FA Takes Bold Steps to Ensure Safer Working Environment for Women in Football

The Football Association (FA) is taking significant steps towards fostering a safer working environment for women in football, responding to growing concerns regarding player treatment and conduct within the sport. A consultation plan is set to be introduced, allowing stakeholders, including players, to help shape critical policies aimed at preventing harassment and ensuring respectful relationships between club staff and athletes. This initiative is particularly timely in the wake of the tragic death of Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack, who took her own life in 2023. Her family raised alarm over the challenges she faced under the management of Jonathan Morgan, claiming that her spirit was "allowed to be broken" during her final months. In light of these events, the FA has launched an investigation into the surrounding circumstances, highlighting the desperate need for change in the culture of women’s football. The FA's new policies will address issues of bullying and harassment, reflecting the lessons learned from past incidents and the urgent calls from players for safer environments. This follows the introduction of an unacceptable behaviour policy after NWSL players shared their experiences of misconduct in 2021. The FA aims not only to implement guidelines but to create an atmosphere in which players feel empowered to voice their concerns without fear of retribution. To further this goal, the FA has established a helpline through Sporting Resolutions, an independent service, allowing players to report grievances confidentially. This initiative is a part of a broader move to enhance player welfare and maintain accountability within clubs. In addition to the consultation on safe working environments, there are discussions about extending membership in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to players in the Women’s Championship. This move would mark a significant shift, as PFA membership has traditionally been limited to fully professional leagues. With the recent transfer of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Championship from the FA to women's Professional League Limited, talks are underway to ensure that Championship players can access the same support and resources as their counterparts in the WSL. Currently, there is no financial framework in place that allows player-generated revenues from broadcasting and commercial deals in the WSL to support union services, a gap that the FA and PFA are looking to address. This is crucial, as it would provide a sustainable model for supporting players throughout their careers, particularly those transitioning between leagues. As the landscape of women's football evolves, these developments signify a commitment to improving the game from the ground up. By prioritizing player safety and well-being, the FA is not only responding to past grievances but also paving the way for a more equitable and supportive environment for future generations of female athletes. The road ahead is promising, but the effectiveness of these initiatives will ultimately depend on the engagement of players and club staff in working together to build a culture of respect and dignity within the sport.