Posted on 4th May 2022
Fan groups across the women’s game have written to their clubs and football authorities to highlight the growing problem of fixture clashes with men’s football.
“This must stop”: Frustration grows at women’s game fixture clashes
Fixture clashes between men’s and women’s games are becoming a growing problem, with broadcast picks making the issue even worse. Jude Morris-King, FSA National Council member and Manchester City Women FC Official Supporters Club rep, explains why fans of the women’s team are so frustrated…
Yet again, Manchester City supporters are faced with the dilemma of whether to watch the women’s team going for FA Cup glory or their men’s team pushing for the Premier League title.
On Sunday 15th May, the women play in the FA Cup final with a 2:30pm kick-off but, as the Premier League moved the men’s kick-off time from 4.30pm to 2pm that same day, it means we cannot watch both games – unless you stay at home and line up devices next to each other.
On a side note I think it’s hugely disappointing that the fans have to choose between two important games for our football club…this is something that definitely needs to be improved in the future💪
— Ellie Roebuck (@EllieRoebuck_) May 3, 2022
The last four Manchester City Women fixtures – three in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and an FA Cup final – have all clashed with our men’s team fixtures which is just not good enough.
The FA Cup semi-finals saw both City and Chelsea teams playing on the same day. Many fans were left angry and upset because they should not be forced to choose which team from their club to support in the stadium.
As a season ticket holder for the men and the women, I lose money if I cannot attend a home game and I am unable to sell the ticket on.
There have been far too many instances over the years where clubs have suffered from clashes, and the frequency has increased this season with the new WSL TV deal.
It is all very well having the FA do the big advertising campaigns for the FA Cup weekends but, if supporters are discouraged from attending their own competition by clashes, how does that portray the promotion of the women’s game?
Do the powers that be genuinely believe that supporters only follow one team from their football club? Why are the football authorities and clubs not doing more to stop these clashes? This must stop as it is impacting the growth of the women’s game.
