Women's Super League players to have a say in future of the game

10/30/2023 Soccer

Women’s Super League players to have a greater say in future of the game following PFA campaign amid concerns over the top two divisions being taken over by a new company

  • New committee to provide the same level of protection as in the men’s game
  • It will consider a number of matters relating to the employment of players
  • Click HERE to listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’

Women’s Super League players are to be given greater power in decision-making after successfully campaigning for better representation through the Professional Footballers’ Association.

A Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC) already exists in the men’s game and includes members of the PFA, the Premier League, the EFL and the Football Association.

The PFNCC considers a number of matters relating to the employment of players and was fundamental to blocking the introduction of salary caps in League’s One and Two in 2021.

Previous requests for an equivalent stakeholder committee in the women’s game had been rejected but an agreement has now been reached for one to be introduced imminently.

In a letter seen by Mail Sport, the PFA have told its members the new committee will provide them with the same level of protections as those in the men’s game.

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem says the move will protect players in the future

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There is currently a soft salary cap in the WSL – 40% of turnover can be spent on wages – but there have been calls for a harder cap to be introduced, with Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish a vocal supporter.

The new protection for female players means a hard salary cap could not be enforced without first going through the PFNCC.

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem told members in the letter: ‘Players have been brilliant, putting time in to work with the PFA on this and then stepping up to make sure our voices were heard loud and clear.

‘There’s a lot of change right now in the women’s game and we need to keep pushing to make sure we’re at the heart of it. It’s not always easy when your focus is on your football, and everything that goes with your career. That’s why it’s so important we have the PFA there to work for us and give us that support.’

It is understood a lack awareness around the anticipated changes to football governance, with the top two divisions set to be taken over by a new company ahead of the 2023-2024 season, was a motivating factor behind the introduction of the committee.

The PFA is only formally constituted to represent WSL players as their trade union on the PFNCC but are working with the FA on how Championship players can have an effective voice.

Karen Carney’s independent review into the women’s domestic game called for the second tier to become fully professional, with the league currently a hybrid of part-time and full-time clubs.

The government’s response to Carney’s review is expected next month.

Karen Carney’s independent review called for the second tier to become fully professional

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