Tensions in women’s football risk undermining the 2023 World Cup

O n International Women’s Day it is important to celebrate and acknowledge the progress made towards equality and the achievements of women in sport. It is perhaps even more important, though, to look at how much more still needs to be done.

After a phenomenal European Championship last year with a cumulative audience of 365 million live viewers and England lifting a first major trophy, you could be forgiven for believing the roadmap to success and growth was clear. The Lionesses are one of the most heavily invested-in teams in the world, with a support structure to rival men’s teams. As a result, success on the pitch, sponsorship deals and sell-out crowds have become the norm. It is not a given that investment leads to success but it gives players and teams the greatest possible opportunity to perform to their best abilities.

Yet, just four months from what is almost certain to be the biggest Women’s World Cup in history, the tournament is at risk of becoming seriously undermined by the fissure between the demands of elite players and their federations.

After Spain booked their World Cup place, 15 members of the squad wrote to the federation, the RFEF, making themselves unavailable for selection and alleging that the “situation” within the team was affecting their “emotional state” and “health”. The players insisted they had not called for the resignation of the coach, Jorge Vilda, but said they were unhappy with his methods and group management.

The RFEF came down firmly against the player revolt, with none of the 15 having played for the team since and Vilda picking youth and uncapped players to fill his squads. The likelihood of 15 of the best players from one of the top nations missing the World Cup is high.

Vilda