Michaela Foster has replaced Ali Riley in the Women’s Football team for Paris 2024, after head coach Michael Mayne made the decision to withdraw Riley on medical grounds.

Foster’s promotion from alternate player to full squad member sees defender Grace Neville, a non-travelling reserve for the tournament, called up to join the team in France from today (24 July 2024 local time).

Speaking on the decision to withdraw Riley from the tournament, head coach Michael Mayne said:

“This decision to medically withdraw Ali has not been easy. She has done everything in her control to get herself ready to compete ahead of what would have been her fifth Olympic Games.

“She is a veteran of this team, and someone that holds a lot of mana in the group, so we are hurting for her but also want her to get back to her best.

“She has had dedicated medical teams in both club and international environments working to try and get us into the best possible position for her to take to the field and perform as the team knows she can and needed her to against the opposition we will face.

“After many conversations leading to making this decision, and with time against us, I have had to replace her in order to utilise the small window I have to bring another player into the squad for the three group games.

“Using the information I have, after playing out a number of scenarios that could impact the team once the bubble closes and looking after Ali’s well-being, I have made the decision to withdraw her.

“This was definitely not a situation where it has been clear-cut on the best course of action, but this is the decision I have taken which I believe will be best for the team and to allow Ali to start her recovery. I know the team wishes her well on her injury.”

Article added: Wednesday 24 July 2024