Three more Iranian women's football squad members return home after being granted asylum in Australia

Three squad members to remain in Australia on specially granted protection visasThree more members of the Iranian women's football squad have left...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 14

‘A big responsibility': Aston Villa Women's female leadership look to blaze a trail

Natalia Arroyo, Marisa Ewers and Maggie Murphy are savouring their autonomy in the club's major roles and are aiming high amid tough...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 14

Matildas make room for bigger questions over future after Asian Cup escape | Joey Lynch

A narrow win over North Korea shows the Matildas aren't done yet. Even if the balance of play suggests they should beIn the aftermath of the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 13

Matildas survive North Korea scare to book spot in Women's Asian Cup semi-final

Australia win 2-1 over Korea DPR in nervous tussle in PerthGoals from Kennedy and Kerr secure 2027 World Cup qualificationThe Matildas have avoided...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 13

Call it the Rodman Rule or HIP, the NWSL's new initiative is already impacting rosters

The rule made famous by Trinity Rodman's offseason transfer saga had actually been in the works for years. Sometimes, a rule's official name is...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 13

Fridolina Rolfö: ‘It's been a great first season at United but now the fun starts …'

Sweden winger was a serial winner at Barcelona and hopes her experience can help Manchester United claim their first Women's League Cup trophy on...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 13

Former Iranian diplomat was granted asylum in Australia after defecting

Mohammad Pournajaf, Tehran's former charge d'affaires in Canberra, sought protection in 2023, government source confirms One of Iran's former top...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 13

Disappearing act: Tony Burke erased from Courier Mail as News Corp tabloid alters image | The Weekly Beast

Home affairs minister vanishes from photo with Iranian women's football players. Plus: Financial Review removes ‘incorrect' opinion pieceFollow our...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 12

Khadija Shaw close to extending Manchester City contract despite Chelsea interest

Striker's deal runs out in less than four monthsShe is on course to win WSL Golden Boot for third timeThe Women's Super League's leading scorer,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 12

A bad week in the Champions League for English clubs | Football Weekly Extra – video

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Archie Rhind-Tutt as Premier League sides fail to win any of their games in this...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 12

Attendance records and star power but who will win it? Get ready for the new NWSL season

We look at the 14th regular season before it kicks off on Friday with two expansion sides: Boston Legacy and Denver SummitThe National Women's...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 12

As a refugee, I have lived in limbo for 13 years. Why are only some Iranian women worthy of Australia's protection? | Fatemeh Lahmidi

First we were put in offshore detention on Nauru. Even now in Australia, my family live on short-term bridging visas, with constant uncertainty...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 11

North Korea's shady tactics show Matildas must be ready for more than football

Australia are no strangers to the team's bizarre protests but they will need to keep frustrations in check in Women's Asian Cup quarter-finalBoos...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 11

Former Taiwan men's coach kicked-out of Women's Asian Cup match for ‘political chants'

Chen Kuei-jen escorted out of stadium by police for referring to TaiwanFormer national coach was encouraging crowd in Sydney to chantA former...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 11

Iran's women footballers faced an impossible choice, but we must not romanticise what they are going through | Shiva Mokri and Moones Mansoubi

For Iranian women in Australia, watching the courageous decision faced by the team has felt personal. But seeking refuge comes with grief and...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

Two more Iranian football squad members have sought asylum in Australia, minister confirms

Tony Burke says one player and one support member reunited with five players women's team granted humanitarian visas this weekA total of seven...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

News live: Iranian women had opportunity to ‘talk to Australian officials alone', Wong says; McKenzie to run for Nationals leadership

Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast‘There are developments this morning': Chalmers on Iranian football...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

Ex-USWNT player Lauren Holiday calls for ‘harmonised' women's calendar

Holiday currently chairs ownership group Mercury13Mercury13 completed purchase of FC Badalona womenNWSL plays in summer, opposite of European...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

