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However, the expected appetite for Australia's visit has prompted the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial to think bigger - with the 90,000-capacity Wembley and Everton's new ground, which can house more than 50,000 fans, among three host stadiums.

"We will continue to use medical evidence and research to reinforce and enhance our approach. Support to former professional players is always available from rugby league's charity partner RL Cares."

But RFE/RL's president and CEO Stephen Capus said axing the broadcaster's grant agreement "would be a massive gift to America's enemies".

"The Iranian Ayatollahs, Chinese communist leaders, and autocrats in Moscow and Minsk would celebrate the demise of RFE/RL after 75 years," he added.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said RFE/RL, based in Prague, "is one of the few credible sources in dictatorships like Iran, Belarus, and Afghanistan".