Harriet Scott shows solidarity with fractured Canada

Republic of Ireland defender Harriet Scott has expressed her sympathy and support for World Cup group rivals Canada, who are currently embroiled in a fallout with their own federation.

Scott has been involved in the senior Irish set-up since 2017. That was the year Ireland threatened to go on strike as they fought the FAI for the most basic standards of preparation.

They won that fight - and haven't looked back since - but the memories are still fresh. For Scott, solidarity is crucial in the wider battle to continue the growth of women's football in all countries.

Olympic champions Canada are one of the best teams in the world, but things are not rosy in the garden. Last week they abandoned plans to strike following threats of legal action from Canada Soccer.

Both Canada's women's and men's teams have issued statements complaining about budget cuts for the women's team which the players said threatened to compromise their ability to perform at the World Cup.

Scott empathises. "It's never nice to see that there are disputes between a team and their federation," said the Birmingham City defender.

"There's obviously reasons behind it, none of us know the full story, but at the moment, we just want every team to be as supported as they should be because it’s a growing game and a growing sport and it needs the full support and backing.

"We’re fortunate that at this moment we’re in a really good place with the FAI and the support we get from the FAI. That came from having some very tough conversations a few years ago so all I’m hoping for with Canada is that both sides have a resolution to the dispute they’re having at the moment.

"All we want is people performing at their best and every country getting the support they need."

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