Man Utd one of eight clubs entering new World Sevens tournament

The tournament kicks off just three days before the Women’s Champions League final is held in Lisbon on 24 May.

It is also just six weeks before the Women’s European Championship begins in Switzerland on 2 July.

The American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) does not finish until 22 November, meaning any clubs wishing to participate in May would do so during the season.

Stadium and pitch availability were named as reasons as to why the tournament was scheduled for May, while there are plans to host a second edition at the end of the year in North America.

Another question is how many players due to compete at Euro 2025 will take part in the inaugural tournament.

“We haven’t got the rosters yet but they will be first-team squads. Obviously a lot of these clubs are very worldwide and global in their make-up,” said Jacobs.

“The games are much shorter and the amount of players on the pitch is much less.”

There are four Lionesses in the Manchester United squad – Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner – and Jacobs said he expects them to come to Portugal and take part in some form.

“There is a difference between a first-team XI and a first-team squad. We would expect a first-team squad,” added Jacobs.

“We also know this is an opportunity for other players and for people who want to really express themselves on a completely different stage.”