Blackburn women withdraw from the Championship
Blackburn Rovers have announced the withdrawal of their women's team from next season's Women's Super League 2.
The club cited the "growing financial and operational constraints" required from the league for the decision, adding that other factors were considered, including the need for a full-time professional model and an increase in staffing.
Blackburn finished 10th in last season's Women's Championship and picked up 12 points from 20 outings to finish five points above bottom side Sheffield United.
They're captained by Republic of Ireland midfielder Tyler Toland, who now looks certain to move on from the club in the next few weeks.
A WSL Football statement said the withdrawal came after Blackburn confirmed they would be unable to meet the compliance requirements needed for WSL2 and revealed Rovers intend to apply to enter the women's football pyramid at a lower level.
The statement also reaffirmed the intention for WSL2 to continue with 12 clubs next season, while CEO Nikki Doucet said they had been working with Blackburn to "prevent" the outcome.
"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 Barclays Women's Super League 2," Doucet said.
"We have been working with the club all season to prevent this outcome, and we are disappointed it has come to this.
"We will do all we can to help provide current players and staff members at the club opportunities, including those at the Professional Game Academy, so they can remain in the women's game."
Blackburn's statement added: "Regrettably, despite all Rovers women's league fixtures being played at Ewood Park last season for the first time, there was no noticeable upturn in home attendances, resulting in the absence of the substantial matchday commercial revenue and sponsorships required to support continued investment at Tier 2.
"We acknowledge the disappointment this may cause to our players, supporters and staff, and extend our heartfelt appreciation for their unwavering dedication last season, but this decision has not been made lightly.
"To be absolutely clear, Blackburn is not walking away from the women's game. Like other respected clubs with a proud history in the game, we are taking necessary steps and finding a path that is sustainable and responsible for the long-term future of women's football at Blackburn."
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