Italy 🇮🇹
An Italian amateur match between Audace Isola d’Elba and Ponsacco was suspended after Ponsacco players left the pitch, alleging racist abuse against a teammate. The sports judge issued initial sanctions while the investigation continues.
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Germany 🇩🇪
ZDF presenter Mitri Sirin is supporting Germany’s “March Against Bullying” campaign, with workshops in football stadiums run by Aktion Mensch, the DFL Foundation and Lernort Stadion to help young people address bullying and online abuse.
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Italy 🇮🇹
The city of Bari will host workshops and sports activities for young people during Italy’s Week of Action Against Racism, using theatre, creative labs and games to promote inclusion, diversity and respect within the community.
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Spain 🇪🇸
A feature on Rayo Vallecano has recalled former goalkeeper Wilfred Agbonavbare, who endured racist abuse and became a symbol for supporters. After hardship following retirement, he died in 2015 and is now commemorated at the club’s stadium.
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England 🏴
Merseyside Police and the Liverpool FC Foundation hosted an event for 80 schoolgirls in Merseyside to raise awareness of violence against women and girls through workshops on consent, healthy relationships and online safety.
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Hungary 🇭🇺
The Hungarian FA has sanctioned Budapest Honvéd after racist chanting by supporters and violent incidents during recent matches, including a mass confrontation in a game against Kecskemét.
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Global 🌐
In an op-ed, writer Caroline Dubois has reflected on the history of women in sport, highlighting exclusion, racial barriers and progress through milestones such as the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and Title IX.
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UK 🇬🇧
A racism allegation between jockeys Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville at Cheltenham has been privately resolved, but the British Horseracing Authority is continuing its investigation.
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Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico City will create a new Secretariat of Sport led by Javier Hidalgo to promote community and elite sport and coordinate preparations linked to the 2026 World Cup.
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USA 🇺🇸
Seattle officials have reported that violent crime in downtown has fallen 14% since 2024, as the city increases police presence and prepares public safety measures ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Brazil 🇧🇷
A futsal tournament for athletes with Downs syndrome will take place in Brasília on 13–14 March, bringing together teams from across Brazil in an event organised by Liga Candanga de Futsal to prepare for the national championship in May.
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Spain 🇪🇸
Women’s football in Tenerife has grown significantly since 2022 through the federation’s Talento Femenino programme, with licences rising from 600 to over 2,000 and increased participation of women as players, coaches, referees and officials.
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Global 🌐
A feature by Unanimo Deportes has highlighted Latin American athletes, including Marta, Paola Longoria, Yulimar Rojas and Mariana Pajón, recognising their sporting achievements and influence in promoting visibility for women in sport.
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Spain 🇪🇸
Paralympic athlete Eva Moral has spoken at a “Women in Sport” event in Ciudad Real, sharing her experiences and highlighting the challenges and progress for women in sport while calling for greater equality and opportunities for female athletes.
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Italy 🇮🇹
Cagliari’s women’s football programme has grown to over 100 players through youth development and academy networks, while organisers say stereotypes and structural barriers still affect girls’ participation in football.
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Wales 🏴
Cardiff head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has praised the club’s strong response after a Cardiff supporter made racist comments and a racist gesture targeting Lincoln captain Tendayi Darikwa during a League One match on Saturday.
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Italy 🇮🇹
Former Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam has said racism and anti-Neapolitan abuse shocked him after joining Napoli, with hostility in Bergamo making him want to leave. He suggested both formats are equally harmful.
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Germany 🇩🇪
In an interview, Werder Bremen coach Fritzy Kromp has said she faced sexist behaviour during her coaching education, including being dismissed as a “little girl”.
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Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico City and UNICEF have signed an agreement to protect children during the 2026 World Cup, including “Blue Points” at stadiums and fan zones. The plan also addresses risks such as trafficking, violence and discrimination.
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USA 🇺🇸
Angel City FC has partnered with Pride House LA/West Hollywood to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, backing community events and Pride programming around the 2026 World Cup.
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Global 🌐
A feature article in The Athletic has examined the experiences of athletes who defect from authoritarian regimes, prompted by the recent case of Iranian women footballers seeking asylum in Australia during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
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Mexico 🇲🇽
Authorities in Nezahualcóyotl have launched the “Balón de Paz” initiative to promote social inclusion through sport for children and young people with disabilities, with activities linked to the upcoming World Cup.
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Iran 🇮🇷
Former Iran men’s national team coach Afshin Ghotbi has described the players of Iran women's national team as “heroes”, saying they faced intense pressure over whether to sing the anthem while competing internationally.
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Brazil 🇧🇷
Marcão, father of Flamengo player Gerson, has said he faced hostility at Maracanã and linked the incident to racism in football, prompting debate among supporters about discrimination in stadiums.
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UK 🇬🇧
Former West Ham striker Clyde Best has recalled the racism he faced as one of English football’s first Black stars, saying he felt a responsibility to pave the way for future generations of players.
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Iran’s ambassador to Mexico has suggested the Iranian team could play its 2026 World Cup matches in Mexico instead of the United States due to visa issues and political tension.
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Iran’s national team has said “no one” can exclude it from the 2026 World Cup after Donald Trump warned participation could endanger players’ safety.
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USA 🇺🇸
Donald Trump has said Iran’s national team could risk its “life and safety” by playing in the 2026 World Cup. Trump has changed his tone from earlier comments in which he had said the team would be welcome to compete.
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USA 🇺🇸
Nearly 70 U.S. House Democrats have urged FIFA to lower World Cup ticket prices and ease financial pressure on host cities. Dynamic pricing and sponsorship limits are raising costs for fans while leaving cities responsible for major expenses.
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Mexico 🇲🇽
Taxco, Mexico will host the Copa LGBT Queens 2026 on 21–22 March, bringing together more than ten football teams. Organised by Orgullo Deportivo, the tournament aims to provide a safe, discrimination-free space for LGBT athletes.
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