Women’s football review calls for overhaul as Karen Carney makes 'billion-pound industry' claim

Domestic women's football has the potential to become a billion-pound industry within the next decade, but only if it receives the necessary investment now, according to former Lionesses midfielder Karen Carney.

As the chair of an independent review, Carney has called for significant reforms in both elite and grassroots football to capitalise on the success of the Lionesses' Euros campaign last summer.

The review, published just a week before the start of the Women's World Cup, outlines several key recommendations to grow the women's game:

The review aims to establish minimum standards across all aspects of the game, emphasizing the importance of urgent implementation. Carney acknowledges that the measures outlined will require significant investment but explained: “Women’s football is a start-up business.

“If you’re starting something you have to have an influx of money. In 10 years’ time I really do believe this sport could be a billion-pound industry.

“But these standards and these requirements for investment are the foundation that will lead us to that point.

“I really do think we can make that (investment) back.”

The independent women's football review was proposed in the 2021 fan-led review of football governance and commissioned by the Government in September 2021. The 128-page report, titled 'Raising The Bar: Reframing the opportunity in women's football,' presents ten recommendations focused on meeting minimum standards across various areas.

“I have to have every confidence that these recommendations will be implemented and with urgency,” Carney added

“This should never, ever sit on the shelf, it’s got to stand for something.

“Do I want players going on the NHS (to get treatment for injuries)? No. Do I want