The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has represented another major turning point in the growth of the women’s game and Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has called for equal opportunity to play at club stadiums
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has called on Women’s Super League clubs to ‘challenge the status quo’ and stage more games at Premier League stadiums.
Following another ground-breaking major tournament in the women’s game, in which England narrowly missed out on a World Cup title to Spain, the interest has never been greater. Almost two millions fans attended games across Australia and New Zealand as the competition expanded to 32 teams for the first time.
The knock-on effect of the Euros win last summer was seen in the increased WSL attendances and clubs are already outlining plans to play more games at the bigger stadiums. Four of the six games on the opening weekend at the beginning of October will be played in the club’s stadiums.
Liverpool have also announced they will stage the Merseyside derby in October at Anfield, while Arsenal confirmed in May plans to play five league matches at the Emirates, as well as their Champions League fixtures. However, Hayes has outlined the need for equal opportunity and insists the WSL should be leading the way.