Hammarby Criticizes UEFA Over Prize Money in Women’s Europa Cup Final
Stockholm’s Hammarby IF has joined growing criticism of UEFA’s prize money structure for the inaugural Women’s Europa Cup, arguing that the financial rewards must increase significantly to reflect the competition’s importance and support the development of women’s football across Europe. The club’s stance comes ahead of the historic first leg of the final against BK Häcken, set to take place at Stockholm’s 3Arena on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The criticism was highlighted in Swedish media outlet Dagens Nyheter, where Hammarby officials stated that the current prize money distribution fails to adequately compensate clubs for their participation and success in the tournament. This sentiment echoes similar concerns raised by players across multiple teams, who have described the financial rewards as insufficient given the competitive level and exposure the competition provides.
UEFA introduced the Women’s Europa Cup for the 2025/26 season as a second-tier European club competition, positioned below the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The inaugural edition features 43 teams from 29 countries, with Hammarby and Häcken emerging as the two finalists after navigating through qualifying rounds and knockout stages. The final is being played over two legs, with the first match hosted by Hammarby at 3Arena and the return leg scheduled for Häcken’s home ground in Gothenburg on May 1, 2026.
The financial structure of the competition has become a focal point of discussion, particularly as clubs invest significant resources into their women’s programs. Hammarby’s management emphasized that increased prize money would not only recognize the sporting achievement but also provide essential funding for youth development, facilities, and player welfare initiatives that are critical for the long-term growth of the sport.
Players from both finalist teams have voiced their support for the club’s position, noting that while competing in a European final represents a tremendous honor, the financial realities of sustaining a professional women’s football program require adequate compensation from governing bodies. The players’ union has been engaged in discussions with UEFA regarding potential adjustments to the prize money framework for future editions of the competition.
The inaugural Women’s Europa Cup final holds historical significance as it marks the first time two Swedish clubs have contested a major European football final. The match at 3Arena represents another milestone, as it will be the first European club football final hosted at the Stockholm venue since its opening. With a capacity of 30,000 spectators, the arena is expected to be filled to capacity for what promises to be a landmark event in women’s football history.
As the football community awaits the outcome of this historic final, the conversation around equitable financial support for women’s competitions continues to gain momentum. Hammarby’s public stance adds weight to the growing call for UEFA to reassess its investment in the Women’s Europa Cup, ensuring that the competition’s prestige is matched by meaningful financial support for participating clubs.
The second leg of the final will take place at BK Häcken’s Nordic Wellness Arena in Gothenburg on Friday, May 1, 2026, where the aggregate score from both matches will determine the inaugural champion of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
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