KAREN CARNEY’S call for standards to be ramped up across women’s football’s top two tiers has been backed by the government.
The former Lioness’ recommendations include a move to make both divisions fully professional and for a weekend broadcast slot for the game.
Her calls were included in a report produced as part of a major independent review conducted into the future of the women’s domestic game.
The review was commissioned following the Lionesses’ winning the European Championship for the first time in their history last summer.
Government’s acceptance of its recommendations comes five days after the FA announced the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship will be run by an independent body from next season.
The organisation, currently known as NewCo, will be overseen by former investment banker and Nike Executive Nikki Doucet.
Proposals for an independent body to govern the WSL were among a number of measures proposed by Carney’s review.
Published last July, the independent review also calls for funding for full union representation for players in the top-flight and second tier.
And at a time when emotional welfare of female players in the domestic game has come under scrutiny, the review has pushed for “gold standard” physical and mental health support provision for players.
Following the government’s support of her recommendations, Carney said: “I’m encouraged that the government is providing their full backing to my review and renewing their commitment to develop women’s football in the UK and fulfil its potential to be a world-beating sport.
“The real work begins now. I hope the additional investment and support from the government is the boost for the FA, the incoming NewCo, and other stakeholders of the game to rally around this once in a lifetime opportunity to transform domestic women’s football,”
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and anti-racism organisation Kick it Out welcomed the measures proposed by Carney’s review
And the PFA insists making women’s football professional across its top two divisions should encompass how players are treated by clubs and their leagues.
PFA chief Maheta Molango said: “We’ve always said professional needs to mean more than just a word on a contract.
“It needs to be reflected in the way players are treated and supported by their clubs and leagues.”
