Latest news with #WNL
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Clubs approve 14-team Women's Super League and professional second tier
The Women's Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026-27 season, subject to Football Association approval. Clubs from the top division and WSL2 voted in favour of a proposal to expand the league and raise minimum standards, making the second tier fully professional. The changes must be backed by the FA because it has a 'golden share' in WSL Football, which took over running of the top two tiers of domestic women's football in England last year. The vote at Monday's shareholder meeting followed months of discussions with players, clubs, fans and other stakeholders, during which more than 20 league formats were explored. Advertisement Related: Women's transfer window summer 2025: all deals from world's top six leagues Next season the top two WSL2 clubs will be promoted and the third-placed team will have a playoff against the bottom WSL side to determine who will take the 14th spot. The idea of scrapping relegation outright was rejected after a public backlash when the Guardian reported that it was among the options on the table. Thereafter the WSL's bottom club will be relegated and replaced by the second-tier winners and the teams finishing second-bottom of the WSL and second in WSL2 will face a playoff. WSL2 will remain a 12-club division. The FA continues to be responsible for the third-tier Women's National League and will decide on its format but it is proposed that from 2026-27 the National League North and National League South winners be promoted and two WSL2 clubs drop down, in line with current guidelines. Advertisement Next season, to achieve the requisite numbers in the top two divisions, the two WNL winners are due to be promoted but only one WSL2 club would be relegated and a playoff is planned between the WNL's runners-up for a third promotion spot. Any team promoted from the WNL must meet the minimum WSL2 standards to gain entry, or a relegated team would be given a reprieve. Nikki Doucet, the CEO of WSL Football said: 'We believe this next evolution of women's professional football will raise minimum standards, create distinction and incentivise investment across the board … The introduction of a promotion/relegation playoff creates distinction for the women's game and introduces a high-profile, high-stakes match.' It is understood the decision not to expand the WSL beyond 14 teams, at least for the time being, is down to data suggesting it would dilute the quality and a congested calendar leaving too few available matchdays. The WSL has to contend with two more international windows (seven) than the men's calendar and three weekends being lost during the winter break to one by the Premier League. Only 24 weekends and three midweek slots are available once other commitments are factored in, including a six-week gap between a major tournament and new season; no more than two midweek games in a row; no midweek games after international breaks; and limited midweek games in the winter owing to possible postponements.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Netherlands to send last of pledged 24 F-16s to Ukraine on May 26
The Netherlands will send the remainder of the 24 F-16 fighter jets it had promised to Ukraine on May 26, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on the Dutch broadcaster WNL on May 25. Ukraine received its first F-16 jets from the Netherlands and Denmark in 2024. The U.S.-made fourth-generation fighter jets have been deployed to bolster Ukraine's sky shield and help repel Russian aerial attacks. "We are also training pilots and technicians and sharing our military doctrines, so that Ukraine can build a modern armed force that matches that of the NATO member states," Brekelmans said on air. Apart from the Dutch aircraft, Ukraine has been promised 19 F-16s by Denmark, 30 by Belgium, and at least six from Norway. European nations have agreed to supply aircraft to help modernize the Ukrainian Air Force as they themselves transition to more advanced F-35 fighter jets. The F-16 aircraft are being provided within the framework of the international fighter jet coalition, with some partners contributing training and technical support. Oslo announced earlier this month that it would complete the delivery of its planes by the end of 2025. Similarly, the Belgian government said it would provide its aircraft sooner than the 2028 deadline. Ukraine has confirmed that it has lost three of its F-16 jets in action. Read also: Russia pushes forward in Donetsk Oblast, threatening Ukrainian pocket around Toretsk We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Netherlands to finalise transfer of 24 F-16 fighters to Ukraine on 26 May
The Netherlands will complete the transfer of 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine on Monday 26 May, fulfilling its earlier commitment to support Kyiv's defense capabilities. Source: Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans on WNL op Zondag Details: "The final batch of F-16s will be officially delivered to Ukraine on Monday," said Brekelmans. "This means all 24 promised fighters will soon be in Ukraine's possession." In addition to the fighter jets, the Netherlands has been actively involved in training Ukrainian pilots and technicians, as well as sharing NATO-aligned military doctrines. These efforts aim to help Ukraine build a modern air force in line with the standards of NATO member states. Brekelmans also addressed the broader context of the war, emphasising that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin "continues his aggressive war" and "has shown no intention of seriously considering a truce." Background: Ukraine received its first batch of Dutch F-16s in October 2024, followed by a second delivery in February 2025. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in March that another batch had been received from the Netherlands, marking continued support from the Dutch government. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
