Celtic and Rangers Women’s Teams Explore Option to Join English Women’s Super League
In a move that could potentially revolutionize the landscape of women’s football in Scotland, Celtic and Rangers are reportedly exploring the possibility of leaving the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) to join the English Women’s Super League (WSL). According to The Times, preliminary talks have been held between the two Glasgow giants and the English football authorities, although the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and other relevant bodies have yet to be officially informed.
The prospect of Celtic and Rangers joining the WSL is an intriguing one, and it’s a development that could have far-reaching consequences for the women’s game in Scotland. The SWPL, which was established in 2022, has struggled to match the growth in attendance and commercial success seen in the WSL. Despite the progress made in recent years, women’s football in Scotland still lags behind its English counterpart in terms of popularity and financial resources.
The idea of Celtic and Rangers joining the WSL is not a new one. Last year, informal dialogue took place over the possibility of Rangers joining the WSL, although discussions at that point were only exploratory and not in anticipation of any move in the near future. However, it seems that the prospect of Scotland’s largest clubs competing in England is now being seriously considered, at least at a preliminary level.
If Celtic and Rangers were to join the WSL, it would likely be a trailblazing move for the women’s teams. The men’s teams have a long and complex history of competing in European competitions, but the women’s teams have traditionally been confined to domestic competitions. The prospect of competing against the best teams in England would be a exciting one for the players and fans of Celtic and Rangers.
However, any move to join the WSL would require careful consideration and planning. The current notice period for leaving the SWPL is two clear seasons, which means that Celtic and Rangers would need to provide significant notice before making the switch. Additionally, there would need to be discussions with the SFA, the English Football Association, and other relevant bodies to ensure that any move is feasible and compliant with the relevant regulations.
Despite the challenges and complexities involved, the prospect of Celtic and Rangers joining the WSL is an exciting one. It could potentially raise the profile of women’s football in Scotland, attract new fans and sponsors, and provide a new level of competition for the players. As the women’s game continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how this story develops in the coming months and years.
In conclusion, the news that Celtic and Rangers are exploring the possibility of joining the WSL is a significant development in the world of women’s football. While there are many challenges and complexities involved, the potential benefits of such a move could be substantial. As the story continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how it impacts the women’s game in Scotland and beyond.