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Chelsea FC v Crystal Palace - Barclays Women's Super LeagueGetty Images Sport
Calum Preston Kelly

Women's Super League & Women's Championship scrap plans to remove relegation amid significant backlash to controversial proposals

WSL
Women's football

Women's Super League relegation will continue, as controversial plans to expand the division through a four-year relegation pause will not go ahead.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Plans to remove WSL relegation will not go ahead
  • Four-year relegation break from 2026 was considered
  • There was widespread opposition to the proposal
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The WSL and Women's Championship had explored the possibility of temporarily removing relegation from 2026, but Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) is instead to pursue other ways of altering the format of the two divisions. Fans and the media had been vocal in their opposition of the proposal.

  • Crystal Palace v Arsenal FC - Barclays Women's Super LeagueGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Currently, just one team is relegated from the WSL, with the winners of the Women's Championship taking their place. Crystal Palace will be returning to the Championship after a one-year stay in the top flight, while London City Lionesses have secured a first-ever promotion to the WSL.

    The proposal would have meant that promotion continued without relegation for four years, until the WSL contained 16 clubs.

  • WHAT THE WPLL SAID

    The WPLL's chief executive, Nikki Doucet, said in March: “We believe promotion and relegation is a great thing. It adds jeopardy and excitement.”

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  • Liverpool FC v Everton FC - Barclays Women's Super LeagueGetty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    Expansion of the WSL and Women's Championship remains an issue to be explored, as it could have a positive impact on women's football in this country if more clubs are given the opportunity to professionalise and gain exposure. But it has been decided that removing relegation is not the answer.