By Ben Nsemo
Real Madrid has ignited a firestorm of criticism after calling for a reduction in funding for the women’s Spanish league, Liga F.
The club’s general director, Jose Angel Sanchez, made the controversial statement during a recent Assembly of Clubs meeting, targeting the financial support package La Liga provides to the women’s league.
The funding, a five-year initiative worth €40 million (£33m/$42m), is currently in its third year.
It began with annual contributions of €6 million (£5m/$6m) and has gradually increased, with €8 million (£7m/$8m) being disbursed this year. The annual funding is set to reach €10 million (£8m/$10m) in its final two years.
These contributions are sourced from La Liga’s revenues, which are shared among 42 clubs across the Primera and Segunda divisions. However, only 13 of these clubs field teams in Liga F.
Madrid’s criticism comes amid financial challenges faced by Liga F, including issues with former sponsor Fi Network’s unpaid commitments.
The league now relies on alternative revenue sources, such as a broadcasting deal with DAZN and €20 million (£17m/$21m) annually from Spain’s Ministry for Sport (CSD). Additionally, €19.5 million is allocated over five years to projects promoting women’s football.
During the meeting, Madrid’s representative reportedly told La Liga president Javier Tebas, “It’s too much. It has to be cut.” This position has reignited criticism of Real Madrid’s historical approach to women’s football.
The club only established its women’s team in 2019 by acquiring CD Tacon, lagging behind other major clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, which have long supported women’s football development.
Critics argue that Madrid’s stance is inconsistent with its financial position, given the club’s revenue of over €1 billion last season.
Furthermore, the call for cuts comes at a time of unprecedented growth in women’s football globally, buoyed by Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph in 2023.
The move contrasts sharply with broader efforts to expand investment in women’s sports, drawing significant public and institutional scrutiny.
