ALL ABOUT RIGHTS
ROME—The Italy women’s national soccer team was awarded the Foreign Press Association’s Invictus award Monday for promoting and “emancipating” the female game in the country with its run to the World Cup quarterfinals. Head Coach Milena Bertolini and forward Barbara Bonansea were given the award during a ceremony at the Rome-based association.
With soccer dominated by men in Italy and few opportunities for girls, Bertolini recounted how she had to dress up as a boy to play as a kid.
“Now things are changing, thanks to the Italian federation’s school programs,” Bertolini said.
Bertolini and Bonansea lamented that female players are still not considered professionals and, therefore, are not permitted to earn more than €30,000 ($33,500) per year by Italian law.
“It’s not about the money, it’s a question of rights,” said Bonansea, who also plays for Italian champion Juventus.
While Italy’s men’s team is a four-time World Cup champion, the women had not played in a World Cup for two decades and entered as a prohibitive underdog during its opening match against Australia in France in June. But the Azzurre came back from a goal down for a 2-1 win courtesy of Bonansea’s two scores, with her second coming in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
“That goal shaped our World Cup, both in terms of results and in terms of promoting women’s soccer in Italy,” Bertolini said. “The strong emotions on the field were transmitted to everyone who was watching. I still get goosebumps now just thinking about that goal.”
The Azzurre went on to win their group then beat China in the first knockout round before losing to eventual finalist the Netherlands.
In a country of 60 million people, a total of more than 20 million spectators watched Italy’s five matches on RAI state TV, setting audience records for women’s soccer game after game.
The Invictus award is dedicated to “promoting the positive effects of sports in terms of integration and emancipation by the vulnerable sections of society.”
UEFA, meanwhile, has punished Serbia for racist fan incidents by ordering the stadium to be closed for its next home game in European Championship qualifying.
The sanction was announced as UEFA weighs action against Bulgaria for racist abuse of England players last week.
The incidents involving Serbia fans came during a 4-2 loss to Portugal last month. The team will now play in an empty stadium when Serbia hosts Luxembourg on November 14. UEFA also imposed a €33,250 ($37,000) fine.
Serbia will be in a one-year probation period when Ukraine visits three days later for the final Group B game. Ukraine already qualified for Euro 2020 and Portugal is favored to take the second qualifying place.
In London, the FA Cup qualifying match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil that was abandoned following racist abuse will be replayed next week. The Football Association said Monday that the match will be replayed from the start on October 29 at Haringey’s home ground.
Saturday’s game saw the players walk off in the 64th minute, shortly after Yeovil had gone 1-0 up via a penalty. Haringey officials said after the game that its Cameroonian goalkeeper Valery Pajetat and defender Coby Rowe had both been targeted by racial abuse by visiting fans.
London police said they had arrested two men, age 23 and 26, on Monday on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault in connection with the incident.
The FA said: “Following the incident in the original tie and the two arrests already made, the FA’s investigation is ongoing. We are continuing to work with the relevant authorities on our investigation into the matter.”
The winner of the game will advance to the first round of the FA Cup.