Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
FA Shelves Proposal for Women’s Football Lower League Restructure
The Football Association (FA), the governing body for English football, has decided to discontinue its proposal to expand tiers three to six of the women’s football pyramid. This initiative, which would have integrated ‘B teams’ from Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs into the lower leagues starting in 2026, has been halted following extensive feedback from stakeholders. The planned restructuring aimed to enhance the development of women’s football but faced opposition and has now been paused for further review.
Extensive Consultation Leads to Revised Approach
In January, the FA presented clubs with a detailed proposal outlining the integration of WSL ‘B teams’ into tier four of the pyramid, potentially beginning in the 2026-27 season. This plan entailed a significant reconfiguration of the leagues’ promotion and relegation framework. However, on Wednesday, all lower-league clubs were informed that, after considering considerable feedback, this plan will not move forward.
Sources indicate that the FA engaged in comprehensive consultation with all clubs, including nationwide roadshow events. A survey revealed that while just under 55% of 144 clubs supported the proposals overall, broader feedback prompted the FA to dedicate more time to identifying appropriate solutions for the future of the lower leagues.
Stakeholder Feedback Influenced Decision
Consultations extended beyond clubs to include parents of academy players and the Football Supporters’ Association. Significant dialogue also occurred with clubs in the top two tiers and Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, the organization overseeing the WSL and the Championship. Representatives from tier-four clubs commended the thoroughness of the consultation process.
Official Communication Confirms Plan’s Suspension
An email dispatched to lower-league clubs on Wednesday, reviewed by sources, stated: “The consultation period provided an important opportunity to listen to and understand the perspectives of the wider game. Consequently, based on the feedback received, it is clear that more work is necessary to determine the optimal solution to the existing challenges, and the current proposals will not be progressed at this time.”
Proposed League Expansion Details
The now-shelved plans included expanding divisions in tiers three and four from 12 to 14 teams each. Proposed changes to promotion rules involved increasing relegation from tier three to tier four from two to three teams per division. Promotion from tier four would have seen the four league winners promoted automatically, with runners-up competing in playoffs for two additional promotion slots. Tier six, currently consisting of 16 divisions, could have expanded significantly to as many as 24 regional leagues, each with 10 teams.
Existing League Structure Maintained
Instead of the proposed changes, the current promotion and relegation structure of one-up, one-down will remain in place across these leagues. However, the FA has affirmed its commitment to ongoing evaluation of options for the future structure of these leagues.
Focus on Youth Development Remains
A primary driver behind the initial proposals was the FA’s aim to enhance the number of meaningful, competitive matches for players aged 16 to 19. Widespread concerns exist within clubs regarding the current state of reserve and academy leagues. Discussions regarding alternative solutions to this issue will continue, with the earliest any future changes could be implemented now being the summer of 2027.
FA Statement on Future Steps
An FA spokesperson commented: “The consultation phase for reviewing the structure of tiers three to six of the women’s football pyramid has concluded. This process, led by the FA through an independent consultant, involved structured dialogue with leagues, clubs, fans, and key stakeholders. All perspectives were carefully considered, and despite majority support for the proposals, it is recognized that further work is needed to find the right solution to the challenges. Therefore, the proposals will not be advanced at this time.”
“We express our gratitude to all who participated in the consultation process. We will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to support the development of the pyramid to best serve clubs, players, and fans. We remain dedicated to addressing the ongoing challenge of creating opportunities for young English talent to develop and flourish during their crucial development years.”