Relegation backlash 'has not changed our perspective'

BBC News

06-03-2025

The backlash against the idea of a potential temporary scrapping of relegation from the Women's Super League "has not changed our perspective" on changes, Nikki Doucet of the Women's Professional Leagues Limited has said.Doucet, chief executive at WPLL which oversees England's top two tiers of women's football, stressed that no proposals were ready or decisions made regarding potential changes to the competition or structure in addressing reports of radical proposals being considered.But despite describing relegation and promotion as "critical to the success of our league" she said that the reaction to the idea of a short-term halt to relegation had not impacted their thinking.Doucet stressed that no proposals were ready and that no decision had been made regarding potential changes to the competition or structure."We believe promotion and relegation is a great thing. It makes English football distinctive from other leagues. It adds jeopardy and excitement," she said."It's something we all love about the game of football and that has never been under question."We fundamentally believe promotion and relegation is an important differentiator and an important competitive advantage for us."But asked if backlash to the idea of scrapping relegation had changed WPLL's perspective, Doucet said: "No, it hasn't. I would say our perspective or analysis hasn't changed."We have been very thoughtful on the analysis of the different possibilities around us. We just wanted to make sure we had clarity."
'We have to look at the range of possibilities'
The WPLL has previously said nothing is off the table as it assesses ways in which it can grow the WSL and encourage more investment. It says shareholders, players, fans and the Football Association will all be involved to help "evolve" the leagues."We have to look at the range of possibilities that are available to us and the pros and cons of all of those and be really thoughtful," said Doucet. "We deeply understand the impact of decisions and the impact of everything done at the top, that it cascades down the pyramid."Doucet did not definitively rule out the potential to scrap relegation and when pressed, she said: "Again, I would just go back to what I said before in that I think it is a really important differentiator and a competitive advantage for our leagues. "I think that's never been in question from our perspective."Should any formal proposals be put forward in future shareholders' meetings, the WPLL says it would consult with fan groups before proceeding. "Absolutely the fan groups will be part of consultation. We are still looking at concepts and options," the WPLL added."When that proposal is in a place where we can consult, there will be informal and formal consultation. The governance process is vigorous."At the moment there is nothing to vote on. We are still working through and considering if we do something different, is that the right thing?"