Japan’s women are downgraded

Japan’s world champion women footballers felt second class after they flew in economy while their male colleagues were in business.

The men’s team are medal outsiders but received preferential treatment en route to London due to the players’ professional status.

“It should have been the other way around,” said midfielder Homare Sawa. “When we won the World Cup, our seats were changed to business class for our return flight. I hope we can produce a good result again and be treated the same way.”