Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall has expressed his thoughts on the increased prize fund for this year’s Women’s FA Cup, acknowledging the positive direction but questioning whether it’s truly sufficient.
The prize fund has seen a substantial doubling from last year, now standing at an impressive £6 million, with the champions of the final set to pocket £430,000. This increase is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but Eidevall couldn’t help but draw a comparison to the men’s FA Cup, where the winners currently receive a significantly larger £2 million.
“The growth of the women’s game is tremendous at the moment,” Eidevall stated, “but you still have a very noticeable disparity between the prize money in men’s and women’s competitions.”
It’s worth noting that the women’s prize fund underwent a tenfold increase just last season, jumping from £300,000 to £3 million. Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, has lauded this latest bump as a “positive step” towards their long-term goal of achieving equal prize money.
This increase will go into effect starting from the third round, where second-tier teams enter the competition. Eidevall emphasized the FA’s role in fostering the growth and development of both men’s and women’s football within the country, underscoring the impact that differing prize money can have on how people perceive and value the two competitions.
“While any increase is certainly welcome,” Eidevall remarked, “I’m left pondering whether it’s truly enough to bridge the existing gap.”
The Arsenal manager also pointed out the recent broadcasting deal for the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which was unveiled last Thursday and is reported to be worth an astounding $240 million (£196.4 million) over the course of four years. This is a remarkable leap from the previous three-year deal, which stood at a comparatively modest $4.5 million (£3.7 million).
Eidevall commented, “If you zoom out and take a look at the NWSL broadcast deal’s massive increase, it’s evident that the growth of women’s football is not linear; it’s exponential. Decision-makers and deal-makers need to be cognizant of this.”
In closing, Eidevall expressed his openness to a well-defined “plan” or “trajectory” for the women’s FA Cup to eventually achieve parity with its male counterpart in terms of prize money.
“We need someone who can outline a path for the next five years,” he emphasized. “Is this going to be determined on a year-by-year basis, or is there a concrete strategy in place? What investments will be made to raise the level of competition and generate more revenue for the women’s FA Cup?”
In the evolving landscape of women’s football, these questions raise important considerations as the sport continues to flourish and garner attention on a global scale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gender Equality in Prizes
What is the Women’s FA Cup prize fund increase for this year?
The Women’s FA Cup prize fund has doubled from last year, reaching £6 million, with the winners of the final receiving £430,000.
How does this compare to the men’s FA Cup prize money?
In contrast, the winners of the men’s FA Cup currently receive £2 million, highlighting a significant disparity in prize money between the two competitions.
Has there been any recent growth in the women’s football landscape?
Yes, there has been remarkable growth in women’s football. Last season, the women’s prize fund saw a tenfold increase from £300,000 to £3 million. Additionally, a substantial broadcasting deal worth $240 million over four years was announced for the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
What is Jonas Eidevall’s perspective on this prize fund increase?
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall welcomes the increase as a positive step but questions whether it’s adequate. He emphasizes the need for a clear plan or trajectory to bridge the gender prize money gap in the Women’s FA Cup.
How does the gender prize money gap affect perceptions of men’s and women’s football?
Eidevall points out that the disparity in prize money can influence how people perceive and value men’s and women’s football, potentially affecting the growth and development of both sports.
More about Gender Equality in Prizes
- Women’s FA Cup Prize Fund Increase
- Men’s FA Cup Prize Money
- Growth of Women’s Football
- NWSL Broadcasting Deal
- Jonas Eidevall’s Perspective
3 comments
Eidevall’s got a pt, need plan 4 parity
wow! This is big diff in prize money for women’s & men’s FA cups, huh?
gr8 2 see women’s game growing but still long way 2 go #Equality