The UKâs sports minister Nigel Huddleston has confirmed the government will launch an in-depth review of domestic womenâs football this summer in an attempt to bridge the gap with the menâs game. This decision follows the fan led review of football governance, that was published by MP Tracey Crouch last November. Crouchâs findings concluded that a review of the womenâs game was necessary. The review will be independently chaired and supported by an expert advisory panel. The DCMS says it will look at developing the womenâs game at both elite and grassroots level. There will also be a focus on spectator support, media interest and commercialisation. Findings will be published by the end of the year.
Whatâs been said?
Huddleston issued a statement on Saturday that read: âWomenâs football is a growing force. The 2019 World Cup captured the hearts and minds of the nation, and with greater participation, employment and visibility in the media, I am confident that Euro 2022 will inspire more women and girls to get into our national game as we work towards parity across all sport.
âDespite these positive signs for the game, it is clear that an assessment of the value of the womenâs and girlâs game is needed, to ensure it is properly financed for the long-term. The time is right for a thorough review of the womenâs game to ensure all is being done to support its further growth.â
The FA welcomed the move and a spokesperson stressed: âA review of womenâs football was a key outcome of the Fan-Led Review and one that we fully support. We have been working with the government for some time on all of the recommendations from the Review and in particular on the proposals to look into the future of womenâs football.
âThis new review will support the continued growth and development in womenâs and girlsâ football, and it will also help to create a great legacy following what promises to be a fantastic summer of womenâs football as we host the Uefa Euro 2022 tournament.â
Womenâs football going from strength to strength
The news of a review comes at a time when womenâs football is already hitting new heights.
All of Englandâs games for Euro 2022 this summer are already sold out, as is the final at Wembley.
As reported by the Telegraph, the Women's Euros, along with the Women's World Cup, will be added to a list of 'crown-jewels' free-to-air sporting events.
There is also more coverage of domestic competitions in the UK than ever before, with Sky and BBC signing a lucrative new broadcasting deal for the Womenâs Super League last year, which has seen games shown live on TV every round.