The final episode of The Ticket takes a broad look at the future - of the Olympics, of Australia's place in the world game of football, of the rise and growing power of the athletes' voice and of Oscar Pistorius - a former icon of Paralympic sport who is soon to be released from jail after serving his sentence for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Sport's role in a turbulent world - how the Palestinian men's team represents more than football, the role of dialogue in trying to find peace, India's influence at the ICC and its adhoc approach to membership, plus is sport for refugees authentic or an exercise in celebrity humanitarianism?

Women compete, women win but when it comes to High Performance coaching in Australia, less than ten percent are female. The AIS has a plan to turn that around between Paris 2024 and Brisbane 2032. Plus, FIFA's new online safeguarding course that might be valuable for all sports from grassroots to elite.

The Paris Olympic organisers have been told by Tahiti locals at the reef break where surfing will be contested that a planned judging tower is a threat to the ecosystem, unnecessary and non-negotiable, plus Afghanistan cricket's challenge, the place of women's football in Iran, and the rise of PNG rugby league.

Members of Australia's ping-pong diplomacy team from the 1970s, who helped paved the way for diplomatic relations between Australia and China, are returning to Beijing this week marking 50 years since Australia's first embassy in China was opened, plus the role of diplomacy in Australian sport, and the emergence of AI in global sports integrity investigations

As the humanitarian crisis continues with the Israel-Gaza war, we go in search of those who use sport as a tool for peace and speak to others who measure their success.

A small country of big thinkers, Denmark influences sport in many ways - from applying political pressure on non-democratic nations hosting big events, to anti-doping research, and even providing a home away from home for a former Matildas captain.

The Matildas' history making, record breaking World Cup ends with a 2-0 defeat to Sweden in the 3rd place play-off, while England and Spain duel to lift the trophy for the first time.

Once the whistle blows ending the final of the FIFA World Cup between Spain and England, what’s in store for the women’s game - the Australian government has already promised a $200 million investment in women’s sports in Australia, and the FIFA president says it's time for stakeholders to step up.

The Matildas are determined to end their World Cup campaign on a high, when they take on Sweden in the 3rd place play-off, while two-time World Cup winning coach Jill Ellis reflects on the tournament's success.

England has continued its charge at the World Cup, beating Australia 3-1 to earn a place in the final against Spain. Now the Matildas turn their attention to Sweden for the 3rd place play-off.

Spain locks in a place in the finals, whilst England and Australia battle for the final spot tonight.

Spain locks in a place in the finals, whilst England and Australia battle for the final spot tonight.

Spain will play Sweden in the first semi final game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Matildas dream run in the World Cup continues, after a heart stopping penalty shootout victory over France in the quarter-finals. They'll now play England in the semi-finals. Matilda number 171 Laura Brock says this is a turning point for women's football in Australia.

There are new horizons for global sport - the FIFA Women's World Cup has shown us new talent, new countries challenging old, so much built on the previous success of the USA who continue to innovate, AND the Matildas have made history at home.

Spain outlasts the Netherlands and Sweden knocks out one of the form teams Japan, to set up a semi-final showdown, while the Matildas prepare for their quarter-final encounter with France.

The first of the quarter-finals get underway in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Spain facing the Netherlands, and Japan taking on Sweden in a powerhouse match.

France have booked their place in the quarter finals, with a 4-0 win over Morocco.

Australia progress to the next round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as Sam Kerr makes her first appearance of the tournament.

The USA’s title defence has ended abruptly, and the Matildas prepare for their first knockout game against Denmark.

Spain puts five goals past Switzerland, and Japan outlasts Norway to progress to the quarter-finals, while the round of 16 action moves to Australia.

The round of 16 kicks off in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Switzerland facing Spain and Japan taking on Norway. ABC's National Sport Reporter David Mark and New Zealand sports reporter Ash Tulloch look ahead to all the action.

The FIFA World Cup is giving us a snapshot of a changing world with underdogs rising while the mighty are falling, plus Natalie Portman on the world's most unique football club, Angel City FC, and the Matildas - then and now.

Morocco progress in their first every Women’s World Cup with South Korea and Germany knocked out.

Jamaica sends Brazil packing after a scoreless draw, ending the career of one of the greats - Marta, South Africa makes history, and Colombia, Germany, and Morocco play for their place in the knockout stage.

