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Stars of the upcoming Women’s World Cup have pledged to neutralise the climate impact of their flights to and from Australia and New Zealand by donating money to climate resilience and carbon offsetting initiatives. A collection of 44 leading players from four different countries, including Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen, Canadian midfielder Jessie Fleming and Italian defender Elena Linari, have committed to take responsibility for their environmental impact at the tournament. The initiative was created by 31-year-old Pedersen, who has won 85 caps for Denmark, and is being facilitated by Common Goal, the social and environmental collective movement in global football, and Football For Future, the UK-based climate advocacy group. Although there are 44 players currently signed up, it is hoped that number will reach at least 50 by the time the World Cup gets underway later this month. Pedersen explained: “I want to ensure my World Cup experience has a positive environmental legacy. Climate change is the biggest issue humanity faces, and I want to be part of the solution. While there are no current sustainable solutions to aviation, as players we are setting an example, and taking a tangible step in the right direction.” Chelsea and Canada star Fleming added: “This is a topic I feel passionate about, and I hope this action my teammates and I are taking accelerates the climate conversation and sets a precedent for what athletes can do to push for more environmental policies in football.” The campaign recognises that these donations are only short-term tools to compensate for players’ flights to and from the World Cup but the stated aim is to inspire everyone in football to take responsibility for tackling climate change, with the hope that governing bodies will make carbon-offsetting a key criteria to hosting tournaments int he future. The campaign relies on a rigorous and scientific methodology to calculate the environmental impact of the players’ flights to and from the World Cup, directly referencing the flight’s carbon tonnage. The players will then donate the money to a combination of climate resilience, carbon offsetting and adaptation initiatives run by WWF (Australia, New Zealand) and DanChurchAid. These initiatives are based in Australia, New Zealand, and Uganda. Read More Lionesses bonus row could drag on until after World Cup Sam Kerr ready for her ‘Cathy Freeman moment’ at Women’s World Cup ACL injuries are keeping stars out of the Women's World Cup

Women’s football could be a billion-pound industry within 10 years if it gets the right investment now, according to the chair of a new independent review. Former England international Karen Carney’s review panel has called for wide-ranging reform at the elite and grassroots level of domestic football to fully capitalise on the Lionesses’ Euros success last summer. Among the key calls in the review to grow the women’s game published a week before the start of the Women’s World Cup are: The creation of a fully professional environment in the top two tiers, with a minimum ‘salary floor’ in the Women’s Super League from 2025-26, gold standard physical and mental healthcare provision, a world-leading parental leave package and full union representation. A redirecting of some funding from the men’s FA Cup prize pot to support the women’s game. Identification of a new strategic partner to invest in improving the talent pathway and academy structure. A dedicated broadcast slot – possibly Saturday 3pm, if women’s football can be exempted from the blackout period with the support of the football authorities. Carney recognises many of the measures outlined in the review will require significant investment but said: “Women’s football is a start-up business. “If you’re starting something you have to have an influx of money. In 10 years’ time I really do believe this sport could be a billion-pound industry. “But these standards and these requirements for investment are the foundation that will lead us to that point. “I really do think we can make that (investment) back.” Carney said the review’s aim was to introduce minimum standards across all areas of the game, and insisted that even though there were significant cost implications for clubs and the FA in particular, this was not something anyone in the game could afford to ignore. “I have to have every confidence that these recommendations will be implemented and with urgency,” she said. “This should never, ever sit on the shelf, it’s got to stand for something. “Do I want players going on the NHS (to get treatment for injuries)? No. Do I want players to be using bin bags for curtains? No I don’t. “I understand there is going to be a lot of pushback, people saying that it’s a big investment piece, but that’s what is needed now. “In 2011 when the WSL was launched, I bet the same conversations happened then (with people saying) ‘it’s a lot of money we’ve got to find’. “Even I thought that at the time. But that has led us to this point, now we’re further along we need to get to the next point.” An independent women’s football review was recommended in the 2021 fan-led review of football governance, and was commissioned by the Government in September last year. In all the 128-page report, formally titled ‘Raising The Bar: Reframing the opportunity in women’s football’, has produced 10 recommendations, primarily focused on ensuring minimum standards are met on a range of areas. There are some interesting details within it. For example, it calls for a new unit, funded by the Football Association, to research issues affecting female footballers such as the greater prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among women compared to men. It calls for a fully professionalised environment in the top two tiers of the women’s game, including the introduction of a minimum salary in the Women’s Super League by 2025-26 and an increase in contact time between clubs and players in the Championship from eight hours a week to 20 by 2027-28. It also says there should be full union representation for all players in the top two divisions. However, it rejected the idea of a US-style closed format for the top two tiers, something it said was being considered by an FA working group handling the transition of the WSL and Championship to ownership by a new company. The review calls for a redirection of some of the men’s FA Cup prize pot of £20m as a solidarity contribution, in particular to help Women’s Championship clubs meet some of the minimum standards the review sets out. It highlights a lack of investment in the talent pathways, with Carney pointing out the need to “kickstart” progress with a strategic partner. Asked if that could include an organisation such as the Saudi Public Investment Fund, she said that would be a decision for the new company which takes over ownership of the WSL and the Championship from 2024-25. Carney accepted there were “pros and cons” of trying to seek an exemption for women’s football from the Saturday afternoon blackout period but added: “We need stakeholders to have an adult conversation and say ‘how can we help women’s football?’ “At the moment it’s really saturated, the time slots are not really working. I have to say the Premier League have been brilliant, and the EFL, everyone wants to help.” The review also called on the FA to address a lack of diversity in the game, first by auditing the existing workforce and then by creating a workforce strategy. Read More Lionesses bonus row could drag on until after World Cup Lucy Bronze says ‘it’s a shame’ women have to fight for change amid bonus row Let’s be thankful we have sport to escape our country’s bleak reality Lionesses bonus row could drag on until after World Cup Mason Mount echoes iconic Manchester United No 7 in energetic debut Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber – this is Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal now

