Women In Football Face Persistent Discrimination In 2025

Introduction To Discrimination In Football

Despite recent advances in promoting equality, women working in football continue to face significant discrimination. A recent comprehensive survey by Women In Football (WIF) illustrates that nearly 80 per cent of women in the football industry have experienced discrimination within the past 12 months. This startling figure underscores ongoing challenges in creating an inclusive environment for women across all levels of the sport.

Key Findings From The Women In Football Survey

The 2025 Women In Football workforce survey collected responses from 759 women and 100 men working in football. The data paints a bleak picture: 78 per cent of women reported experiencing discrimination, and more than half encountered sexism or misogyny directly in the workplace. Additionally, 63.5 per cent faced sexist banter or jokes, revealing a culture where inappropriate behaviour remains widespread.

Alarmingly, over 56 per cent of women who reported gender-based discrimination stated that no meaningful action was taken. This lack of accountability contributes to a culture where many women choose not to report incidents due to fear of retaliation or distrust in the existing workforce procedures.

Why Does Discrimination Persist In Football?

WIF chief executive Yvonne Harrison describes this situation as "bleak" and emphasises that these statistics represent real lived experiences, not just numbers. One of the core reasons discrimination persists is the deeply ingrained cultural issues within the sport. Women often have to work much harder than their male counterparts to gain the same recognition and benefits, a fact acknowledged not only by women (86%) but also by 69 per cent of men surveyed.

Such systemic issues are exacerbated by a lack of psychological safety in many workplaces within football, meaning women do not feel supported or valued. The industry’s reliance on the resilience of women without changing the underlying culture is unsustainable and unfair.

The Importance Of Cultural Change And Allyship

Addressing discrimination requires more than just policy changes; it demands a cultural shift. WIF stresses that fostering a diverse workforce benefits the entire game. This means ensuring women are supported, recognised, and feel psychologically safe. Importantly, this transformation must include men as active allies who participate in conversations and actions promoting gender equality.

Examples of allyship can be seen in football clubs publicly supporting players who face abuse. Tottenham Hotspur’s response to racial abuse directed at player Jessica Naz during a League Cup match is a case in point. The club condemned the abuse unequivocally, collaborated with authorities, and reaffirmed that racism and discrimination have no place in football or society.

How Football Organisations Can Improve Inclusion

To move forward, football organisations need to implement clear, transparent procedures for reporting discrimination and ensure swift, effective responses. Training programmes that raise awareness about unconscious bias, sexism, and racism can help shift mindsets across clubs and governing bodies.

Additionally, creating mentorship and leadership opportunities for women within football can challenge existing power imbalances. Highlighting successes and giving women a platform to inform solutions can help build trust and encourage more open dialogue.

Case Study: Sky Sports And The WSL Broadcast Deal

For example, Sky Sports’ historic broadcast deal with the Women’s Super League (WSL) from 2025 aims to raise the profile of women’s football, providing more visibility and investment in the women’s game. Increased media coverage helps normalise women’s presence at all levels of football and can contribute to changing public perceptions and industry culture.

Challenges And Optimism For The Future

While the survey results remain largely unchanged since previous years, awareness is growing. The challenge is translating awareness into meaningful action. Clubs, governing bodies, and media partners must work collaboratively to address barriers and foster truly inclusive environments.

As football looks forward to major events like the World Cup, there are fresh opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion. For instance, Scotland’s team and supporters are demonstrating increased optimism and unity, which could positively influence attitudes towards equality in football workplaces across the UK.

Conclusion: Supporting Women To Transform Football

The evidence is clear: discrimination against women in football remains a pressing issue in 2025. Yet, with committed leadership, inclusive policies, and a culture of allyship, progress is achievable. Supporting women in football is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that strengthens the entire sport.

For those interested in the broader sporting landscape, articles such as Scotland’s World Cup dream optimism and challenges ahead offer insights into how the sport is evolving beyond gender issues. Similarly, the Sky Sports WSL broadcast deal highlights positive steps being taken to elevate women’s football nationally.

Ultimately, tackling discrimination requires commitment from everyone in the football community. Only by recognising these hard truths and working actively to change them can football become a truly inclusive sport for all.