Celtic FC Women alongside a majority of Scottish Women’s Premier League clubs will look to form a new league and cup competition from the start of next season, as Celtic alongside other top Scottish Women’s clubs, will move under the responsibility of the SPFL from the 2022/23 season.
The majority of the 17 SWPL clubs appear to have voted in favour of the switch, although the exact number of clubs and the format of the league competition has still to be confirmed, but should be agreed upon within the next few weeks.
The move follows months of talks between the Scottish FA, the SPFL and Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) and clubs will now be invited to become members of an exciting two-tier league competition, and alongside the League campaign there will also be a new League Cup competition administered by the SPFL, in a huge development for Celtic and for the women’s game in Scotland as a whole.
It has also been announced an independent chair, a managing director and an independent non-executive director will also all be recruited in due course .
Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell, SPLF Chief executive Neil Doncaster and Scottish Women’s Football chief executive Aileen Campbell all released brief statements as part of a joint press release yesterday evening confirming the huge changes ahead for the governance of Scottish football.
Ian Maxwell of the Scottish FA commented on a positive route for elite women’s football when he said:
“The Scottish FA recently published its bespoke women’s football strategy, Accelerate Our Game, and a key pillar of that plan is to take our elite clubs and competitions to the next level. To achieve that we need to optimise the game’s governance and structures and the work undertaken by the Scottish FA, SPFL and SWF, and the clubs within the SWPL, has shown the collective desire to take the game forward.
“With Hampden Park the new home of the Scotland Women’s National Team, and the team playing in front of record crowds, I am delighted that the various constituent parts of the game have come together to agree on a positive route forward for elite women’s football.”
Meanwhile SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster pointed to the SPFL being in a place to add significant sporting and commercial value for the Scottish women’s game. He said:
“Everyone at the SPFL is hugely excited by the prospect of working closely with the SWPL clubs to help increase the competitiveness, profile and income of elite women’s football in Scotland. I have been struck by the ambition of all clubs involved to drive up standards, take the game to the next level and increase participation across the sport.
“It is clear to see the many benefits that increased professionalism has brought to women’s football across the world. We believe we are well-placed to add significant value to the game in Scotland in both a sporting and commercial sense. Lastly, I would like to send my thanks to everyone at SWF, which deserves huge credit for the way it has progressed the women’s professional game in Scotland in recent times.”
Scottish Women’s Football chief executive Aileen Campbell also commented the SWF were ready to support the Scottish game during a period of transition to the SPFL and is looking for structural change and equality in the boardrooms of football clubs and hoping for a continuation of a prioritising of the respect agenda going forward. She said:
“SWF is committed to driving the women’s and girls’ game in Scotland. We are therefore determined to do everything we can to support the elite game as it transitions to the SPFL.
“Football can be a huge force for good and we want to maximise its potential to drive positive change across our sport and society. We need to shine a spotlight on player wellbeing, to push for structural change and equality in boardrooms, and to prioritise a respect agenda. SWF stands ready and enthused to support the Scottish football family on that journey.”
For Celtic and women’s football in Scotland as a whole these changes could have huge benefits for the development of the women’s game in Scotland, with access to increased broadcasting, marketing and commercial opportunities the obvious benefits.
Celtic and Fran Alonso will no doubt have their own views on this seismic change in Scottish Women’s football and we’d hope to hear from the on this announcement in due course. When we do, we’ll let you know of course, but one thing seems certain this can only be positive news for Celtic FC Women’s team and for the profile and advancement of Scottish Women’s football as a whole.
This morning Celtic Star Editor will submit the following questions to Celtic and we will update you on any answers received from the club.
1. From this summer, clubs will be invited to become members of a new two-tier league competition, with the SPFL also running a new League Cup for the women’s game in Scotland. Can Celtic confirm they will be joining as a member club?2. What part did the club play in the negotiations for women’s football becoming the responsibility of the Scottish Professional Football League from season 2022/23?3. What commercial, broadcasting and marketing benefits to the club foresee by becoming a member club in the new competition?4. What footballing benefits to Fran Alonso and the Celtic FC Women’s team do the club envisage coming out of this new development?5. Scottish Women’s Football chief executive Aileen Campbell has said “We need to shine a spotlight on player wellbeing, to push for structural change and equality in boardrooms, and to prioritise a respect agenda” in what ways do Celtic intend to support these key issues as the club and league transition to the SPFL?
Can see the obvious positives,mainly financial and publicity related.However,with those in positions of power at the SPFL and the SFA,I can certainly see a downside….
I think the ghirls should be allowed to play at Celtic Park.