It is not mandatory for the Football Association Women’s Super League clubs to afford players private health insurance, and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is calling for that to change.  

“We would like to see full provision of private medical included in the women’s contracts for the professional players, the same as their male counterparts,” a report by Telegraph Sport quoted a spokesperson of the union as saying.

“We recognise that financial constraints make that more difficult in the women’s game, but we do feel it should be a prerequisite for clubs to have professional status. We’ve had multiple inquiries for assistance, and have helped players in a manner of different ways.”

Meanwhile the report noted that not all sides turn their backs on providing medical cover. As for the others, issues surrounding monetary sustainability are said to be a chief reason why.

The spokesperson added: “We use residential rehabilitation for PFA members at St George’s Park and we have assisted with the funding of operations for players who haven’t been able to get it through the club.”