Petition Against Closed League Proposal for Women’s Super League Gains Momentum
As discussions continue regarding the future structure of the Women’s Super League (WSL) in the UK, fans have taken initiative. An online petition, hosted on Change.org, has garnered over 500 signatures daily in response to a recent Guardian article suggesting the possibility of suspending relegation in the top two tiers of English women’s soccer until 2030. This measure aims to encourage investment in clubs and increase the number of teams in each division.
Background of the Women’s Super League
Established in 2011, the WSL began as a closed league featuring just eight teams, with no promotions or relegation. In 2014, a second tier was introduced, and since its inception, promotion and relegation have facilitated movement within the league structure, analogous to the men’s football pyramid.
The league experienced expansions between 2015 and 2016, and again from 2019 to 2020, lifting the number of teams from eight to twelve while maintaining the promotion structure. However, the league’s membership has been capped at 12 clubs since 2020, and with the recent withdrawal of a team due to financial concerns, the second tier—the Championship—has shrunk to 11 teams for the ongoing season.
Current Challenges
This season, only one team is set to be relegated, which could signal an unsettling shift within the league. The proposal from the newly formed Independent Governing Body (WPLL), led by CEO Nikki Doucet, seeks to expand professional leagues and increase competitiveness. Nevertheless, concerns grow as predictability in the WSL has reportedly led to declining match attendance.
Fan Response
The petition, organized by a group of dedicated WSL supporters, explicitly opposes the WPLL’s proposal for a closed league structure. The group emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional promotion and relegation systems, which are deemed crucial for the integrity of competition within football.
Nicknamed “involved WSL fans,” the petition underscores concerns that the proposal lacks a secure return to the WSL in 2030 and may be subjected to additional revisions. Such a closed league format, successful in the United States (as seen in the NWSL), is viewed as counterproductive within the European football context where ascending and descending the league ladder is a critical aspect of the sport.
Historical Parallels
Fan mobilization for the petition recalls the backlash against a proposed European Super League in 2021, which faced swift public condemnation due to its elimination of a traditional relegation system. The quick withdrawal of several clubs from that plan highlighted the strong desire among supporters for competitive integrity.
Some prominent coaches, including Arsenal’s Rene Sleggers and Chelsea’s Sonia Bonpaser, have weighed in on the need for maintaining competitive pressure. Sleggers noted the significance of competitive dynamics in a league, while Bonpaser emphasized that relegation fosters a competitive culture vital for the evolution of the women’s game.
Future Implications
The conversation around relegation and league structure will be addressed in votes among the 23 professional clubs in upcoming meetings. With the 2026/27 season looming, the decisions made in these discussions could significantly influence the landscape of women’s football in the UK.