Women’s football faces an existential threat in light of covid-19. Using case studies, we explore the covid-19 responses of three highly-ranked countries’ national football associations (Australia, England, and USA) and their professional women’s football leagues to: (a) compare and shed new insights into the wide range of covid-19 responses, and (b) identify ways that other nations could successfully manage the tensions between the economic impact of covid-19 and their social and ethical responsibilities to women’s football. Drawing on institutional theory, a framework analysis was undertaken. 71 articles were examined to analyse the gendered global impacts that covid-19 is having on women’s football. The results highlight several important recommendations for nations to consider during the pandemic: (1) maintain active communication with the community to allay worries about the future of women’s football, (2) gather support from health and government officials, (3) seek out commercial and broadcasting partnerships to drive revenue, and (4) the interests of women’s football are best served when responsibility for the elite women’s league does not rest (solely) with national football associations. The study is first to explore institutional pressures and football governing bodies during covid-19 and provides a framework for other nations to manage major crises. A major question for the women’s football community emerged: should our expectations of gender equality in football shift in light of covid-19? We argue sport is an interwoven part of society and cannot be separated from gender equality issues.
PurposeWomen's football faces an existential threat from COVID-19. Using case studies, the authors explore the COVID-19 responses of three highly ranked national football associations (Australia, England and the USA) and their professional women's football leagues to (a) compare and shed new insights into the wide range of phased responses and (b) establish recommendations for other nations to navigate major crises with their social and ethical responsibilities to women's football.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on institutional theory, a framework analysis was undertaken examining 71 articles to analyse the gendered global impacts of COVID-19 on women's football.FindingsResults highlight several important recommendations for nations to consider during the pandemic: (1) maintain active communication with the community to allay worries about the future of women's football, (2) gather support from health and government officials, (3) seek out commercial and broadcasting partnerships to drive revenue, and (4) the interests of women's football are best served when responsibility for the elite women's league does not rest (solely) with national football associations.Social implicationsThe authors argue that sport is an interwoven part of society and cannot be separated from gender equality issues irrespective of the pandemic.Originality/valueThe study is first to explore institutional pressures and football governing bodies during COVID-19 and provides a framework for nations to manage major crises.
This commentary offers an analysis of the implications of the US Women' National team Collective Action lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation. The players filed the lawsuit based on two grounds: first, that the US Soccer Federation violated the Equal Pay Act by paying them less than the men's national team and second, that the federation discriminated against them under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, specifically in regard to workplace conditions. In this article, we discuss three interrelated aspects: (1) the legal implications of either the success or failure of the dispute; (2) playing and workplace conditions; and (3) the gendered meanings of equal pay and its socio-cultural implications. These significant challenges require analysis to understand potential implications of the outcome for women's football, and beyond. Recommendations are made for governing bodies and football clubs, in addition to possible future research directions for academics. We reflect upon the gendered, social and sporting meaning of equal pay for continuing the momentum of women's football, highlighting the need for the most successful women's football team in the world to achieve parity if we are to continue advancing gender equality in a 'new age' of women's sport.
There has been an advancement of professionalisation of women's football globally. Professional women's football in England has grown exponentially since the inception of the Football Association (FA) Women's Super League in 2011. This article offers an examination of the gender-specific needs of women as professional footballers, focusing specifically on the distinctive aspect of maternity policy. Sportswomen often feel compelled to make the difficult decision between motherhood and an athletic career. Contracts have become an essential component of the work-life of professional women footballers. However, these contracts pose questions regarding organisational intentions and motivations. This study draws on 30 semi-structured interviews with professional women footballers in England. Our key considerations include contracts, employment, motherhood, and athletes' bodies. This examination will develop our understanding of the complexities associated with professional football as a career choice for women.
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