Arsenal FC, a club celebrated for championing the growth of women’s football, has come under scrutiny after announcing that their women’s UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) group stage fixture will be relocated due to a scheduling conflict with the men’s Carabao Cup game.
Their high-profile game against current group leaders, Bayern Munich set for the 18th of December has been moved from the Emirates Stadium to Borehamwood’s Meadow Park, to make way for the men’s Carabao Cup clash with Crystal Palace. This follows the EFL draw on Wednesday 6th of November, which scheduled Arsenal’s men’s team to face Crystal Palace at the Emirates on the same date.
A blow to the ‘one team’ ethos:
This decision has sparked criticism from fans and advocates of women’s football who feel that it contradicts Arsenal’s ‘one team’ mentality. The club has long promoted a unified identity across both its men’s and women’s teams, but this choice suggests a prioritisation that runs counter to that message.
Finding a solution was undoubtedly complex, as UEFA mandates that all final UWCL group-stage matches kick off simultaneously, a stipulation that left little room for negotiation. However, UEFA has granted special dispensation for the women’s match to be held at Meadow Park—despite the venue initially being ruled out as a viable option for failing to meet UEFA stadium regulations.
A venue that falls short:
The relocation to Meadow Park presents logistical challenges and compromises the fan experience. The stadium, with a capacity of only 4,500, is vastly inadequate compared to the Emirates, which has hosted record-breaking crowds of over 60,000 for Arsenal Women’s games. This dramatic downsizing not only limits attendance but also diminishes the visibility of what could be a momentous occasion for women’s football.
Thousands of fans who had already secured tickets for the Emirates game have been refunded. As a gesture of goodwill, these fans are being offered either a free ticket to a future Women’s Super League (WSL) match at the Emirates or a £20 voucher for Arsenal’s official store. Tickets for the relocated fixture will go on sale on November 26th at 2pm, with priority access given to original ticket holders. However, demand is expected to far exceed availability, leaving many supporters disappointed.
A broader reflection on equality:
This decision runs deeper than a logistical inconvenience presented; it reflects the broader, systemic challenges still facing women’s football, where they are still treated as a secondary, even at an elite level. Arsenal Women were poised to showcase their talent against a top-tier opponent on a global stage. Instead, the move to a smaller venue undermines the progress the club has made in promoting the women’s game.
This is particularly disappointing given that the Emirates Stadium was named as the primary home for Arsenal Women, confirmed only in May 2024, with the club announcing that 11 games would be played at the Emirates for the 2024/25 season. This shift was meant to symbolise a new era of equality and support for the women’s team, yet the prioritisation of a men’s Carabao Cup fixture sends a contradictory message.
A call to action:
At Beyond the Pitch, we see this as a crucial moment for reflection – not just for Arsenal, but the football world more broadly. True equality requires more than just words; it demands actions and difficult decision that challenge long-standing norms. Arsenal has made commendable progress in supporting their women’s team, but this incident highlights how much work remains to be done.
The Champions League clash with Bayern Munich could have been a powerful opportunity to elevate women’s football, inspiring the next generation of players and fans. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the disparities that persist.
We urge Arsenal and other clubs to treat moments like this as learning opportunities. Progress has been made, but we must ensure setbacks like this don’t become regular occurrences. Genuine equality in football requires consistent commitment, and we hope to see better decisions in the future that truly reflect the values these clubs claim to uphold.
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Emirates Stadium becomes Arsenal Women’s main home | News | Arsenal.com
Bayern Munich UWCL game moved to Meadow Park | News | Arsenal.com
