WWC qualification play-offs start in NZ with three slots still open
February 17 – The final qualification play-offs for the last three Women’s World Cup slots begin tomorrow in New Zealand, one of the co-hosts of the finals in the summer.
Women
England women want to wear OneLove armband but will FIFA bully them as well?
February 16 – England captain Leah Williamson wants the Lionesses to be able to wear the OneLove armband at the women’s World Cup in July.
Women’s World Cup Trophy to start its journey to Australia/New Zealand finals in Japan
February 16 – FIFA will start its Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour next week in Japan before arriving in Australia and New Zealand in June and touring all nine Women’s World Cup host cities before the start of the tournament on July 20.
NWSL releases league and revamped cup schedules for 2023 season
February 10 – The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has announced its full schedule for the 2023 regular season that will kick off on March 25.
US star Morgan adds to criticism of proposed Visit Saudi sponsorship of WWC 2023
February 9 – Two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan is the latest figure to speak out against the proposed Saudi sponsorship of this summer’s tournament, urging FIFA to scrap the plan.
FIFA under fire over proposed Saudi state tourist board sponsorship of WWC 2023
February 2 – On the same day that Saudi Arabia were confirmed as hosts of the 2027 Asian Cup, the Arab Kingdom faced criticism over rumours of the country’s tourism body’s sponsorship of the 2023 Women’s World Cup by human rights groups, who called it “a textbook case of sportswashing”.
Kiwi’s argue proposed Visit Saudi WWC 2023 sponsorship sends ‘disempowering’ message
February 2 – Former New Zealand international Maia Jackman has added her voice to the mounting discontent over the proposed Saudi sponsorship of the Women’s World Cup.
U.S. Soccer adopts Yates report recommendations into new ‘Safe Soccer’ regulation
January 31 – The United States soccer federation is to introduce a more thorough vetting system for coaches and officials as part of reforms after an investigation found widespread misconduct in the top-flight women’s league (NWSL).
Ticket demand prompts FIFA to switch Australia’s World Cup opener to Stadium Australia
January 31 – FIFA has shifted the 2023 Women’s World Cup opening match in Australia to the 83,500-capacity Stadium Australia after a larger than expected demand for tickets.
Adidas get the Women’s World Cup 2023 ball rolling
January 25 – Adidas has unveiled the official ball for the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, which like the ball for the Qatar 2022 finals last year, will feature connected ball technology.
WSL slip up: Chelsea vs Liverpool abandoned due to frozen pitch, 6 mins after start
January 23 – Chelsea women’s team manager Emma Hayes says the women’s game must be “taken more seriously” after her side’s WSL match against Liverpool on Sunday was abandoned due to a frozen pitch – six minutes after kickoff.
Women’s World Cup 2023 sells first 500k tickets, February play-off games now on sale
January 17 – FIFA is reporting more than 500,000 tickets have been sold for the Women’s World Cup 2023 to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in July and August.
Women’s World Cup 2023 builds ‘Beyond Greatness’ theme with first ‘champions’ unveiled
January 12 – Promotion of the Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand is gathering speed with FIFA picking up the ‘Beyond Greatness’ theme of local organisers and launching their own team of local stars to be known as ‘Beyond Greatness Champions’.
FIFA picks match officials and finalises training for 2023 Women’s World Cup
January 9 – FIFA’s Referees Committee has announced the 33 referees, 55 assistant referees and 19 video match officials for the Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.
2022: The year the women’s game broke through in England
December 22 – More than 348,000 fans have attended games in the Women’s Super League in the first half of the 2022/23 season, a rise of 227% on the previous season, according to the English FA, who have hailed 2022 as a historic breakthrough year for the women’s game in the country.