UK Government Endorses Karen Carney-Led Women’s Football Review Recommendations

The UK government has expressed its commitment to supporting all recommendations put forward in the women’s football review, which was spearheaded by former England midfielder Karen Carney.

The published report, released in July, emphasized the need for the top two women’s tiers in England to transition into fully professional leagues, in addition to creating a new regular broadcast slot.

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has called for the Football Association and stakeholders to “set a new standard for women’s sport,” heralding this as a pivotal moment for women’s football. She expressed confidence that the tireless efforts and determination can propel the women’s game to new heights, setting a benchmark for women’s sport as a whole.

The government’s response underscored that the recommendations are vital for shaping the future landscape of women’s football. It is focused on making these recommendations a reality and ensuring the accountability of the football industry for their success.

The report’s recommendations encompass world-leading standards for players, fans, and staff in the women’s game, underlining the need for professionalization across the top two leagues and addressing the lack of diversity in on-pitch and off-pitch roles.

Carney herself commented that the domestic women’s football has the potential to become a “billion-pound industry” within the next decade, emphasizing the immense possibilities for growth and development.

Furthermore, the UK government will establish an implementation group to deliver the Carney review plans and a separate board for women’s sports to bolster growth and development.

Carney, an esteemed figure in women’s football, concluded by expressing her optimism about the government’s full backing of the review and its renewed commitment to developing women’s football, stating that the real work begins now.