decision, as she said: "I can't really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful. "On a personal level, it is obviously hugely hurtful considering the last 12 months especially – and also I think there has been an incredible rise in goalkeeping participation over that year." The shot-stopper, who had won the FIFA award for best female goalkeeper that same year, detailed the double standards faced by players in her position, as her fellow team-mates' jerseys were all available for fans to purchase. Earps said: "For my own family and friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they are going to come out and wear normal clothes and I know that sounds like, 'Oh Mary, what a horrible problem,' but on a personal level that is really hard. "So what you are saying is that goalkeeping isn't important but you can be a striker if you want." However, following a petition that garnered over 152,000 signatures and pushback from Earps and many fans, Nike confirmed that they had "secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys to be sold" after the World Cup final in 2023. In an official statement at the time, the brand said: "We've seen and share the unprecedented passion and interest in women's football this year and remain committed to playing our part by offering the best products and services to athletes and fans. We invested more in this year's World Cup than any other global tournament to date. "Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, US, France, and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners. "We recognise that during the tournament we didn't serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squad's goalkeepers. We are committed to retailing women's goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future." Since then, there have been multiple runs of goalkeeper kits, and Earps shared her relief at Nike's U-turn at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2023. Earps, who won the award that year, said: "It was more fighting for the principle than anything. It's about the message being sent out before being really damaging and now you don't have that. "Representation, visibility, is so important and [now] young girls or adults or whoever wants the shirts can have access to them. "I've had that commitment from Nike that it will never happen again and I'm sure other sports brands will follow suit. OK, we might be complaining there's not enough, but I'd take that complaint over there being absolutely none, any day of the week."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
England keeper Earps to retire from international football
England goalkeeper Mary Earps has opted to retire from playing international football with immediate effect. WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official press release from The Football Association this morning. Advertisement The 32-year-old has enjoyed a hugely successful international career which has seen her collect 53 senior caps. Earps was a UEFA Women's EURO winner with England in 2022 while she also won the Women's Finalissima, two Arnold Clark Cups and the SheBelieves Cup with the Lionesses. Earps was a FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up with England in 2023 and won the Golden Glove at that tournament. Despite being an important player for England, Earps has deemed it to be the right time to hang up her boots on the international stage. Announcing her international retirement, Earps said 'I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.' England head coach Sarina Wiegman will not call-up an additional goalkeeper for the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain.
