A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
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Belgian FA defends decision to hire misogynist to write World Cup anthem
Belgians cheer on their national football team
From Barry McGuigan and Carl Frampton to Tyrone McKenna and Lewis Crocker, the city’s fighters carry a complex history into the ring, writes JOHN WIGHT
BELGIUM’S football federation said today, on International Women’s Day, that it refused to be held “hostage” by women who objected to its selection of an artist who has used vile sexist lyrics to write the country’s official World Cup song.
The federation said it would stick with Damso, a man known for lacing his songs with misogynistic and obscene lyrics, saying that his tune would unify the country.
The team’s sponsors, however, said they would consult on whether it is wise to keep the rapper.
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Half a century after transformative laws reshaped Britain, women’s rights are again contested. This International Women’s Day is a call to remember how change was won, and to organise to defend it, says KATE RAMSDEN