Labor moves to block some temporary visa holders travelling to Australia amid Middle East war

Proposed legislation would allow home affairs minister to prevent people from certain places – such as Iran – entering the country Follow our...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

More Iran women's football team members expected to seek asylum in Australia

Five Iran footballers already granted asylum get offer from Brisbane RoarAdvocates working to inform remaining players of their rightsAustralia's...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

Protesters try to block bus as Iranian women's football team depart Gold Coast hotel – video

Protesters have briefly blocked a bus taking the Iranian women's football team out of their Gold Coast hotel. The group of a few dozen physically...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

Iranian women's football players have asylum in Australia, but what now? – podcast

After days of speculation, five players from the Iranian women's football team were formally granted protection in Australia by home affairs...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

How Iranian women footballers' bid for freedom went deep into extra time

The furore over not singing their anthem was at the Asian Cup was only the start of the drama as players weighed up a chance to seek asylum amid...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

‘So much disrespect': outrage grows over postponement of Women's Africa Cup of Nations

Players and coaches demand more accountability from Caf after latest decision further disrupts preparation scheduleOn 13 February, Patrice Motsepe,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 10

Five members of Iranian women's football team reportedly seeking to remain in Australia

After being eliminated from the Asian Cup, the players reportedly escaped their regime minders and are being looked after by police in...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 9

Sholing Women 1-0 Reading Women: Match Report

Reading Women's impressive run of form came to a surprise end yesterday, with a shock 1-0 defeat against Sholing at The Mortgage Decision Stadium....
SBNATION.COM Mar 9

Sense of urgency surrounds Iran women's football team as safety fears grow | Jack Snape

There are mounting calls for Australia to take action before the team return to Iran but with no word from the players themselves the situation is...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 9

'Save our girls': support shown for Iran players after exit from Women's Asian Cup – video

Fans and activists chanted support for the Iranian women's football team, shouting 'save our girls', as the players' bus drove past them after...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 9

Defensive frailties and missed chances put Matildas on rocky Asian Cup road

Australia's 3-3 draw with South Korea means they finish second in Group A and must travel to Perth for their quarter-finalThe Matildas have rarely,...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 8

Emma Hayes' USWNT built World Cup momentum with SheBelieves title: Three takeaways

The US head coach has built a deep and talented pool of players as next summer's tournament in Brazil approachesThe US women's national team won...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 8

‘Grave concerns' for Iran women's team return home after Asian Cup elimination

Iran finish last in group after defeat by the PhilippinesPlayers called ‘traitors' at home for not singing anthemThe Iran women's team faces the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 8

Australia v South Korea: Women's Asian Cup 2026 – live

Updates as the Matildas seek a win to claim top spot in Group AKick-off time at Stadium Australia is 8pm AEDTAny thoughts? Get in touch with an...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 8

England v Iceland: Women's World Cup qualifying – live

⚽ Updates from the qualifier kicking off at 12.30pm GMT⚽ Live scores | Read Moving the Goalposts | Mail EmilliaHello and welcome to coverage of the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 7

Liverpool Women's total wage bill less than club directors, accounts reveal

WSL side's turnover rose by 25% in year of record investmentTotal wage bill was £3.1m while nine directors paid £4.2mLiverpool directors earned...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 7

Men dominate football – how come Kylian Mbappé's career is largely run by women?

