FIFA is launching a new global strategy for women’s soccer in an effort to "create revenue streams and increase grassroots participation." FIFA said that it would "work closely with member associations through workshops and special initiatives to 'encourage female empowerment'" through soccer. FIFA added that it would look to "double the number of female players to 60 million" by '26 and "ensure all member associations have developed 'comprehensive women’s [soccer] strategies'" by '22 (REUTERS, 10/9).
RULE CHANGES? LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan said that he is "more committed than ever" to taking the UL Int'l Crown event around the world, and that may mean "changing the rules to assure that the host country always has a team in the event." GOLFCHANNEL.com's Randall Mell noted the current format "calls for all eight teams to qualify." South Korea was the "first nation outside the United States" to host the event. Whan has "yet to announce who will host" in '20. Whan: "If we’re going to do this event right, it should be about showcasing women’s golf around the world" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 10/9).
EVEN MORE FOOTBALL: In Daytona Beach, Zach Dean notes the World Professional Football Association will launch the American Patriot League, a spring football league "aimed at giving former college and pro players the chance to play professional football." The "first city in the league will be Daytona Beach." APL Managing Dir Marques Ogden said that the league will be "comprised of 10 teams." He added that "all teams will be located in the Southeast." Along with Ogden, former NFLers Keon Lattimore and Bob Golic also "serve as managing directors" (Daytona Beach NEWS-JOURNAL, 10/10).
