17 August 2023 , 14:18
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The Women's National League has been forced to make fixture changes after the opening day of the season was due to be played on the same day as the Women's World Cup final.
Clubs as part of the league had agreed to begin the season on August 20, which at the time had raised eyebrows. However with the Lionesses now in the final and having the chance to win the world's biggest football prize, there has been huge backlash to the season opener.
Women's football fans spoke of their fury shortly before the announcement was made, describing it as 'madness'. One fan said: "Madness that the FAWNL advertising as the heartbeat of women's football start there league on the same day as the Women's World Cup final... under the FA Guidance. How does that even sense....."
Another said: "Everyone in Women’s football should have the opportunity to watch our National Team during this historic moment."
A petition was launched to allow the FAWNL and regional league players to watch the World Cup, explaining: "The majority of Players and Staff across the Leagues undertake their roles voluntarily and commit endless hours every week to support the women's game across England.
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"We are asking The FA and Leagues to allow Clubs to postpone fixtures on this day to allow all Players, Coaches and Club Volunteers the opportunity to watch the Final and enjoy this historic moment to the full."
Following this, the FAWNL has now announced fixtures can be changed but only subject to the league's approval so that fans, players, players' families and the volunteers on matchdays can cheer the Lionesses on.
(AFP via Getty Images)A statement from the Women's National League said: "We are aware of comments regarding league fixtures on Sunday 20 August.
"For clarity of fact, all WNL clubs voted to accept starting the 23/24 season on the 3rd Sunday in August as per previous seasons. As this fell on the dote of the World Cup Final, clubs were given several options, including: play as scheduled, deviate kick off to enable club personnel to watch the Final prior to the league fixture or request not to play on 20 August with the scheduled match rearranged to an alternative date. AN requests received by the informed deadline have all been accommodated by the league.
"However, it has since come to light that in a small number of cases due to internal club communication issues and/or lack of communication between clubs/players and their supporters, this information has either not been passed on or club decisions have been made without full consultation with these parties and other club stakeholders to factor in their views."
The statement continued: "To enable these clubs to take into account the views of all concerned in order to reach an appropriate consensus, the WNL has extended the opportunity for any club that has not already done so to request. with the agreement of opposition, to move their fixture scheduled for 20 August to a future date to be advised by the league.
"To reiterate, all WNL clubs agreed to start the 23/24 season on Sunday 20 August, and all WNL clubs were given the opportunity to make a request according to their preference with regard to matches scheduled for this dote. As with all other leagues with scheduled fixtures on Sunday, we are satisfied that the range of options presented to clubs demonstrates our ongoing commitment to effective communication with our membership Clubs have been strongly advised to ensure that they implement similar lines of communication with their own personnel, fans and supporters.
"We now hope that all who wish to do so can watch England in the World Cup Final or otherwise enjoy the day as planned."