The Matildas recognised for World Cup efforts with Don Award

Liam Watson
Image credit: Hamish Blair/Sport Australia Hall of Fame

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame presented the Matildas with The Don Award, one of the highest Australian sport honours awarded to an athlete or team.

The Don Award, named in recognition of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s inaugural Inductee, Sir Donald Bradman AC, and introduced in 1998, honours an athlete or a team for providing the most inspiration to the nation through performance and example in the past year. The Matildas earned The Don Award after they became the first Australian team to make a senior FIFA World Cup – men’s or women’s – semi-final. The Matildas changed the landscape for women’s football by bringing the country together and inspiring the next generation of hopefuls, encouraging junior players to reach the national stage like Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler or Cortnee Vine who all became instantly recognisable.

The latter a household name as she stepped up to convert the decisive penalty against France to book the Matildas a semi-final match against England. That was also the longest shoot-out in FIFA World Cup history, men’s or women’s.

The Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 tournament saw extraordinary crowds to their games with nearly two million spectators at stadiums and hundreds of thousands at live sites across the country. Their semi-final against England achieved the highest TV ratings in Australia since the current television ratings system began in 2001.

Despite losing 3-1 in the semi-final and then going down 2-0 to Sweden in the bronze medal match, the Matildas did Australia proud with many memorable moments created.

The Matildas are proud to create a legacy from the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which they now want to continue for future generations.

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

Manchester City Charges Put Financial Governance Under Spotlight

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Image Credit: Shutterstock

Manchester City’s reported guilty verdict on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges has created a major business and administration challenge for the club. An independent commission reportedly reached its findings after a lengthy hearing into alleged financial-rule breaches between 2009 and 2018 last week.

The Premier League has not confirmed the verdict publicly, while City says the process remains ongoing and is expected to appeal. The next decision could have significant financial consequences.

No punishment has been announced; however, potential sanctions include a points deduction, financial penalties and/or expulsion from the Premier League, all of which would have significant and varied financial impact. The club must continue operating while it awaits the commission’s full decision and any appeal process, which could affect recruitment, player contracts, budgets and long-term investment decisions.

City generates substantial income through broadcasting, commercial partnerships and matchday operations – as of 2026, Manchester City’s revenue sits at $1.56 billion (894 million pounds). A significant change to the club’s Premier League status could therefore affect several revenue streams at once.

Commercial partners will also be watching the next weeks closely, and must assess how any sanction could affect their association with the club. City’s global commercial operation has become an important part of its business model during its period of sustained success. Other Premier League clubs have discussed potential compensation claims linked to the alleged breaches. Any successful claims would create another financial liability for City beyond a league sanction.

City has consistently denied wrongdoing and says it has respected due process, and its expected appeal means the forthcoming sanctions may not represent the final outcome. That leaves the club managing two priorities at once: defending its position through the regulatory process, and protecting its commercial and operational stability.

For the Premier League, the case also tests the strength of its financial regulations. The final sanction, and any appeal that follows, will shape the financial and administrative consequences for Manchester City and could influence how clubs approach financial compliance in the future.

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