In an extract from his book, Philippe Auclair reveals the influence of mother, Fayza, and prominent women on the Mbappé image and brandThe Mbappés...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 7

The Ladies Football Club review – squad of 11 salute Sheffield's pioneering players

Crucible theatre, SheffieldA dynamic team of actors capture the spirit of female footballers during the first world war – though the storytelling...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 7

Women's Africa Cup of Nations postponed 12 days before tournament due to start

CAF postpones tournament after weeks of speculationDecision due to ‘unforeseen circumstances' The Confederation of African Football has confirmed...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 5

Fabian Hürzeler and Brighton win one battle but lose the one that matters

When Fabian Hürzeler grumbled about Arsenal's penchant for time-wasting ahead of their visit to the Amex Stadium, he knew exactly what levers he...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 5

Watch: Reading Women Update – Unbeaten Run And Sirens Draw

After several rain-soaked pitches led to a three-week break for Reading Women, the team returned to the field with a 0-0 draw against Southampton...
SBNATION.COM Mar 5

Canada asks Australia to be ‘strategic cousins'; Albanese's gift to Trump; and ‘veavage' on the red carpet

Want to get this in your inbox every weekday? Sign up for the Afternoon Update here, and start your day with our Morning Mail newsletterGood...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 5

Ally Sentnor strike helps US top Canada, extending dominant defensive record

Sentnor scored in the 55th minute, her seventh US goalCanada hasn't kept a clean sheet since April 2025Both teams next play on 7 MarchThe US...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 5

Iranian journalist barred by AFC has Women's Asian Cup accreditation reinstated

Alireza Mohebbi was stripped of tournament credentials on Monday Reporter accused of carrying prohibited flags into stadiumThe Asian Football...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 4

WSL's promotion-relegation playoff will give WSL 2 side home advantage

Fixture will be a first in English women's top divisionsDates and kick-off times revealed for WSL season finaleThe Women's Super League 2 side...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 4

Iranian football enters post-Khamenei era with future shrouded in uncertainty

From the World Cup to the Women's Asian Cup and the AFC Champions League, it is unclear what may happen nextA question about the death of Ayatollah...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 4

Alessia Russo double for England sparks Women's World Cup qualifying win against Ukraine

Ukraine 1-6 EnglandGeorgia Stanway and Jess Park also score twiceWith a flurry of second-half goals England began their Women's World Cup...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 3

Iran's women's team refuse to sing national anthem before Asian Cup tie – video

Iran's women's football team declined to sing their national anthem before their opening match of the Asian Cup , their first fixture since the war...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 3

Jennifer Echegini: ‘Winning the Wafcon is on another level. The pride I felt'

The midfielder on her nomadic life, experiencing Nigerian celebrations and the national team's World Cup prospectsBeing an integral figure in the...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 3

Iran's women's team decline to sing national anthem before Asian Cup tie

Players silent before loss to South Korea in AustraliaGame is Iran's first since war in Middle East beganIran's women's football team declined to...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 3

Lynda Hale, trailblazing England international and seven-time FA Cup winner, dies

Winger started in England's first ever internationalLionesses will wear black armbands against UkraineTributes are being paid after the death of...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 2

Reading Women 0-0 Southampton Women's FC: Match Report

Reading Women's first league match in exactly a month finished all square on Sunday, with the points shared in a goalless draw against an in-form...
SBNATION.COM Mar 2

Arsenal Women report club record profit of £22,000

Total revenue up to £21.5m from £15mParent company contributes support fee of £11.9mArsenal Women experienced huge growth in commercial and...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 2

England keeping close eye on safety before World Cup qualifier in Turkey

Lionesses face Ukraine in Antalya on TuesdayWiegman says ‘reassurances' received before tripSarina Wiegman says England's women's team have had...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 2

USWNT tops Argentina 2-0 as Trinity Rodman goes down with back injury

Lindsey Heaps and Jaedyn Shaw score for USUS continues SheBelieves Cup v Canada on WednesdayRodman has dealt with back problems for much of her...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 2

Joe Montemurro hopes focus is on football for Iran's women at Asian Cup

Australia coach bats away Middle East crisis question Matildas beat Philippines 1-0; Iran game is on ThursdayJoe Montemurro said he wants the focus...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 1

A summer season would free women's football from constraints of men's game | Suzanne Wrack

Breaking from European traditions would bring a TV boost and help build a schedule that works both for players and fansThe announcement that Major...
THE GUARDIAN Mar 1