The round of 16 spots firm up in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Australia’s dominant win over Canada secures the team’s place in the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Can the Matildas keep their Women's World Cup dream alive against Canada? CBC Sports' Shireen Ahmed shares her thoughts, and Morocco and Colombia claim stunning wins.

David Mark speaks to Swedish journalist Frida Olssom in Aotearoa New Zealand, as Sweden shows its best, and France wins a pulsating clash against Brazil in Australia.

From a feature interview with the FIFA Secretary General, to tales of unlikely success and celebration from the Philippines and Nigeria, and marking the return of the Australian Matildas captain, The Ticket has the FIFA Women's World Cup covered.

Kelen Silva shares the history of women's football in Brazil, including the decades long ban, and England and China claim important wins in group D.

Nigeria top Group B after handing the Matildas’ their first 2023 world cup defeat.

The Matildas battle injuries as they prepare to face Nigeria in their second world cup match.

Philippines’ victory makes Group A a tight competition, USA hope to hit their stride in their title defence, and Canada prepare for a must win game.

The underdogs at the World Cup make everyone stand up and take notice, Matilda number 162 Servet Uzunlar gives her insights on the Matildas, and a female Afghan footballer has a message for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

David Mark and Ash Tulloch reflect on the start of the Women's World Cup in Aotearoa New Zealand, Euro 2022 champion England starts with a tough win over debutant Haiti, and Denmark steals a late winner against China.

The Athletic's Meg Linehan dissects the USA's opening match of the FIFA Women's World Cup with David Mark, and American supporters revel in the 3-0 win over Vietnam.

The science of genetics tells us who we are, but what else influences who we can become - Collingwood captain Darcy Moore joins Olympic and Paralympic table tennis player Melissa Tapper, and leading geneticist Professor Kathryn North in front a live City of Melbourne audience.

The Matildas have opened their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with victory over the Republic of Ireland, without their star striker and captain Sam Kerr.

The FIFA Women's World Cup in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia is finally here, and it's a tournament expected to break new ground and leave a lasting legacy.

This week the European Court of Human Rights found that the state of Switzerland discriminated against intersex athlete, Caster Semenya; Dr Payoshni Mitra supported her challenge and responds to the decision which she says 'brings a ray of hope while challenges remain'.

The FIFA Secretary General travelled to Darwin this week to see for herself the challenges faced by some First Nations groups, while we travel to Taiwan to meet the official photographer who was embedded for years with the England Lionesses, and we talk to the newest Matilda Clare Hunt on the eve of the biggest moment in her life.

As the Matildas coach, Tony Gustavsson, names his final squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFA's president announces First Nations Flags will fly at the event; hear from Matildas Indigenous players, the coach, South Korea's Nutty FC, Football Australia's boss James Johnson, Eleni Psaltis on the legacy of big events and human rights.

Thousands of people march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a global show of unity, plus we hear about the rise of Zambia, memories from Matildas pioneers, and Matilda #179 Hayley Raso on the team's relationship of trust with coach Tony Gustavsson.

On this special episode of The Ticket, counting down to the FIFA Women's World Cup, hear from FIFA Head of Women's Football Sarai Bareman plus Matilda Steph Catley and journey back to the World War 1 factories where women's football began.

Australia offers an alternative to the hardline transgender exclusion policies seen elsewhere, plus netball's backflip after another self-inflicted crisis.

Golf's peace deal resulting in Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund now financing the sport globally reflects a bigger geopolitical shift with the Middle East's stocks rising and as one expert puts it, the USA confronting 'empty nest syndrome'.

Despite an AFL investigation being shut down, Hawthorn's racism allegations remain live as former players head to the Human Rights Commission, all in Reconciliation Week which the Australian Olympic Committee marked with a new Reconciliation Action Plan.

Presidents, CEOs and champion athletes from more than twenty Australian sports gathered to offer support for a First Nations' Voice to the Australian Parliament in a week when one of the world's most famous voices - Tina Turner - was remembered for changing the image of rugby league, and in netball athletes raised their voices reminding the games administrators they will not be silenced when it comes to setting the sport's agenda.

Sports traditional power base is being challenged - athletes demand a say on Ukraine, Russia's era of doping lies in tatters, sport's research turns its focus to women, and the east rises as a new power base for sport.