England’s players could have to wait until after the Women’s World Cup for the stand-off over bonuses to be resolved, as there is still no sign of a breakthrough in negotiations between the Football Association (FA) and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), who are representing Sarina Wiegman’s group. The dispute centres on the squad’s argument that the governing body should supplement the landmark Fifa prize money with extra performance-based payment should the Lionesses get to the quarter-finals. That is largely due to the huge commercial upswing that has come with the team’s progress as well as the precedent set by squads of similar profile in USA and Australia. Their governing bodies have agreed deals in excess of the 60% of prize money guaranteed by Fifa, with both heavily performance-related. The FA were part of a group of federations that worked with Fifa to stipulate a hard percentage that should go directly to players, and The Independent understands that figure will of course be honoured. The players’ representatives have also been told, however, that it might be better for all parties to discuss bonuses after the World Cup as there could naturally be a huge difference in “commercial uplift” depending on whether the team reach the quarter-finals or win the tournament. As an illustration of this, the FA have in the last 10 days put down an offer that reflects the increase in sponsorship revenue from the last year and England’s historic Euro 2022 win. The arguments put forward by the PFA, however, are that this is lacking in transparency and that it would be better for all concerned if it would be settled beforehand. As numerous involved sources have also insisted, it is a situation that would simply “never happen” in the men’s game. “Can you imagine telling them we’ll discuss it when we’re back,” one said. The FA, whose discussions are handled by the commercial team, are pointing to the different dynamics of this competition – especially as it is the first 32-squad World Cup in the women’s game. There is also the issue that Fifa’s 60% stipulation means the prize money from the governing body does not fully cover the travel costs for a hugely expensive tournament, in the manner that customarily happens with such funds. While the FA will of course cover all of that, it is one additional factor complicating discussions over the prospective budget for this World Cup and commercial income. The governing body have attempted to assure the players that they will get fair reward for their contributions, but the PFA naturally want clarity now, especially as commercial income for the team has “skyrocketed” in the last year. The involved parties have been approached for comment although there is a will from all sides that it doesn’t devolve into a briefing war or disrupt a tournament that could yet bring a historic victory for the squad. Fifa’s new stipulations means that every player at the World Cup will be guaranteed at least $30,000, with that drastically increasing the further teams go. The team that lifts the trophy will be guaranteed $270,000 per squad member. Lucy Bronze this week expressed irritation that the situation had not yet been solved. “It is frustrating but I think that’s the way the women’s game has predominantly been. As a team we’ve always been pushing in the background, it’s only been recently that it’s been made more public and people are aware of it, but it’s something we’ve always had to do as players." Read More Lucy Bronze says ‘it’s a shame’ women have to fight for change amid bonus row Ellen White tips ‘proven winner’ Sarina Wiegman to lead England to further glory Talking points as England fly out ahead of Women’s World Cup