Matildas face injury crisis on eve of Women's Asian Cup opener against Philippines

Uncertainty grows around fitness of goalkeeper Mackenzie ArnoldAustralia coach Joe Montemurro refuses to confirm lineup in PerthThe Matildas face a...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 28

Human rights issues swirl around the Women's Asian Cup. They cannot be ignored | Samantha Lewis

There is a glaring contrast between the Asian Football Confederation's corporate dream and the structural realities of the tournament in...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 27

Getting To Know Ryan Robinson, Reading Women's Goalkeeping Coach

With Reading Women's last three away matches (against Fleet Town, Windsor & Eton and AFC Portchester) all postponed due to the continued wet...
SBNATION.COM Feb 26

Women's Asian Cup 2026: all you need to know about the tournament in Australia

Which cities are hosting games? Where can you watch? Is Sam Kerr fit and back in form? Can the Matildas win? Our complete guide to the...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 25

Outrage in Austria after man ordered to pay female footballers €625 each for secretly filming dressing room

Former official at Altach given suspended prison termPlayer says the sentence ‘leaves me speechless'A man has been given a seven-month suspended...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 25

‘I like my footballers wispy – or monumental!' Rebel artist Rose Wylie on still painting till 3am at 92

Underestimated for too long, Wylie is now wanted by galleries worldwide and her giant, wild, witty paintings – of Hollywood stars, soccer greats,...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 24

England to play Women's World Cup qualifier at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium

June's final game against Ukraine to be played thereUse of 52,700-seat ground a notable move by FAEngland's home Women's World Cup qualifier...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 24

The rise of Porto Women: ‘We wanted players who had a connection with the club'

Former Chelsea manager André Villas-Boas has played a big part in the club's work towards gender equality in all sportsFor a team that did not have...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 24

Iran players feeling ‘emotional strain' as welfare concerns grow ahead of Women's Asian Cup | Samantha Lewis

Preparations for the nation's second appearance at the tournament has been impacted by the troubling events at homeThis week, Iran's women's...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 24

Women's FA Cup talking points: Kerr shows the way and Liverpool resurgence continues

Sam Kerr is ready for business end of season, Chatham's goalkeeper made to work and Kim Little continues to shineIt has not been the easiest season...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 23

North Korea: world's most secretive nation lands in spotlight at Women's Asian Cup | Samantha Lewis

The world's No 9-ranked team, who have been largely absent from international competitions for over a decade, is reaping the benefits of...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 23

Girma winner sinks Manchester United to put Chelsea in FA Cup quarter-finals

A 99th-minute winner from Naomi Girma sent Chelsea through to the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women's FA Cup as they saw off a stubborn Manchester...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 22

Chelsea v Manchester United: Women's FA Cup fifth round – live

Updates on the 1.30pm (GMT) kick-off at Kingsmeadow Report: Birmingham 8-0 Chatham | Email Xaymaca hereHello and welcome to minute-by-minute...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 22

Birmingham show difference in class with 8-0 rout of Chatham

Fifth round: Birmingham 8-0 ChathamHurtré 26 59 68, Sarri 53, Louis 65 89, Lee 70, Leidhammar 76For just under an hour, Chatham kept themselves in...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 21

Selfies and juggling day jobs: Chatham Town land ‘amazing' Women's FA Cup tie

Fourth-tier team, the lowest-ranked left in the competition, and their Cup-winning manager are hoping to stun BirminghamOld-school sweet dispensers...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 20

Manchester United sweep aside Atlético to tee up Bayern Munich clash in WCL

Jess Park provided a timely demonstration of her qualities as her superb, long-range goal capped off a confident individual performance that helped...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 19

Manchester United v Atlético Madrid: Women's Champions League playoff – live

⚽ Champions League updates from the 8pm GMT kick-off⚽ Live scores | Follow us on Bluesky | You can email SarahHello and welcome to the second leg...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 19

