Nov 30, 2023
Unveiling the Reality: FIFPRO Exposes Women’s Football Challenges
Embarking on an unprecedented survey, FIFPRO has uncovered the underbelly of women’s soccer, post the riveting Women’s World Cup. The revelations are stark, with 60% of players grappling with a lack of mental health support, and a disheartening one in three earning less than $30,000 annually from their soccer prowess.
Despite the brilliance etched in the World Cup’s narrative, the survey illuminates significant gaps that demand immediate attention. Sarah Gregorius, FIFPRO’s director of policy and strategic relations for women’s football, asserts, “The players poured their hearts into it, but crucial gaps still loom large.”
Engaging 260 players from 26 national teams, the survey exposes alarming statistics. Shockingly, 10% of players bypassed a pre-tournament medical examination, and a worrying 22% lacked a crucial electrocardiogram, an essential health check.
Alex Culvin, FIFPRO’s head of strategy and research for women’s football, deems these figures unacceptable, emphasizing the imperative need for full adherence to medical regulations. The survey unfolds more revelations, indicating that two-thirds of players weren’t in peak condition at the tournament’s commencement, with 53% feeling they had inadequate rest before their opening games.
Despite FIFPRO guidelines advocating a post-tournament break, a staggering 86% of players resumed club duties in less than two weeks. Players expressed the mental toll of transitioning back to club soccer, and notably, one in three earns less than $30,000 annually, prompting 20% to seek supplementary income through second jobs.
In response to concerns, FIFA affirmed prize money distribution, but FIFPRO insists the survey underscores the pressing need for enhanced financial compensation and overall conditions. The findings also cast doubts on the standard of technical staff, prompting calls for investigations into their qualifications.
The survey results, a revelation of the challenges encumbering women’s football, underscore the urgency for player-centric improvements in key areas like the match calendar, medical support, and compensation.
Stay tuned as the soccer community grapples with these critical issues.
