KAREN CARNEY will head a major review on the future of women’s football in England, according to a government announcement.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries revealed the former Lioness will chair an “in-depth” examination of the women’s domestic game.
It follows some significant changes to the sport over the years, particularly at its highest levels with the professionalisation of the WSL and FA Women’s Championship.
The review, backed by the Culture, Media and Sports Department, will include an analysis of the sport’s elite and grassroots levels and will be launched by the FA in the coming weeks.
It comes after England’s historic triumph at the Women’s Euros in July with the team winning their first major contest crown.
Lionesses’ heroine Carney, 35, a Sky Sports pundit who has 144 international caps said: “Over the last few years, the game has grown significantly and at a rapid pace.
“Of course, this is an exciting time, but there is an urgent need to ensure there are processes and structures in place that protect the interest of the game and the people working in it.
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“I have always said that the sport needs to be built on solid foundations to give it long-lasting success in a sustainable way.
“For me, this is a defining period for the sport and this review will be at the heart of that.”
The DCMS-backed review is set to cover a range of issues.
These include the game’s infrastructure and audience reach, its financial sustainability and broadcast revenue as well as sponsorship and competition prize money.
The stark disparity in FA Cup prize cash between men’s and women’s sides has been a concern for fans and club managers over the years.
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In March football chiefs announced an increase in Women’s FA Cup prize money with the fund set to rise from £428,915 to £3million from this season.
The future of the WSL is another topic that has come up for debate in recent months.
This summer has seen calls for the top tier to become commercially independent with Chelsea chief Emma Hayes calling for the league to be taken out of the FA’s hands.
The review of the domestic women’s and girls’ game will see industry experts invited to give evidence at meetings to be led by Carney across the country.
It will culminate with a report on the state of the sport to be published early next year.
Ms Dorries added: “The Lionesses’ spectacular performance shows how far we have come at the top of the women’s game.
“While it is right that we celebrate and reflect on that success, we need an equal emphasis on improving participation, employment opportunities, commercial investment and visibility in the media.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
