Soon after England’s defeat to Spain in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, former England and Chelsea player, Karen Carney called for equality in the game of soccer.
Carney stated that she believes that major brands should split the sponsorship money 50/50 between both men and women when they invest in a soccer club.
Now, as the spotlight has started to shift towards the future of women’s soccer in England after England’s brilliant display at the World Cup, the focus should turn to strengthening the domestic structure, as per Carney. The Women’s Super League (WSL) currently stands as the only fully professional league in the country.
🚨 | Karen Carney calls for men and women’s football to receive 50/50 sponsorship money. pic.twitter.com/3K78RboltU
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 21, 2023
In order to elevate women’s soccer, Carney, who led a thorough review of the sport, made the crucial suggestion that the Women’s Championship, which is the second tier of women’s soccer, should be upgraded to a fully professional league.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the former England star stated that women’s soccer is on the verge of becoming a million-dollar industry in the days to come. But to make it a reality, there have to be the right investments made by recognized brands.
Sure, sure in millions years. When women’s football will generate as much money as men’s.
— Melky (@IMelky) August 22, 2023
Social media has started to make a joke or two regarding the former England star’s comment. One fan said, “Sure, sure in millions years. When women’s football will generate as much money as men’s.”
Another fan said, “She wants the Same Money as the Toughest League in the World.”
Carney acknowledges that the Women’s Super League and the England team are performing well, but she asserts that additional assistance is necessary to elevate the success of the remainder of women’s soccer.
Karen Carney believes that men’s soccer doesn’t make a profit
Not just women’s soccer, Carney even took a dig at the Men’s game. In a conversation with Jamie Carragher, Carney expressed her viewpoint that men’s soccer doesn’t always generate profits, contrary to popular belief.
Despite not consistently turning a profit, she explained, clubs continue to invest in men’s soccer because they recognize how important it is to the club’s overall development and value. Observers see investments in men’s soccer as a part of a broader scheme where the club’s assets increase in value over time.
“There is still some real big foundations that we need to fix”
Karen Carney on the investment in the women’s game and what more needs to be done 💰 pic.twitter.com/i6GSvG8yAH
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 21, 2023
Carney brought up the subject of how much money each team receives from brand sponsorship. She also questioned whether it is the club’s duty to provide funding for women’s soccer or whether brands themselves should guarantee equal support for both teams.
Her passionate drive to advance the agenda serves as a reminder that while progress is underway, efforts are still necessary to enhance the inclusivity, fairness, and support for both men’s and women’s soccer.
