UK government to launch review of women’s football to close gap with men’s game

The UK’s sports minister Nigel Huddleston has confirmed the government will launch an in-depth review of domestic women’s football this summer in an attempt to bridge the gap with the men’s game. 

This decision follows the fan led review of football governance, that was published by MP Tracey Crouch last November. Crouch’s findings concluded that a review of the women’s game was necessary. 

The review will be independently chaired and supported by an expert advisory panel. The DCMS says it will look at developing the women’s game at both elite and grassroots level. There will also be a focus on spectator support, media interest and commercialisation. Findings will be published by the end of the year. 

Huddleston issued a statement on Saturday that read: “Women’s football is a growing force. The 2019 World Cup captured the hearts and minds of the nation, and with greater participation, employment and visibility in the media, I am confident that Euro 2022 will inspire more women and girls to get into our national game as we work towards parity across all sport.

“Despite these positive signs for the game, it is clear that an assessment of the value of the women’s and girl’s game is needed, to ensure it is properly financed for the long-term. The time is right for a thorough review of the women’s game to ensure all is being done to support its further growth.”

The FA welcomed the move and a spokesperson stressed: “A review of women’s football was a key outcome of the Fan-Led Review and one that we fully support. We have been working with the government for some time on all of the recommendations from the Review and in particular on the proposals to look into the future of women’s football.

“This new review will support the