News

A busy news round-up spanning retirements, boardroom reshuffles and global ambitions. Scotland’s Jennifer Beattie MBE announced her retirement after 143 caps, while Izzy Christiansen and Laura Bassett joined Northern Ireland’s coaching staff. FIFA confirmed a Women’s Club World Cup will launch in 2028, alongside an annual Women’s Champions Cup from 2026. Japan won the SheBelieves Cup under new coach Nils Nielsen, and the WSL’s governing body rebranded as Women’s Super League Football Limited. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland declared interest in co-hosting the 2035 World Cup. Managerial upheaval hit Manchester City, Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Southampton, with Natalia Arroyo taking charge at Aston Villa. Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault over the Jenni Hermoso kiss but acquitted of coercion. Elsewhere, Kay Cossington left the FA for Bay FC’s ownership group, and England’s Under-17s won the MIMA Cup.