May 3 – Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, who took a stand against what she describes as a lack of respect for female players in Norway, has been left out of the country’s World Cup squad for next month’s finals in France starting on June 7.
Hegerberg is in dispute with her national federation and has not played for the national team since 2017 despite scintillating performances for three-time defending European champions Lyon.
“We tried to solve it, we had meetings, but she decided not to play,” coach Martin Sjogren told the BBC. “As a coach, you need to focus on the players who want to be a part of the team and Ada doesn’t. We respect that and we have been working hard with the other players and they have been doing a great job.”
Meanwhile women’s World Cup holders the United States have announced their 23-player squad to defend the title.
Head coach Jill Ellis has named 12 players from the triumphant 2015 squad, alongside World Cup 11 debutants. The USA, attempting to win the trophy for the fourth time, will play Thailand, Chile, and Sweden in Group F.
“It’s a group that has the talent, confidence, experience and desire to help us win the World Cup,” Ellis said.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734982261labto1734982261ofdlr1734982261owedi1734982261sni@w1734982261ahsra1734982261w.wer1734982261dna1734982261