Blackburn forced to withdraw from WSL 2 on ‘sad day for women's football'
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed their withdrawal from the WSL 2 and will re-enter at least two tiers below, with the owners unwilling to provide the funding to meet the division's new minimum licence requirement.
Players and staff were told on Tuesday afternoon of the decision. The Guardian revealed last week that the club were considering dropping out of the second tier and that the players had been left anxious, angry and feeling as if they were in a state of limbo awaiting a formal decision.
It is understood that WSL Football, the governing body of the WSL and WSL 2, is working with the Professional Footballers' Association and Sporting Chance to support players and staff.
In a statement posted on the club's website, Rovers said the decision had come after a 'comprehensive review of the evolving demands placed on second-tier clubs, which have become unsustainable under our current model'.
The intention is still for the WSL 2 to operate with 12 teams next season, although any club joining the league will be required to meet the minimum standards. They are viewed as vital to the further professionalisation of the game as they protect the welfare of all participants and maintain competition integrity.
Nikki Doucet, the WSL Football chief executive, said: 'This is a sad day for women's football and our hearts go out to the players, staff and fans at Blackburn Rovers FC Women affected by this decision to withdraw from the Women's Super League 2. We have been working with the club all season to prevent this outcome and we are disappointed it has come to this.'
Operating on what was understood to be a comparatively low playing budget, Rovers finished 10th last season, second from bottom, in the women's second tier this term, five points clear of danger.
The minimum requirements to take part in the renamed division (it was called the Championship in 2024-25) are being increased this summer in a bid to raise minimum standards for the players involved, with WSL 2 sides expected to essentially operate full‑time, professional teams.
The list of criteria is believed to include requirements for clubs to commit to appointing a head of women's football, marketing manager, head coach, assistant coach, physiotherapist or sports therapist, doctor, a strength and conditioning coach, a goalkeeping coach and several people in specific safeguarding and player-welfare roles within one month of the new season kicking off.
WSL Football said in a statement: 'In line with recommendations for the long-term future of women's football, every club is asked to comply with the minimum standards as part of their membership of the leagues and a compliance and development review is carried out as standard ahead of each season and monitored throughout.'
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Rovers said: 'The growing financial and operational constraints tied to Tier 2 status, including the requirement to move to a fully-professional model, have reached a point where they can no longer be sustained under the club's current financial framework.
'Key factors influencing this decision include the significant rise in minimum criteria set by the league, including extended contact hours for players and the requirement for a full-time professional contract model, an increase in staffing levels, leading to further escalating wage costs, and a greater strain on training ground and stadium facilities.'
The club partly blamed the lack of a 'noticeable upturn in home attendances', despite playing all their league games at Ewood Park last season, and the lack of matchday commercial revenues and sponsorship as a result.
Where Blackburn Rovers re-enter the pyramid is yet to be determined. An FA spokesperson said: 'We are in ongoing discussions with Blackburn regarding what level of the women's football pyramid they can enter for next season, and a decision will be confirmed in due course.'
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