Mason Mount made his Manchester United debut as Erik ten Hag’s side began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win against Leeds in Oslo. The 24-year-old, who made a £55million move from Chelsea last month, played the first 45 minutes and impressed in flashes during a quiet first period. Ten Hag’s starting XI was a combination of youth and experience, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho joined by young prospects such as Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson. Tributes were paid before kick off to former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds defender Gordon McQueen, who died aged 70 last month following his battle with dementia. Mount created a big opening in the 10th minute, passing in behind for Amad Diallo to tee up Hannibal Mejbri but the Tunisian was denied by a smart save from Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson. Moments later the England midfielder was involved again, winning the ball back before attempting a delicate chip over Klaesson from 25 yards which landed on the roof of the net. “It was a good start today, a good win. It’s important to get the minutes in the legs, but it’s important to win as well and that’s what we want to do this season,” Mount told MUTV. “I’ve definitely got a great understanding of how the manager wants to work and how the boys play. “I really liked that role today. Being able to drop in and get on the ball and start the play from a bit deeper, but also having that freedom to be able to get forward and get in the box.” Ten Hag spoke about what Mount offered United before kick-off, saying: “I am sure he will contribute to the success of Manchester United because he is a quality player. “In midfield you have to attack but you also have to defend. He will bring dynamic into our game. We need more dynamic in that midfield department.” Daniel Farke took charge of his first game as manager of Leeds, who are preparing for life back in the Championship following relegation last season. The breakthrough came on 67 minutes as 18-year-old Norwegian Isak Hansen-Aaroen played in Frenchman Noam Emeran who slid it past Dani van den Heuvel. Emeran then turned provider for Joe Hugill to seal the win 10 minutes from time. The Red Devils’ pre-season continues with a clash against Lyon in Edinburgh next Wednesday before they head to the USA for matches against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Wimbledon final places and world number one ranking up for grabs on day 11 Karen Carney: women’s football can be billion-pound industry with right backing Joe Marler reveals ‘weird encounter’ with Steve Borthwick over England hopes

Ed Orgeron not interested in Northwestern job after all.

Women’s football could be a billion-pound industry within 10 years if it gets the right investment now, according to the chair of a new independent review. Former England international Karen Carney’s review panel has called for wide-ranging reform at the elite and grassroots level of domestic football to fully capitalise on the Lionesses’ Euros success last summer. Among the key calls in the review to grow the women’s game published a week before the start of the Women’s World Cup are: :: The creation of a fully professional environment in the top two tiers, with a minimum ‘salary floor’ in the Women’s Super League from 2025-26, gold standard physical and mental healthcare provision, a world-leading parental leave package and full union representation. :: A redirecting of some funding from the men’s FA Cup prize pot to support the women’s game. :: Identification of a new strategic partner to invest in improving the talent pathway and academy structure. :: A dedicated broadcast slot – possibly Saturday 3pm, if women’s football can be exempted from the blackout period with the support of the football authorities. Carney recognises many of the measures outlined in the review will require significant investment but said: “Women’s football is a start-up business. “If you’re starting something you have to have an influx of money. In 10 years’ time I really do believe this sport could be a billion-pound industry. “But these standards and these requirements for investment are the foundation that will lead us to that point. “I really do think we can make that (investment) back.” This (review) should never, ever sit on the shelf, it’s got to stand for something Karen Carney Carney said the review’s aim was to introduce minimum standards across all areas of the game, and insisted that even though there were significant cost implications for clubs and the FA in particular, this was not something anyone in the game could afford to ignore. “I have to have every confidence that these recommendations will be implemented and with urgency,” she said. “This should never, ever sit on the shelf, it’s got to stand for something. “Do I want players going on the NHS (to get treatment for injuries)? No. Do I want players to be using bin bags for curtains? No I don’t. “I understand there is going to be a lot of pushback, people saying that it’s a big investment piece, but that’s what is needed now. “In 2011 when the WSL was launched, I bet the same conversations happened then (with people saying) ‘it’s a lot of money we’ve got to find’. “Even I thought that at the time. But that has led us to this point, now we’re further along we need to get to the next point.” An independent women’s football review was recommended in the 2021 fan-led review of football governance, and was commissioned by the Government in September last year. In all the 128-page report, formally titled ‘Raising The Bar: Reframing the opportunity in women’s football’, has produced 10 recommendations, primarily focused on ensuring minimum standards are met on a range of areas. There are some interesting details within it. For example, it calls for a new unit, funded by the Football Association, to research issues affecting female footballers such as the greater prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among women compared to men. It calls for a fully professionalised environment in the top two tiers of the women’s game, including the introduction of a minimum salary in the Women’s Super League by 2025-26 and an increase in contact time between clubs and players in the Championship from eight hours a week to 20 by 2027-28. It also says there should be full union representation for all players in the top two divisions. However, it rejected the idea of a US-style closed format for the top two tiers, something it said was being considered by an FA working group handling the transition of the WSL and Championship to ownership by a new company. The review calls for a redirection of some of the men’s FA Cup prize pot of £20million as a solidarity contribution, in particular to help Women’s Championship clubs meet some of the minimum standards the review sets out. It highlights a lack of investment in the talent pathways, with Carney pointing out the need to “kickstart” progress with a strategic partner. Asked if that could include an organisation such as the Saudi Public Investment Fund, she said that would be a decision for the new company which takes over ownership of the WSL and the Championship from 2024-25. Carney accepted there were “pros and cons” of trying to seek an exemption for women’s football from the Saturday afternoon blackout period but added: “We need stakeholders to have an adult conversation and say ‘how can we help women’s football?’ “At the moment it’s really saturated, the time slots are not really working. I have to say the Premier League have been brilliant, and the EFL, everyone wants to help.” The review also called on the FA to address a lack of diversity in the game, first by auditing the existing workforce and then by creating a workforce strategy. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Joe Marler reveals ‘weird encounter’ with Steve Borthwick over England hopes Alice Capsey says England can play even better after levelling Ashes series Chris Eubanks confident he can hang with the best after memorable Wimbledon run

