Women’s football may be experiencing record-breaking attendances and viewing figures, but a new survey from Women in Football (WIF) exposes the stark reality of those within the industry. Factors such as gender discrimination, online abuse, and a lack of career progression hit women the hardest, particularly those from underrepresented ethnic groups.
The fifth annual workplace report from WIF, published in September 2025, reveals the lived realities of many within the women’s game. Despite improvements on the pitch, such as record signings and attendances, issues off the pitch persist, where discrimination and cultural barriers remain widespread.
Figure 1 – Data from Women in Football (WIF)
Racial barriers and ethnic minorities
The picture for women working in the football industry becomes even bleaker when you combine gender with race. Despite making up just 12 percent of the total sample, respondents from ethnic minorities experience an increased level of exclusion and inequality.
Over half of women cite unconscious bias as one of the biggest challenges for working in the industry, yet this figure jumps for women from underrepresented ethnic origins.
Figure 2 – Data from Women in Football (WIF)
These figures highlight the worrisome yet harmonious relationship between sex and race.
Online abuse
Online platforms offer no refuge for women within the industry, as three quarters of women reported that online discrimination has increased or stayed the same. The figure jumps to 81 percent for women from ethnic minorities. This mirrors the abuse directed towards players, where online racism continues to spark public outrage but little accountability.
WIF CEO, Yvonne Harrison, warns against complacency: “These are not just numbers. They are the lived experiences of people working in the game, and they deserve better. We cannot keep relying on the resilience of women. We need women to be supported, valued, and recognised. This is not about cost. It is about culture and commitment.”
During Euro 2025, Lioness defender Jess Carter publicly revealed she had been the target of racist abuse following the quarter-final against Sweden. This prompted her to temporarily step away from social platforms.
Carter’s experience exposes the painful reality where players feel pressured to choose between visibility and self-preservation, whilst the culprits often escape punishment. In the defender’s case, the FA acted swiftly. They contacted the police, who then made arrests, whilst fellow players rallied around Carter in solidarity.
Yet, in the broader industry, over half of women report that institutions took no action when they raised complaints. This institutional failure may silence many long before they speak out.
Resilience vs failing systems
Perhaps the most damning findings from the WIF report are that current systems within the industry are ineffective. Over half of women who reported gender-based discrimination said the relevant body failed to take action. Additionally, more than a third of women chose not to report their experiences because they did not believe that suitable action would occur.
Female respondents also noted that they chose to remain silent due to a fear of further discrimination from fellow employees for speaking out. This fear and lack of trust highlight the vulnerability of being a woman within the football industry.
Despite these systematic and societal barriers, many women credit both resilience and determination as the driving forces for persisting. But should a woman’s strength be continually questioned? Or should institutions finally challenge the inequalities to create a workplace where resilience is not a necessity for survival?
Optimism for the future?
Surprisingly, the majority of women surveyed remain optimistic about their future within the industry. Although figures have fallen from previous years, over three quarters of women are hopeful about their future within football, while half believe the footballing world is a place in which they can excel.
Ebru Köksal, the WIF Chair, believes that intersectionality is the key to reform.
“Barriers are often higher when gender intersects with other underrepresented identities, reminding us that intersectionality must inform real solutions. Women in Football will continue to work with the industry to break down these barriers and ensure the game becomes inclusive for every woman. Together, we can turn evidence into action, and action into lasting, systemic change.”
This latest workplace survey makes it clear that progress on the pitch cannot mask the deep-rooted inequalities that remain within the industry. From online abuse to a lack of career opportunities and training, more action is necessary to increase optimism. What the industry needs is not just to praise women’s resilience, but instead a cultural shift where individuals are held accountable. Until this happens, the industry will remain far from equal.