Women’s football is still growing worldwide, but according to the world association (FIFA) it urgently needs investment. This is the result of the FIFA study on elite women’s football.
The report, which was first published last year, analyzed women’s football worldwide at league and club level, covering 30 elite leagues and 294 clubs. The leagues would have increased their commercial income by 24 percent compared to the previous year.
Seven percent of all clubs generated more than USD 1 million in revenue from matchday, broadcast, advertising and prize money in 2021. At the same time, the clubs recorded a 33 percent growth in advertising revenue compared to the previous year.
Investments and subsidies necessary
Women’s football has significant commercial potential and is enjoying the greatest interest in its history around the world, it said. The number of leagues with a title sponsor grew by eleven to 77 percent compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, women’s football is currently still “in deficit” and ongoing investments to improve the sporting infrastructure and promote further growth are necessary. The average annual salary of paid players averaged $14,000 (€13,950) at clubs that reported it.
“The data from this year’s report underscores that organizations willing to invest in women’s football are seeing a return. We expect this trend to continue as more clubs and leagues, as well as broadcasters and partners, recognize the unique growth opportunities in women’s football,” said Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer.
