Coronavirus: Women’s football facing ‘existential threat’, says Fifpro

The women’s game faces particular issues during the postponement of sport

A report from Fifpro says that women’s football faces close to an “existential threat” if it is not given aid and measures to ensure players’ livelihoods.

Football around the world has largely been cancelled and postponed over the past couple of months due to the coronavirus pandemic, with no firm dates yet when the sport can restart.

Fifpro's report suggests the women’s game is particularly vulnerable as it has less-established leagues, short-term contracts and lower value sponsorship deals.

“The lack of written contracts, the short-term duration of employment contracts, the lack of health insurance and medical coverage, and the absence of basic worker protections and workers rights leaves many female players at great risk of losing their livelihoods,” it said.

Contracts last an average of 12 months, leaving players at risk of losing income.

There is also the threat of losing the momentum and emergence of the sport earned by those in the professional game over the last few years.

Fifpro has called for investment into women’s football, as well as changes to the regulations and environment to ensure stability.

Creating “global industry standards” should be a priority in women’s football, as well as giving teams and players access to facilities to ensure an appeal to fans and broadcasters.

The currently postponed 2019/20 Women’s Super League in England has Manchester City Women top after 16 games, with Chelsea Women a point behind with a game in hand.