Controversial Women's FA Cup plans on hold after pushback from clubs, players and fans

No change next season and consultation extended‘We have listened to the feedback,' FA saysProposals to make radical changes to the Women's FA Cup,...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 19

Matildas golden generation given last shot at silverware but next wave are key to Asian Cup hopes | Samantha Lewis

Australia veterans led by Sam Kerr have rare second chance to lift a trophy on home soil as well as responsibility to pass down a torch that is...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 19

Arsenal set up Chelsea showdown in Women's Champions League with win over Leuven

A hard-fought 3-1 victory over OH Leuven at Meadow Park sent Arsenal through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The visitors tested...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 18

Arsenal v Leuven: Women's Champions League – live

⚽ WCL updates from the second leg (first leg: 0-4)⚽ Live scores | Follow us on Bluesky | Email SarahHello and welcome to the second leg of Arsenal...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 18

Matildas gamble on Mary Fowler's fitness as Women's Asian Cup squad named

Sam Kerr among 26 players selected but injured Charli Grant misses outAustralia open tournament against Philippines in Perth on 1 MarchThe Matildas...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 18

Emma Hayes strikes balance of experience and youth for USWNT's SheBelieves Cup roster

Rodman, Thompson and Girma feature in 26-player teamUS will face Argentina, Canada and Colombia in MarchEmma Hayes has struck a balance of...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 17

Austrian football shaken after hidden cameras found in Altach women's team's changing room

A man accused of having placed secret cameras in Altach's changing room is appearing in court next weekA man who has been accused of having videos...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 17

Sjoeke Nüsken and Lauren James fire Chelsea to WSL win against Liverpool

Chelsea continued to steady the ship as they secured a crucial victory against Liverpool in the Women's Super League. Lauren James inspired Sonia...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 15

Chelsea v Liverpool, Aston Villa v Tottenham, and more: Women's Super League – live

⚽ Follow WSL updates from the four 12pm GMT kick-offs⚽ Live scoreboard | Follow us on Bluesky | Email XaymacaHello and welcome to live coverage of...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 15

‘The perfect place for people like me': how one couple started UK's first women's sports bar

Lucy and Pippa Tallant have opened the Crossbar, in Brighton, to create a place for women to feel comfortable watching all sportYou can't miss it,...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 15

Leicester and Liverpool locked in tense race to avoid WSL relegation playoff

League expansion offers top-flight teams a greater chance of staying up but jeopardy remains in contest to steer clear of finishing bottomThe state...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 14

Backlash after jerseys of nations ‘involved in major conflict' banned from A-League multicultural round

Attire that ‘may cause offence or incite tension' will not be allowedCivil liberties group says APL should be ‘ashamed' of decisionThe A-League has...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 13

Terland and Malard set Manchester United on course for last eight in win over Atlético

Manchester United secured an important 3-0 lead in the first leg of their Women's Champions League playoff against Atlético Madrid. Goals from...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 12

Atlético Madrid v Manchester United: Women's Champions League – live

⚽ Minute-by-minute updates from the 8pm (GMT) kick-off⚽ Preview | Live scores | Follow us on Bluesky | Email SarahHello and welcome to this Women's...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 12

‘We want this movement to be massive': how Chilean women's football is leading the way

Chile's female players are newly protected under labour law and are hoping their official status can help the game thrive in South AmericaThe...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 12

US midfielders Bethune, Hutton move in pair of blockbuster NWSL trades

Bethune traded from Spirit to Kansas City for $1mHutton departs Current for Bay FC in $1.1m moveMoves shake up landscape a month before seasonTwo...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 11

Arsenal take giant stride towards WCL last eight with thumping win over Leuven

Arsenal delivered a dominant and efficient display away to OH Leuven to take a 4-0 lead into the second leg of their Women's Champions League...
THE GUARDIAN Feb 11
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