Share

FA announce full-time English women's top flight

London - The English Football Association (FA) announced a major revamp of women's football on Wednesday, with a top tier of 14 full-time teams planned for the start of next season in order to boost standards.

The current Women's Super League was set up in 2011 and a second tier, Super League Two, was added in 2014.

There are 10 teams in each but several are still part-time.

Following a review of the structure, the FA now wants to make a clear distinction between full-time and part-time teams in order to raise standards and boost the popularity of women's football.

Below the new top flight will be a national league of up to 12 semi-professional sides, with the current FA Women's Premier League sitting beneath that in tiers three and four as regional competitions featuring promotion and relegation.

The revamp comes at a time of uncertainty at the top of the sport after England Women's manager Mark Sampson was sacked last week for "inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour" in a previous role as a club manager.

In a statement, the FA's head of women's leagues and competitions Katie Brazier said: "Providing an elite performance environment will produce more and better players, increase the interest and excitement via more competitive leagues, attract a greater number of fans and, in turn, deliver improved commercial viability for clubs and the leagues."

Reigning Women's Super League champions Chelsea started their 2017/18 campaign on Sunday with a 6-0 win over Bristol City, while Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Sunderland also gained victories over the opening weekend.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2239 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE