Really disappointing’ – England boss Sarina Wiegman slams Ballon d’Or scheduling as Lionesses & head coach are forced to miss ceremony due to international duty
England boss Sarina Wiegman has expressed frustration at the scheduling of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which neither she nor her Lionesses can attend.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The awards night is set to take place in Paris on Monday, during a women’s international break. England, and most other nations, will be playing fixtures either on the same day or on Tuesday, making a trip to France to be part of the celebrations difficult. It’s something that many women’s players expressed frustrations about last year and yet, nothing has been done to make it more accommodating for them 12 months on.
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Wiegman is up for the Women’s Coach of the Year award, while Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp are all up for the Ballon d’Or Feminin. There is a possibility that James could attend, as she had to withdraw from the England squad due to injury, but the Lionesses’ other nominees will be in the middle of preparations for Tuesday’s clash with South Africa.
WHAT WIEGMAN SAID
Asked about the frustration of not being able to get to Paris for the event, Wiegman said: “Of course, that’s really disappointing, because that’s a moment to celebrate women’s football and to come together as a whole community in the women’s football game, and the whole football world. You want to be there. But we have a job to do and we’re here. It would be really helpful if and that could be planned on another date.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Some women’s players will be in attendance on Monday, with last year’s winner, and this year’s favourite, Aitana Bonmati among them. However, many will not be able to take the time out from their international duties and will thus miss out on the special night again.
WHAT NEXT FOR WIEGMAN AND ENGLAND?
Whether or not the ceremony’s schedule changes for next year, only time will tell. Meanwhile, Wiegman and her Lionesses will be focused on Tuesday’s game against South Africa, as they bid to bounce back from an underwhelming defeat to Germany on Friday night.
