Birmingham Women win backing over facilities row
England players speak out on ‘unacceptable’ situation PFA and FA involved after squad make formal complaint
England’s Lionesses have condemned the “unacceptable” situation at Birmingham Women after players at the club raised a series of complaints with the board. The Football Association has opened an investigation after City’s squad sent a letter to the club’s hierarchy highlighting a lack of support for them compared to that given to the men’s team.
England players have labelled the alleged conditions for Birmingham City Women’s squad “unacceptable” and backed them after they submitted a formal complaint to the club’s board.
Every member of Birmingham’s squad signed the letter, seen by The Daily Telegraph, outlining two pages of grievances about access to facilities, medical provision and a lack of hotels for away games, as well as concern over wages.
It is understood that the players’ union, the Professional Footballers’ Association, has been in dialogue with senior players at Birmingham throughout the season. Manager Carla Ward is liaising between the players and the board to try to help find solutions, and the Football Association is also understood to be supporting the club to ensure they can complete their fixtures.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s international friendly against France, England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck said: “I am shocked. We’re making such good progress both on and off the field, with the likes of the new broadcast deal, I’d like to think we are going in an upwards direction, [but] we all need it to be at a level which can help girls perform to the best of their ability.”
Huge numbers of players from across the sport rallied around the Birmingham players on social media on Monday, and Arsenal and England centre-back Lotte Wubbenmoy stressed the importance of women players standing up for each other.
“What’s important is that these things are spoken about. I respect them for speaking out,” she said. “It’s important their voices are heard and I hope their board of directors take into account what they’re saying.”
Among the allegations made by Birmingham’s players in their letter is a concern that their coaching team are not paid to work sufficient hours each week to meet the Women’s Super League’s licence rules. It is understood the FA is investigating the claim.
Birmingham City have not commented in response to that specific point within the players’ letter. However, on Sunday a club spokesperson said: “It’s no secret we have one of the lowest budgets in the league and Covid has only compounded this. This certainly makes it difficult to compete, but we’re doing our best on and off the pitch in what is a very difficult time for professional football.”