A Blackburn Rovers fan group said they are devastated and outraged over the club’s decision to withdraw their women’s team from the WSL 2 over funding.
Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition released a statement on Monday evening after it was revealed owners are refusing to meet minimum league requirement on facilities, player welfare, and staffing.
The fan group labelled the decision as “shameful… made without empathy, integrity or accountability.”
It reads: “Yesterday’s shameful announcement marks a new low for Blackburn Rovers under the Rao family’s ownership.
“BRWFC players and staff – many of whom have given years of their lives to the club – were informed in a manner that showed zero respect for their contribution and sacrifice.
“Mortgages, careers, livelihoods and futures have been jeopardised with little regard or due care.”
For the 25-26 season, Blackburn will drop out of the second tier of women’s football and re-enter the pyramid at least two tiers lower.
It comes after reports also came out last year that the club were planning to have their women’s players on minimum wage contracts.
In the 24-25 season, Blackburn Women played all their home league fixtures at the club’s main ground Ewood Park for the first time. But Tuesday’s statement says low attendance figures at these games also resulted in an absence of “substantial matchday commercial revenue.”
The statement also said: “To be absolutely clear, Blackburn Rovers is not walking away from the Women’s game.
“Like other respected clubs with a proud history in the game, we are taking necessary steps and finding a path that is sustainable and responsible for the long-term future of Women’s football at Blackburn Rovers.”
“…As we embark on a new chapter, we hope you’ll stay with us.”
Nikki Doucett, CEO of WSL Football, the company that oversees the top two divisions of English women’s football, said Tuesday was a ‘sad day” for the women’s game.
She said: “We have been working with Blackburn all season to prevent this outcome, and we are disappointed it has come to this.
“We will do all we can to help provide current players and staff members at the club opportunities, including those at the Professional Game Academy, so they can remain in the women’s game.
“Women’s football is on a journey, and whilst it remains in a financially fragile position, the game is growing and there will be brighter days ahead.
“We have a long-term strategy to drive more investment and to continue raising standards across the game to ensure players and staff can operate in safe, professional environments.”
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