WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: AN EMERGING (ENTERTAINMENT) INDUSTRY

The Member of the European Parliament and former Spanish Minister for Sport and Education, Pilar del Castillo, described the evolution of women’s football and stated that “ there is a growing number of female players, more spectators in the stadiums and wider TV audiences, which in turns means a growing potential to generate value”. In addition, Pilar del Castillo emphasized the role of public institutions and said that “As part of the ecosystem where women’s football industry operates, public institutions, and in particular the European Parliament, have to contribute to a medium and long-term strategy. More specifically by: promoting initiatives that give visibility to the efforts of female players, support the improvement of working conditions and fighting discrimination wherever it might be".

Amanda Vandervort, FIFPRO’s Chief Women Football Officer, stressed that “Industry growth without consideration of labour conditions will have negative consequences on the long-term viability of women’s football. Therefore, we have a tremendous opportunity in this relatively nascent stage of global growth in women’s football to ensure fair, equitable, and sustainable growth through effective policies, adequate regulation and investment.”