The Ticket is on tour with a world of firsts from Taiwan, to Korea, to Boliva and India exploring gender equity, diplomacy and a wrestlers' strike in New Delhi that goes to the very top of the political landscape.

The days of governing bodies having it all their own way are disappearing as fans, clubs, former players, even nations who have not traditionally been dominant in global sport are challenging the status quo and demanding a slice of the action.

Step up Oceania: will Australia deliver in guaranteeing Brisbane 2032 will be a games for the entire Pacific region?

The 100 day marker to the FIFA Women's World Cup has been celebrated but while the game is an international diplomacy currency, what does the game and the Australian government expect as a lasting legacy? The 40-year legacy provided by Matildas alumni may be an opportunity missed while barriers to girls playing now will impact the future.

Sports bodies are being asked to make significant change to the way they operate, using an ethical lens which puts the athlete first. While advocates in Canada are driving change in gymnastics, the world governing body hopes its Ethics Foundation will be a model for others. Plus, finding Australia's first Olympic and/or Paralympic First Nations swimming champion.

Sports bodies are being asked to make significant change to the way they operate, using an ethical lens which puts the athlete first. While advocates in Canada are driving change in gymnastics, the world governing body hopes its Ethics Foundation will be a model for others. Plus, finding Australia's first Olympic and/or Paralympic First Nations swimming champion.

The IOC's decision to pave a way for athletes from Russia and Belarus to return has been met with European nations cancelling events, and Ukraine threatening to pull its athletes out of competition. Meanwhile FIFA calls out the hypocrisy of broadcasters calling for equal pay while the networks low-ball their broadcast offers for the Women's World Cup. Plus Rwanda works on its post-genocide image making them the latest country to be accused of sports washing.

The IOC's decision to pave a way for athletes from Russia and Belarus to return has been met with European nations cancelling events, and Ukraine threatening to pull its athletes out of competition. Meanwhile FIFA calls out the hypocrisy of broadcasters calling for equal pay while the networks low-ball their broadcast offers for the Women's World Cup. Plus Rwanda works on its post-genocide image making them the latest country to be accused of sports washing.

The politics of politics and sports' place in it: World Athletics has essentially banned transgender athletes in elite competition despite there not being any at that level; DSD athletes are in a similar boat. Plus, what does legacy really mean? The president of Brisbane 2032 details his list for Olympic and Paralympic Games.

From politics, to governing bodies, to athletes' commissions and player associations, the face of sport is changing. Six of The Ticket's Top 10 women of influence talk challenges, changes and the future.

Sport can both save and destroy lives, today we hear from two athletes with experience of those extremes. Plus, can India's WPL cricket tournament impact gender norms in one of the world's most populous nations? And Paralympics Australia sets out its strategic plan for 2032 and beyond.

The politicians are doing what politicians do, playing politics with sport. That's the view of one of our athletes today as we focus on the one year mark of the war on Ukraine and how the Olympics is being thrown into the spotlight. Plus, after commissioning a Human Rights analysis for the upcoming women's football world cup, what has FIFA actually done with it? Not enough, is the answer.

From anti-doping, to war and boycotts, and a lucrative new cricket competition giving some women their biggest pay day ever, sports are having to put athletes first; plus the World Athletics heritage project bringing the legend of Percy Cerutty to life.

* The UN Special Rapporteur whose reasoning saw the ban on athletes from Russia & Belarus overturned by the IOC * The secret vote that might have changed nationalism at the Olympics forever * The PFA's concerns over Saudi sponsorship of the FIFA Women's World Cup * Two Australian businesswomen who were 'blown away' by their visit to Saudi Arabia. *

India hits women's cricket into the stratosphere with a WPL franchise auction; a young cricketer in Afghanistan appeals for help; the Hungarian water polo team's 1956 Olympic defection is remembered; Socceroo Awer Mabil on the ups and downs of life; and the politics of war plays out on the sidelines of the Australian Open.

Having fled their homeland, the Afghanistan Women's Cricket team is now in Australia trying to revive their dreams. They have been emboldened by support from Cricket Australia, now they are calling on the world governing body, the ICC, to back them also.

The headlines continue to scream but whether you like it or not Qatar is here...the FIFA Men's World Cup is about to begin. Guests include head of International Trade Union Confederation, head of Football Australia, Socceroo Thomas Deng and more.