The GAA and RTÉ were among those giving evidence to an Irish parliamentary committee about streaming service GAAGO.

The most iconic shirt in Manchester United’s history had gone unworn in matches since November. There had been no No. 7 in eight months, since Cristiano Ronaldo’s valedictory appearance in defeat to Aston Villa. Mason Mount is only Ronaldo’s successor in terms of shirt number; he is unlikely to touch the heights the Portuguese did at Old Trafford or exit in as explosive a manner. But his unofficial debut, in a 2-0 friendly win against Leeds in Oslo, brought slight echoes of another of United’s battalion of brilliant No. 7s. David Beckham took set-pieces for the best part of a decade and Mount was on free kicks and corners – when Alvaro Fernandez headed wide, he ought to have had an early assist – though he will probably be relieved of some of those duties when he is on the pitch with some of Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford. But Beckham’s most famous goal for United was a long-range chip; Mount almost scored his first in similar style, albeit from 35 yards rather than 60. It was, nevertheless, an illustration of why Erik ten Hag has made him United’s first summer signing. There was the prowess at pressing to close down and rob defender Jeremiah Mullen and the speed of thought to loft the ball over goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson; his effort landed on the roof of the net. It was a chance created by his energy. “I am sure he will bring dynamism,” Ten Hag had said an hour earlier. “We need more dynamism in our midfield department.” Mount’s awareness was apparent again with a run behind the Leeds defence to meet Raphael Varane’s pass, when he was perhaps wrongly given offside. Each indicated that United paid £55 million in part for a sharp footballing brain. They also bought a player whose versatility has allowed him to play different positions. Mount spent most of his Chelsea career in the front three; the indications were already that he would be in a midfield trio for United, and not merely because Ten Hag has never shared Thomas Tuchel’s fondness for 3-4-3. He has not been bought to be a winger, even if he offers an option on the flanks. His first appearance suggested he will be found more at the heart of his new team. Not since Bryan Robson has a United No. 7 played regularly in the middle of midfield. On his United bow, Mount collected possession immediately in front of the centre-backs more than he used to for Chelsea. He was involved further back in the build-up than before. He played as a prompter, passing forward with crisp purpose. He enjoyed it. “I really like that role today,” he said. “Being able to drop in deep and get on the ball and start the play from a bit deeper but also having that freedom to be able to get forward, get in the box and try and make the runs in behind and start the press from the front.” Ten Hag was impressed. “Great but we could expect this. He has so much skills and I am sure we will take so much joy from him and he will contribute to our performance.” Further contributions should come with different sidekicks. Mount was the senior figure in a trio with a difference, in a midfield with Kobbie Mainoo and Hannibal Mejbri. He is more likely to team up with Casemiro and Fernandes in competitive games, but it was notable that Hannibal operated more as a No. 10 with Mount often behind him. “His ambition is to play offensive but also he wants to be multi-functional and also complete,” Ten Hag had said. If that is what United require, an all-rounder in midfield, an encouraging element was that Mount looked fit on his first appearance since April after injury curtailed the worst season of his career. He went off after 45 minutes as Ten Hag made 11 changes. The second-half side was so inexperienced that United were captained by Charlie Savage – Raphael Varane had the armband before the break, while alongside him Lisandro Martinez made his comeback from injury – but the youngsters got United’s pre-season off to a winning start. The 20-year-old Frenchman Noam Emeran slotted in the first and the 19-year-old Joe Hugill added a second. He was the only specialist centre-forward in the squad Ten Hag took to Norway, with Anthony Martial injured and Rashford yet to return to training. In the first half, Jadon Sancho operated as a false nine for a club who are trying to recruit an out-and-out striker this summer. But the one signing they have made is a midfielder and, while stiffer tests await, it was an auspicious start for Mount. Read More Mason Mount makes debut as Man Utd begin pre-season with win over Leeds Mason Mount’s sale is one part of Chelsea’s ‘masterplan’, but what comes next? David de Gea confirms Manchester United exit with ‘farewell message’ to fans Mason Mount makes debut as Man Utd begin pre-season with win over Leeds Mason Mount’s sale is one part of Chelsea’s ‘masterplan’, but what comes next? Mauricio Pochettino tells Chelsea to banish last season and deliver from day one

