Women in Football call for accountability after new survey exposes harsh realities of ongoing sexism in the sport.

The organisation’s fifth annual industry workforce survey results highlight indisputable relities for those working in football.

More than half of women working in the sport say no action was taken after reporting gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination is persistent and widespread — 78% of women have experienced discrimination based on their gender in the workplace — yet systems for reporting it are ineffective.

CEO of Women in Football Yvonne Harrison urges, “We cannot keep relying on the resilience of women. We need women to be supported, valued, and recognised. These are not questions of cost. It is a question of culture, and a commitment to ensuring psychological safety.”

Discrimination, online abuse, career progression obstacles, and a lack of support adversely impact a higher percentage of women in football from underrepresented ethnic groups.

Chair of WIF Ebru Köskal says, “This year’s findings provide us with the evidence to both confront discrimination and celebrate progress. They also show that barriers are often higher when gender intersects with other underrepresented identities, reminding us that intersectionality must inform real solutions.”

In spite of the findings, 77% of women remain optimistic about their prospects in the football industry. Fifty-five percent of women said the football sector is one where women can excel – but for women of underrepresented ethnic origins, this dropped to 29%.

Football’s diversity problems run far deeper than just gender. There are institutional barriers which go beyond individual behaviours, and highlight systemic exclusion.

Women in Football, through this important research, are asking the industry to finally match women’s resilience with real change.