The Lionesses could be set to make history as they take centre stage at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday.
And you can make your way down to Piccadilly Gardens to see all the action unfold.
Fresh off the back of a groundbreaking win at the UEFA Women’s EURO last year, England’s outstanding Women’s team has once again booked their place in a final – but this time, it’s for a chance to clinch what is undoubtedly the most coveted title of them all.
After storming past Australia and claiming an impressive 3-1 victory over The Matildas in the semi final earlier this week, The Lionesses now face Spain in the last match of the Women’s World Cup.
#ENG have reached the #FIFAWWC Final for the first time. 🥹
If you’re hoping to catch the match this weekend when it kicks off at 11am on Sunday, then there’s going to be absolutely no shortage of places to watch – but if you’re really keen to soak in all the atmosphere surrounded by hundreds of other passionate fans right here in Manchester city centre, then you’ll probably want to head on down to Piccadilly Gardens.
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That’s because Manchester City Council has just announced that a huge screen will be set up in the middle of the public greenspace so you can see every kick, tackle, and hopefully, celebration, up close.
There’s also going to be a dedicated fan zone for the occasion too, opening from 10am.
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Women’s World Cup final to be shown on a big screen in Piccadilly Gardens / Credit: Manchester City Council
Entrance into the Piccadilly Gardens fan zone will operate on a first-come, first-served basis – with the capacity capped at 6,000.
Fans will be able to choose whether to watch the big screen action from the strictly no-alcohol grassed area of Piccadilly Gardens, or from the adjoining raised platform area with its existing bars – which the Council says will operate “in accordance with the usual Sunday licensing restrictions”.
Fans are encouraged to “travel light” with no big bags if they’re heading to the fan zone.
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The Council is also encouraging people to bring their own food and soft drinks, and reminding that no glasses or bottles will be allowed.
Routine bag searches will also be in operation.
The Lionesses are facing Spain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final this Sunday / Credit: Lionesses (via Twitter)
“As a city that loves its football, it’s been absolutely fantastic to watch the skill and determination shown by the Lionesses over these last few weeks in the World Cup,” Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said ahead of the final this Sunday.
“Getting to the final is a massive achievement and we want them to know that the whole of Manchester is behind them, so if you’re looking for some big screen action to cheer the Lionesses on and an atmosphere to rival that in Australia, Piccadilly Gardens is the place to be.
“But whatever you do, and wherever you are, this is one match you don’t want to miss.”
Fans can head on down to Piccadilly Gardens from 10am this Sunday.
Fancy heading to somewhere a little different to catch the final instead? Check out our round-up of places to watch in Manchester here.
Featured Image – Lionesses (via Twitter)
Sport
Leigh Leopards share update regarding Tesi Niu allegations
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester rugby league side Leigh Leopards have now issued an update addressing the allegations levelled at one of their players, Tesi Niu.
With the statement coming directly from the club’s owner, Derek Beaumont, the club have shed light on their understanding of the situation.
Beaumont, who bought the team over a decade ago and rebranded it from ‘Centurions’ to the Leopards back in 2022 (and also owns a local decking company based in Worsley), appeared to speak on behalf of the club following the accusations made last week.
Sharing an official communication on social media on Wednesday afternoon, 8 January, they open by saying that “the club is aware of social media activity of concern from one of its players’ accounts, that of Tesi Niu.”
“The club can confirm that the player’s account was accessed externally and without his knowledge or consent”, they continue, “and [was] deleted a short period thereafter.”
“We were instantly aware of this as it happened”, says the Leigh Leopards owner. “As a club, we have policies and procedures and employ a Player Welfare Manager who is a qualified counsellor.
“Our first port of call in these circumstances is to ensure the welfare of our player and any external party that may be involved. This was immediately initiated.
“Having since personally spoken with Tesi and Kiana individually and at length, and then our Player Welfare Manager and Head Coach, I am completely satisfied that they are both being fully supported.
“I can also confirm that there is no official complaint to the club regarding the player, nor to any relevant authorities. To that end, the club will make no further statements about the matter and would welcome supporters’ trust in the club’s processes and findings.”
For context, you can read what 24-year-old Niu has been accused of in full down below.
While the organisation has now insisted that nothing formal has been raised within the club nor with the police at this time, many supporters are still insisting that there must be a full investigation into the troubling claims.
At present, however, the statement seems to suggest that they won’t be taking the matter any further internally – at least not for now/until a proper case is opened.
Nevertheless, many Leopards supporters, rugby fans and people online in general have understandably raised more concerns following the statement.
Neither Tesi Niu himself nor Kiana Smith – his partner of more than five years, currently said to be pregnant with their third child – has yet to share any further message(s) following the initial declaration of alleged abuse.
Serving as yet another fitting tribute from his beloved football club, who already honoured the late, great, Manc musician at Old Trafford, it’s rumoured to launch later this year.
Snapped alongside United’s current third kit for the 25/26 season, the rumoured ‘lifestyle’ jersey is apparently coming very soon.
This pair of images has seemingly confirmed the claims made by trusted online kit source, Footy Headlines, who specialise in sharing pictures of the football shirts, boots and more, who had already reported on the release in 2025.
As you can see, not only does the design feature a striking blue take on the band’s iconic album art style (expanded from an original painting by guitarist John Squire), but if you look closely, it also features the band’s iconic song and overriding slogan, ‘I Wanna Be Adored’, built into the crest.
You can see the rest of the existing Stone Roses collection in full down below.
We’re sure there are loads of other little details besides the twist on the badge still to be spotted, but for now, all we know is that the world-famous sporting franchise is continuing to capitalise even further on The Stone Roses connection.
Since the last batch of officially licensed adidas x Stone Roses merch quickly became collector’s items, we can only assume that this latest shirt won’t be the only new addition.
For instance, one user already commented, ‘Where’s the bucket hat?’
As for Manchester United, they’re no doubt looking to generate as much revenue as possible after having to pay another sizeable severance package following the sacking of Ruben Amorim – the question is, who is going to be next?
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
