Two top FIFA officials have stood by the decision to "unbundle" the 2023 Women's World Cup from the men's tournament for the first time, saying commercial separation is a necessary step on the path to gender equality in football, even if it has to drag some broadcasters "kicking and screaming" to get there.
FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura — and head of women's football Sarai Bareman — are in Sydney this week to check on preparations for the tournament that is now just 72 days away.
