Sports
FIFA Set To Expand Women’s World Cup, Prize Money
FIFA has announced its plan to capitalize on the success of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which drew more than 1 million spectators and 1 billion television viewers, by expanding the competition and doubling the prize money.
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino who disclosed this at FIFA’s closing news conference, said they are considering expanding the next Women’s World Cup to 32 teams and doubling the prize money. According to him, the plan will go on even if it means reopening the bidding process now underway for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
“It’s up to us to make sure we seize this opportunity and do something about it. Moving ahead for the next World Cup, we will double it. I am very confident that we can achieve the necessary figures in order to do that,” Infantino said.
Infantino also promised that FIFA will invest a total of $1 billion in the women’s game over the next four years, having previously promised to invest $500 million in the women’s game.
“The reserves that FIFA has are at [an] unprecedented high level. We have more than $2.7 billion reserves. We don’t need all this money in the Swiss banks. The Swiss banks have enough money. We can use some of it. And I will certainly ask that some of it will be reallocated for the development of women’s football,” he added.
The prize money for the 2019 World Cup is $30 million, compared to $400 million for last year’s Men’s World Cup.
Former Al-Ittihad star Mohammed Noor has slammed Karim Benzema over his move to Al-Hilal.
The Ballon d’Or winner quit Al-Ittihad after being left unhappy with their new contract offer.
An unimpressed Noor snapped: “Karim Benzema’s contract was set to expire on June 30, 2026, and he received two offers from Al-Ittihad to renew it, but he stalled.
“Benzema had already reached an agreement with Al-Hilal without the knowledge of the Al-Ittihad board. Then he came to pressure the club’s management, who had made him offers, but he didn’t respond because he had already agreed everything with the Al-Hilal board.
“He reached an agreement with Al-Hilal and had a bad exit from Al-Ittihad. Didn’t the fans who supported him and chanted his name for so long deserve a thank you before he left?
“He’s the loser, not Al-Ittihad.”
Manchester United Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves has praised manager Michael Carrick for fixing the balance of their midfield.
Hargreaves believes the rejigging from Carrick has brought out the best in Bruno Fernandes, who struck in Saturday’s 2-0 win against Tottenham.
Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: “Let’s be honest, 200 goal involvements is ridiculous. They’re Playstation numbers. He plays with risk but it’s risk that the team benefits from.
“Kobbie (Mainoo) in behind was fantastic again and Casemiro… those three were probably the three best players in the game, in my opinion.
“We said beforehand, under Ruben Amorim, that midfield was a weakness but that midfield three is really good.
“Obviously Bruno is the best player by a country mile and I just think they look so much stronger now as a midfield three.”
Man United are reportedly looking to sign AC Milan and USMNT star Christian Pulisic in the summer.
The 27-year-old has been a key player for AC Milan since joining from Chelsea back in 2023, scoring 43 goals and providing 22 assists in his 121 games.
According to Calcio Mercato via GiveMeSport, Pulisic’s fine form in Italy has caught the attention of Man United, who are keen on bringing him back to the Premier League.
It’s understood that AC Milan are reluctant to sell Pulisic, but a deal could be sanction for a fee of around £48 million.
Pulisic’s contract with the Serie A giants is set to expire in the summer of 2027 with talks over a new deal yet to progress.
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