March 13 – Women’s leagues can apply to become a member of the European Leagues, the umbrella organisation for domestic leagues.
The European Leagues adopted a change in statutes at its general meeting in Sofia to open up its membership to professional women’s leagues in Europe. The women’s leagues will also enjoy formal representation on the board of the European leagues.
Founded in 2005, the European Leagues represents 35 member leagues and five associate league members. The membership however didn’t include professional women’s leagues. Chairman Claudius Schäfer, who was elected last year, has made it an import working point to open up the membership.
Fiona McIntyre, chair of the Women’s European Leagues, said: “This expansion of the European Leagues membership to include women’s leagues is of great significance for the organisation. At a time of rapid evolution for the women’s game it is critical that the voice of women’s domestic football is an organised and united one which can carry weight and influence across decision-making.
“Through membership of European Leagues, women’s league’s will be able offer valuable input around the development of football.”
Two male leagues however withdrew their application for membership at the last minute. European Leagues president Claudius Schäfer explained: “We received applications from Estonia and Kazakhstan as associate members – leagues run by the associations. Wales and the third Bundesliga are associate members.
“Yesterday, those two applications were withdrawn, so we are maybe the wrong body to ask why. You need to ask those two associations and UEFA.”
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]