Women's billion-dollar boom leaves players behind, says Fifpro

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that the players' union Fifpro has warned that women's football’s rapid commercial rise is not being matched by basic protections for many players. In a global survey of more than 800 footballers, Fifpro found widespread concerns about low pay, insecure and short-term contracts, and growing psychological strain across the women’s professional game.

According to the report, financial pressure remains a major reason players consider leaving the sport early, while mental health stress has become far more prominent than in Fifpro’s previous survey in 2017. The union said many respondents described themselves as professional even though a significant share did not have written contracts, were not paid for a full 12 months, or earned enough to cover the costs of playing. The findings also pointed to late payments and a lack of pension provision in parts of the game.

Fifpro said the situation shows a widening gap between investment at the top of women’s football and the conditions faced by most players worldwide. The report argued that visibility, social media exposure and commercial growth have increased expectations on players without always bringing the support systems needed to cope with them. It also said many clubs are still failing to provide adequate mental health support.

The survey did highlight one area of improvement: fewer players now say family plans could push them out of football, which Fifpro linked to maternity regulations introduced by Fifa. The union said stronger regulation is needed so growth in women’s football goes together with better welfare, pay and job security for players.