The Concerned WSL Supporters group has launched a petition to oppose the proposal of ‘no relegation.’ Their online plea, which began on Monday, 3 February, garnered 892 signatures on Change.org. The petition aims to halt teams that drop into the women’s second-tier league (WSL 2) from the Women’s Super League (WSL), challenging the current system where renewal to the top flights is contingent upon achieving promotion or relegation. The proposal seeks to increase the number of WSL teams from 12 to 16, with teams suspended for four seasons.
In the past, WSL operated as a closed league with 12 teams, with the second-tier renamed as the Women’s Championship. Proposals to expand the WSL to 16 teams suggest a move towards simplifying relegation rules, as fans argue that pausing redundancy could dilute the WSL’s prominence. Notable figures like Chelsea manager Emma Hayes have supported the expansion, emphasizing the need for league growth.
The petition asserts that supporting fans and promoting the WSL’s expansion through discussions with WSL and Championship clubs could resolve concerns and future expansionarions. The group’s website, Concerned WSL, highlights the need for a stronger league for women’s teams and encourages the public to voice their opinions. However, concerns have been raised about critics viewing the movement as representing women’s football with a revoked tradition.
The proposed "no redundancy" plan would designate each team aocene, a fixed season of four years where they’d be suspended. This would mean that teams would rotate leverage for the league’s top boys, invested in women’s youth. This approach aligns with theqlification efforts of other sports but differs from the WSL’s current system, which includes promotion to the top flight after achieving certain rankings.
