As I sat in a conference room in the Lionesses’ hotel attending my first media day of the Women’s World Cup, I was initially looking forward to hearing Mary Earps provide her thoughts on the ongoing bonus dispute with the Football Association (FA).
But what came next was an unexpected outpouring from a player who was hurting and frustrated and whose patience had run out. She had politely and respectfully asked Nike, behind closed doors, to start selling her No 1 shirt. It is possible to buy the outfield kit, but anyone looking for her England goalkeeper’s top will find nothing.
Earps at the Lionesses’ hotel in Brisbane on July 19, 2023, as she revealed her ongoing battle with Nike around the sale of her No 1 jersey (Photo: Chloe Morgan/The Athletic)
Nike’s ongoing refusal, combined with increased pressure from fans asking why they couldn’t find her jersey — plus a logistical error resulting in her being provided with a short-sleeved shirt (a style she dislikes) — was the last straw.
To try to understand more about Earps’ complaints I spoke to a former England goalkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous to protect their relationships. She said: “Mary tried with Nike to sit with them and make them understand but they were just having none of…
