The coronavirus pandemic presents “an almost existential threat” to women’s football, according to a report by global players’ union FIFPro published Thursday.
Female players the world over, like their male counterparts, have been forced to stop playing with countries going into lockdown to try to halt the spread of the virus, which has claimed more than 134,000 lives according to an AFP tally.
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Much attention has been given to the economic impact on the far richer men’s game of the suspension, but FIFPro warns that women’s football despite recent growth is particularly vulnerable, with less established professional leagues, lower salaries and less investment meaning “the fragility of the women’s football eco-system is exposed by the current situation”.
FIFPro has called for “special measures” to safeguard the women’s game as it says its growth “is now at risk of receding. Without having secured solid structural foundations for long-term sustainability, some women’s leagues and clubs are releasing players, cutting contracts and closing down.”
Leagues across Europe are currently playing a waiting game to see if they will be able to complete their suspended seasons.
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In England, the Women’s Super League including some of the continent’s wealthiest clubs — have been hoping to finish their campaign by the end of August, but it depends on lockdown measures being eased.
Although women’s football has grown exponentially at all levels in recent times, the passion for and potential of the sport offers vast untapped opportunities.
The launch of the FIFA Women’s Football Strategy charts the course for how FIFA will work with all stakeholders to take concrete steps to empower girls and women, make football a sport for all and advocate against gender discrimination.
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