Carney's review of women's game receives full Government backing

Karen Carney's review of domestic women's football has received the Government's backing.

Downing Street officials agree that all 10 of the strategic recommendations from the independent review, titled Raising The Bar: Reframing the opportunity in women's football, should be actioned. 

An implementation group of the FA, NewCo — the independent body set to run the Women's Super League and Championship from 2024-25 — and other stakeholders, will now convene in March and July 2024 to drive things forward. 

The review was commissioned shortly after England won Euro 2022 on home soil and the Lionesses subsequently finished as runners-up at this year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 

Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: "I'd like to thank Karen for her detailed review, which has delivered a clear blueprint for the future of women's football from the grassroots up to the elite level. 

"We must collectively seize the moment and deliver sustained commercial success for the women's game and fully support the FA and NewCo to drive forward the full professionalisation of the game."

Ex-England and Chelsea star Carney, 36, added: "I'm encouraged the Government are providing their full backing to my review and renewing their commitment to develop women's football in the UK and fulfil its potential to be a world-beating sport. The real work begins now."

The creation of a fully professional environment in the top two tiers is one of the key recommendations in Carney’s report.

And Frazer insists there is a need to reduce the salary gap between women's and men's football. 

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said: "There is a massive disparity and I think we need to absolutely narrow that gap. 

"And what we need to do is to make sure the women's game is more commercial, that it attracts more broadcast income. 

"If we do that — and we maintain its professionalism — the women will be enabled to be paid more."