The decision has been a very long time coming for the Matildas, who only 20 years ago felt the need to produce a naked calendar in order to fund their own Sydney Olympic campaign and less than five years ago were forced to strike for increased pay.

But the reaction was swift and global, encompassing the world's largest news organisations and some of female sport's greatest ever athletes.

PLUS...

The USA are invading the W-League! We preview every yank star Down Under this season

The yanks are coming and they're bringing the NWSL quality with them, let's just hope they don't forget the massive atmosphere as well!