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Sportshour: Allegations of abuse in women's football

Discussion & Talk

09/10/2021 GMT

Allegations of abuse in women's football

BBC World Service - Sportshour, Allegations of abuse in women's football

Former player Ciara McCormack on the allegations that have rocked women's football

Ciara McCormack on why she wrote a blog post entitled "A Horrific Canadian Soccer Story – The Story No One Wants to Listen To, But Everyone Needs to Hear."

We explore the aftermath of the shocking allegations of abuse in women's football in the USA. The news from the NWSL was particularly distressing for former Irish international Ciara McCormack, because for many years in Canada, Ciara tried to be heard and taken seriously when in 2008 she highlighted alleged mis-conduct by her coach at the Vancouver White Caps, Bob Birarda. In 2019,  McCormack wrote a blog post called "A Horrific Canadian Soccer Story – The Story No One Wants to Listen To, But Everyone Needs to Hear." Birarda, who was also the coach of the Canadian women's under-20 team, was charged with multiple sex offences in 2020, which he denies and is await trial. Ciara started by explaining about the atmosphere and power dynamic at the club.

The first new sickle-cell treatment in 20 years was announced this week. It's expected to help keep thousands of people out of hospital and reduce health inequalities for black people, who are predominantly affected. Like Nigerian Rugby League star Ade Adebisi, or the "London Flyer" as he was known in his playing days. Ade holds a unique place in the history of the sport as he is the only person to have played the game professionally whilst also managing the condition. 

Plus we hear from Libyan International footballer Mo Bettamer as the nation looks to qualify for it's first ever men's world cup preview the big fight in Las Vegas, Fury v Wilder III and look ahead to the Manchester derby in the Women's Super League

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