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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Kelly Simmons

Women’s football needs more jeopardy – ending WSL relegation could deter fans

Leicester’s Shana Chossenotte holds off Aston Villa defenders last month in a game would be a dead rubber if relegation were scrapped.
Leicester’s Shana Chossenotte holds off Aston Villa defenders last month in a game would be a dead rubber if relegation were scrapped. Photograph: John Mallett/ProSports/Shutterstock

The Guardian broke the news last week that Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) is in discussions with its 24 member clubs in the top two tiers of the English women’s pyramid to make significant changes in the size and structure of both divisions.

The proposal includes expanding the divisions from 12 to 16 teams over a four-year period, starting from 2026-27, by continuing to promote one team into the Women’s Super League but freezing relegation for at least four seasons to enable the expansion.

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