Jordan Henderson is set to face a decision over whether to stay at Liverpool amid interest from Saudi Arabia and the possibility of a lucrative transfer. Liverpool are yet to receive an offer for their captain but Henderson has emerged as a target for Al Ettifaq and their new manager Steven Gerrard. Henderson, 33, has two years left on his contract at Anfield but could face a battle for his place after Jurgen Klopp spent £95m revamping his midfield with the signings of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Now Liverpool’s Champions League-winning skipper must determine whether to extend his 12-year stay at Anfield or join a host of players, including his former teammate Roberto Firmino, in signing up to go to Saudi Arabia. Euro 2024 is likely to be a factor in his thinking. Henderson forced his way back into England’s starting 11 during last winter’s World Cup and remains keen to play for his country. Klopp may be reluctant to lose the former Sunderland player, who made 43 appearances last season, after three other midfielders – vice-captain James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – left at the end of the season. The 2020 Footballer of the Year succeeded Gerrard as Liverpool captain in 2015 and led them to their first English league title in three decades five years later. Read More The reason why Liverpool’s worst season under Jurgen Klopp can be a one-off Liverpool thought they’d bought the future – but two wrong moves left them counting the cost Why England will head into 2024 with their sense of optimism restored

Aston Villa have completed the signing of defender Pau Torres from Villarreal. The 26-year-old, who has been capped 23 times for Spain, moves to Villa Park for an undisclosed fee after agreeing a five-year deal. He links up again with Villa boss Unai Emery who he played under for the Yellow Submarine. Torres won the Europa League in 2021 – under Emery – and helped Villarreal reach the semi-finals of the Champions League a year later. He becomes Villa’s second summer signing after the arrival of former Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Sean Payton might owe the NFL $100K.

Tottenham defender Ryan Sessegnon has been left devastated by his recent hamstring injury – but has vowed to come back stronger than ever. Spurs confirmed on Tuesday that Sessegnon had undergone surgery on his left hamstring following an injury in the first week of pre-season training under new boss Ange Postecoglou. Left-back Sessegnon was plagued by muscle injuries last season and now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines. “Devastated and not really sure what to say right now, but I wanted to come on here and say thank you for all the kind messages I’ve received,” he said on his Instagram page. “Hopefully this provides a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel very hungry and motivated to return stronger than ever and be back doing what I do best, for you guys.” Sessegnon made 23 appearances for Tottenham last season, but his last outing for the club occurred back in February after a hamstring injury curtained the second half of his campaign. The ex-Fulham academy graduate was over the initial problem and returned to work at Spurs on July 1, only to suffer a reoccurrence of last season’s muscle issue. It is expected surgery will be a “permanent solution” to his hamstring troubles. Sessegnon has only made 56 appearances for Tottenham since joining in the summer of 2019 and will now miss the club’s upcoming tour of Perth, Bangkok and Singapore. Earlier on Wednesday, Spurs announced they would now play local side Lion City Sailors on July 26 in the Singapore leg of their pre-season tour after previous opponents AS Roma, managed by Jose Mourinho, pulled out of their tour to Asia. Tottenham have also added another fixture to their summer schedule with the club set to face Barcelona in the 58th Joan Gamper Trophy match on August 8. The pre-season friendly will take place at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys – the scene of the 1992 Olympic Games – due to construction work taking place Barca’s Camp Nou stadium. Meanwhile, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Ivan Perisic were among the international players to return to training at Hotspur Way on Wednesday despite speculation over their futures. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live It has been a long time coming – Caster Semenya ‘elated’ over ECHR ruling Former Bristol and Bath back-rower Nick Koster dies at age of 34 Marketa Vondrousova prepares to take on ‘super woman’ Elina Svitolina