UEFA chief of women’s football Nadine Kessler has joined the call in speaking out against the new Super League.
Kessler appealed to players in a letter posted on Twitter Tuesday, stating that now is “the time to show solidarity” within the women’s game, which is “still in the early stages” of development.
A women’s European Super league? No, because solidarity matters. pic.twitter.com/bFypx3dyZj
— Nadine Kessler (@NaddelKe) April 20, 2021
She added that the move came “without any consultation” and is a “direct threat to all the plans we have carefully crafted” in order to help grow the women’s game.
Buried in Sunday’s announcement was the plan to formulate a Women’s Super League — after the men’s league has already been established.
Others have joined in vocalizing their concern about the formation of the Super League and how it will affect the women’s teams.
What I really want to know is how badly the women sides will be impacted. WoSo has been growing steadily in Europe. I have no faith that this proposed mega league will do anything than think of women's football as an afterthought. #SuperLeague
— Shireen Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) April 20, 2021
It’s disappointing that leaders in the European football industry are focusing their efforts on a league that will further widen the gender gap in professional soccer, instead of investing in the women’s game. (4/4) #SuperLeague #MensSuperLeague #WoSo
— GOALS (@goals_sports_) April 20, 2021
Do you know when the Manchester United Women's team first played at Old Trafford? 2021.
— Sasky Stewart (@Sasky) April 20, 2021
Why? Because until 3 years ago, they didn't have a women's program. One of the world's most famous clubs couldn't be bothered.
None of them will care. They don't now. #SuperLeague
Others have likewise pointed out that powerhouse women’s teams like Olympique Lyonnais and Paris-Saint Germain would be excluded from the new Super League in its current format.
Despite the fact that the league has been rebuked by FIFA and threatened expulsion by the UEFA, clubs involved in the league have confirmed their intent to move forward in the process.