SPFL To Relaunch Scottish Women’s Football

Elite Scottish women’s club football is set to come under the wing of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) under a revamped competition system.

A majority of the 17 Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) clubs have confirmed that they are supportive of elite women’s football becoming the responsibility of the SPFL from season 2022/23.

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. The announcement comes after months of talks between clubs, the Scottish FA, SPFL and Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) about how best to build upon the progress that the Scottish women’s game has made in recent years. 

SPFL Chief Executive, Neil Doncaster, 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.”

Scottish Women’s Football Chief Executive, Aileen Campbell, added, “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.”

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