Manchester City to join inaugural women's seven-a-side tournament
Manchester City have confirmed that they will participate in the inaugural World Sevens Football (W7F) tournament.
The announcement also confirmed that Roma, Paris Saint-Germain and Rosenberg would be taking part in the event in Estoril, Portugal in May, completing the eight-team line-up.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Ajax and Benfica were announced as the first four competing teams in the new women's seven-a-side tournament on April 30.
'The tournament is an exciting new competition for the women's game, and, as a Club that continually looks to blaze the trail, we are proud to be part of this milestone moment from the beginning,' said City Women director of football Therese Sjogran.
Speaking on April 24, W7F's head of football Adrian Jacob had not ruled out a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side or one of the Champions League semi-finalists (Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea or Lyon) also competing in this May edition, although The Athletic reported Chelsea are not expected to take part.
The W7F tournament was launched in March and features a $5million (£3.8m) prize pot, including $2.5m for the winners — more than the 2025 Women's Champions League winners will earn.
The first edition of the competition takes place between May 21 and 23, just over a month before the European Championship in Switzerland. Like United, Bayern, Ajax and Benfica, City will be expected to have a number of players selected for Euro 2025.
City said in the announcement that the W7F team will made up of first team players and include 'a blend of international experience and youth talent.'
Jacob said he expected clubs' first-team squads — but not necessarily their first XI — to take part in the tournament.
The W7F format will consist of two 15-minute halves on a field half the size of an 11-a-side pitch.
City are fourth in the Women's Super League after an injury-hit season. Nick Cushing was placed in interim charge in March following head coach Gareth Taylor's dismissal.
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