Man Utd Women boss Casey Stoney backs WSL decision to end campaign with immediate effect

This week it was announced that the FA Women’s Super League and Championship board has agreed to end the seasons of the two top decisions with immediate effect.

Decisions on whether the tables will be voided or teams will have their league positions determined using a points-per-game formulation have yet to be taken. That leaves a lot of uncertainty around promotion and relegation.

An FA statement read: “Following overwhelming feedback from the clubs, the decision to bring an end to the 2019-20 season was made in the best interest of the women’s game. This will also enable clubs, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship board and the FA to plan, prepare and focus on next season when football returns for the 2020-21 campaign.

“Supporting the welfare of the clubs and players will continue to be out primary concern throughout this process, which also involved a robust and thorough examination of the logistical, operational and financial challenges that the game currently faces.”

Manchester United Women’s manager Casey Stoney said (via Telegraph): “It’s obviously disappointing not to be able to complete the season but it is the right decision for the safety of everyone involved. Our focus now moves to our development for next season, which we have been continuously planning for throughout the year, and we can’t wait to be back on the pitch again when it is safe to do so.”

It was United’s first season in the top flight and, as things stand, it looks like we will finish in fourth behind Man City in first, Chelsea and Arsenal.

This seems like a lot easier decision to make for the FA than it would be if it was for the men’s game. A report from the Times previously stated a number of Women’s Super League teams did not want the season to resume over fears that it would endanger player safety. Liverpool, who are bottom of the WSL with six points from 4 games, are one of the clubs with concerns claimed the broadsheet. If the season were decided on points-per-game, and with the one usual relegation spot Liverpool would be relegated to the part-time Championship.

That’s now a possibility — but it’s not the reason we’re making this very point about double standards.

Meanwhile, they are fully behind the Premier League initiative Project Restart which sees them insist on the top flight being resumed so they can be crowned 2019/20 Premier League champions.

After a media backlash they insisted they were never pushing for the WSL to be declared null and void.

Surely in the modern age of sexual equality if football is too dangerous for female players the same would be true of men?

“He’s got childlike innocence but he’s very cruel with it.” – Find out who which sportsman said this right here.

READ MORE: Three areas United can improve on in time for next season

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