Described as a sports zeitgeist, modern pentathlon is the latest sport facing an uprising from some of its athletes; the AFL investigation into racism gets a mixed response: FIFA wants ideology and politics put aside on the eve of Qatar; and some of cricket's old timers are struggling to deal with a modern landscape.

The countdown to Qatar is on with daily headlines about human rights, LGBTQI+ rights and more. The Emir of Qatar says no other FIFA World Cup host nation has been subjected to such criticism. We hear from players, advocates, and the ILO. Plus, is ping pong diplomacy 2 being played out in China?

The withdrawal of a sponsorship lifeline from mining giant Hancock Prospecting to Netball Australia, means the financial viability of the sport is at risk and questions are being asked about the governing body's ability to manage a range of matters including sensitive cultural issues while raising concerns for other sports.

Former Socceroo, Tim Cahill, is no longer playing but his impact on the team at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be enormous; Former world surfing champion, Shaun Tomson, on riding life's waves; and the youth of Iran have had enough but what hope is there after a month of nationwide protests?

The competing rights of religious views and sexual orientation have come head to head in the sports arena again. Is another legal challenge on the cards? Plus, sports power and the call to dismantle global white privilege.

The AFL has discovered being judge, jury and executioner in an investigation into itself is no longer acceptable, and its authority is being challenged by those at the heart of the game's latest racism furore with the Federal Government now making moves.

The AFL is dealing with its biggest scandal yet, allegations that First Nation's players at Hawthorn had sim cards replaced to cut off contact with family members, and in one instance advised a player to have his unborn child aborted. Does the AFL need a game-wide truth telling session? Should heads roll? What now for the AFL?

The FIBA Women's World Cup will start in Sydney this week without one of its star players who's languishing in a Russian prison, and without one of Africa's star teams, both absentees are pawns in political games. While basketball is on the rise, navigating the politics is the biggest challenge.

It's called the darkest day in Olympic history. Five decades on from the Munich massacre, where eleven Israelis tragically lost their lives, Germany has agreed to pay compensation and establish a Commission to answer the many questions that remain. The story of the Munich '72 Olympics is not over. as this week's commemoration has proved.

FINA's Berlin World Cup and Melbourne World Short Course Championships are around the corner, with global threats a constant challenge. The FINA CEO Brent Nowicki on trends, technology, transgender and more. Plus US Paralympic legend Erin Popovich and Australian Deaflympic swimmer Henry Hughes.

Serena. There is only one. Regarded as the greatest of all time, her legendary status extends way beyond the tennis court. There have been challenges, controversies, and celebrations. Above it all, she has changed the game of tennis forever.

Sport can no longer be a retrofit of the old model built by men, for men. That's the view of Australia's new sports minister, Anika Wells, who hosted a roundtable of women in sport ahead of the government's jobs and skills summit.

Ten years ago the Australian public was told by the government it would be shocked and disgusted by revelations of crime gangs infiltrating sport as well as widespread doping. Much of the focus fell on the Essendon Football Club and coach James Hird, who is now in the frame to return. Re-hearing his version of events told exclusively to the ABC in 2016 provides insights that have matured with the benefit of time.

The International Olympic Committee has met with the Taliban leadership of Afghanistan twice in recent months looking for guarantees men and women will compete in Paris '24. Not everybody believes it is the right approach. And Rugby Sevens gold medalist Ellia Green makes history as sports wrestle with transgender policies.

The first thing you notice about Pat Cummins is that he is not the centre of his own universe, unlike so many in today’s frenzy of self-obsessed, social media inspired celebrity. You only have to ask one question for all to be revealed: what’s the one moment from your cricket career that stands out, the one that you could frame if you could? “I’d say the 2015 World Cup [final] at the MCG,” he said. He wasn’t even playing in the match. He was carrying the drinks.

Port Melbourne FC fights back after the local council ends their FIFA World Cup legacy dream; a 16 year old AFL player stands up to racism plus experts on what needs to happen; Australian men's test cricket team captain Pat Cummins on leadership.

Redfern's Indigenous community have never been afraid to rally for their rights. This time it's to save the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence which for 16 years has kept the kids off the streets, taught them, fed them, coached them. All that has been threatened. They will not give up the fight to save what's theirs.

