The UK Government to Lift 3pm Football Blackout for Women’s Football

The UK government is planning to remove the current 3pm football blackout for domestic women’s football matches. This decision comes after former England midfielder Karen Carney emphasized the need for more exposure in the women’s game to achieve sustained commercial success.

Increased Visibility for Women’s Football

The government is considering the option of revoking the Saturday 3pm blackout and allocating a dedicated broadcast slot for women’s football matches. This move aims to increase the visibility of the sport and provide more opportunities for fans to watch live games.

Improving Women’s Football

In addition to lifting the blackout, the government plans to introduce a minimum “salary floor” in the Women’s Super League and Championship starting from the 2025/26 season. This measure aims to ensure fair compensation for players and promote the growth of women’s football.

Furthermore, there are expectations of doubling the prize fund for the Women’s FA Cup to £6 million at the beginning of the 2023-24 season. This increase in funding will provide greater support and incentives for teams participating in the competition.

Recognizing the importance of grassroots development, the government has allocated £30 million to prioritize the construction of more artificial pitches for women’s and girls’ teams. This investment aims to create better training facilities and increase participation in the sport at a grassroots level.

Support and Future Plans

The government’s decision has received support from the Football Association (FA), which has expressed its commitment to raising standards in both men’s and women’s football. The FA will provide recommendations to the government in due course to further enhance the development of women’s football.

Looking ahead, the government plans to establish a Board of Women’s Sports in the new year. This board will play a crucial role in shaping the future of women’s sports in the UK and ensuring its potential as a world-class sport is realized.

Karen Carney, the former England midfielder, expressed her optimism about the government’s support for women’s football. She stated, “I’m encouraged that the government is providing their full backing to my review, renewing their commitment to develop women’s football in the UK and fulfill its potential to be a world-beating sport. The real work begins now.”

The government’s initiatives, including lifting the 3pm blackout and implementing various measures to support women’s football, demonstrate a commitment to promoting gender equality in sports and creating a thriving environment for women’s football in the UK.