The women’s season ought to have opened on a wave of anticipation in the wake of a record-breaking World Cup, yet the toxic fall-out from the behaviour of Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales (see panel opposite) left many within the game wondering if the fight for respect will ever be won.
Even the constant linking of coaches, such as Sarina Wiegman and Emma Hayes, with jobs in the men’s game grates. “I already coach elite players; it is not a stepping stone,” said Hayes.
Eventually though, the football will become the focus and for Hayes and other coaches the