Dark clouds gathered over the NRL's Manly club during the week after seven players stood down from a match saying they could not wear a pride jersey for cultural and religious reasons. The leadership shown by the coach and the captain avoided further fallout, with a silver lining now evident.

Is the controversy over Greg Norman's LIV Golf with Saudi backing inspired by human rights concerns or the PGA losing its monopoly? FIFA says it will double the $$ for the women's world cup, but when will there be equity? Plus a story of contrasts - Malawi and Australia's swim team at the Commonwealth Games.

Swimming's blanket ban on transgender women competing in international women's events is the polar opposite of the International Olympic Committee's framework suggesting inclusion first and review on a case-by-case basis. Sport's governing bodies now feel pressured into picking sides in what has become a culture war, although experts warn Australian anti-discrimination policies would prevent such blanket bans from being adopted here.

AIPS (International Sports Press Association) has awarded the gold trophy for best audio to an episode of The Ticket detailing a rescue mission for women athletes in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021.

The Tracker Data Project has brought together Adam Goodes' playing data, ancient knowledge systems and AI to create an immersive artwork to challenge how we remember one of Australian sport's most significant moments. Plus, Wimbledon loses its points, and the challenge to sport from mobile device addiction to sport.

A spurious link between rugby league in Sydney's west and a gangland murder has people talking again. Beyond the headlines Penrith is doing phenomenal work with its junior players, positively impacting the communities more broadly. Plus, a legal look at Greg Norman's LIV Golf and comparisons to World Series Cricket.

The AFL's buried report on the toxic environment for girls and women umpires is exposed, author Dr Vic Rawlings on what needs to happen next. Ukraine's athletes with disabilities continue to fly the flag of peace, even when instructed not to. Plus, is AFL CEO Gil McLachlan suited to being Brisbane 2032 Olympics CEO.

After 32 years as President of the Australian Olympic Committee, John Coates, has stepped down but remains on the Brisbane 2032 board. Exclusive interviews with Coates, his replacement Ian Chesterman, retiring VP Helen Brownlee and more, plus the federal sports minister on the long road to 2032.

For the first time in 32 years a new president will run the Australian Olympic Committee. Hear from both contenders. As Wimbledon bans Russians, the World Olympians Association supports athletes right to compete. Is sport entering a new era - Cold War Mach 2?

Surveillance in professional sport is now a 24-7 occurrence leaving athletes and governing bodies exposed to risk. The Ticket hears from experts who've looked at the current state of play. Plus, how a small group of transgender women in sport has become a major talking point in the Australian federal election.

In a rapidly changing world sport's relevance depends on authenticity. From athletes to governing bodies to mega events, storytelling is key. How will each respond to the challenges in a fast moving, digitised, politicised world?

Ukraine and Russia come face to face at the FIFA Congress in Qatar; Transgender women simultaneously held up and pulled down as sport struggles to navigate their inclusion; Football icon Megan Rapinoe on taking a stand.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has seen the Olympic and Paralympic movement throw in the towel of being above politics. Athletes have turned on athletes, the sports movement is turning on itself, and politics is the new name of the game setting a dangerous precedent for sport.

Sport has found its voice in opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. No longer can the flag on the sleeve of uniforms define who athletes are and what they stand for. Through the prism of war The Ticket reviews the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The Australian government has pointed to Novak Djokovic as an example to any athlete thinking of entering Australia. But what does it mean for future events and nations who don't have access to vaccines? Plus getting inside the mind of the schoolteacher from Sundsvall, Sweden guiding the Matildas to their highest summit?

Five days after being let out of detention, and having his visa cancellation quashed, Novak Djokovic is detained again. He's back in court a day before the Australian Open begins.

The rules are the rules and the world's number one tennis player Novak Djokovic is finding out how far Australian authorities will go to enforce them.

Australia's Toughest Athletes, by Mick Colliss Greg Chappell Not Out, by Greg Chappell

A story of mystery - former Australian International Olympic Committee member, David McKenzie, was on the rise before a shocking, unexpected death in Hawaii in 1981 while on route to visit officials in the USA cut short his career. Until this day questions remain.

The Beijing winter Olympic Games are at the centre of a new cold war stoush between China and the USA with several allies to 'diplomatically boycott'; plus trying to sort fact from suspicion with Peng Shuai caught in the middle of a geopolitical battle.