Chelsea director Sonia Bombastor has given her thoughts on the possibility of expanding the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL) to include Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.
According to reports emerging from The timesthe Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) is looking for ways to expand the women's game, and has explored the possibility of welcoming two Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) teams into its ranks.
It is understood that all talks are at an early stage, and no formal moves have been made by either party yet. According to the league regulations, the notice period for leaving the SWPL is two seasons, which means that the restructuring will not take place in the near future.
ChelseaBombastor was asked to share her thoughts on the matter as the team prepares to face West Ham United in the league's return. WSL This weekend.
“For these two teams to join the WSL, they are two big brands and it will be good,” she said.
Many concerns have been raised regarding the negative effects such a move could have on the Scottish Premiership. Omitting the two giants will do nothing to support the growth of the local game, a statement echoed by Bombastor when asked.
“On the other hand, it would not be good for their country,” the head coach said. “They are big brands and it would be good for their country to keep them.”
Reports indicate that the WPLL is also exploring the idea of a closed league. This means abolishing the promotion and relegation system, dismantling the traditional English level system.
Although she remained level-headed when asked about the controversy between Celtic and Rangers, Bombastor was sure to state her rejection of the closed league proposal.
“As far as competition goes, it's always good to go down,” she added. “When you're a team, you're always competing for something. Sometimes you're competing for titles and sometimes you're competing not to be relegated, and that's part of the competition.”
Good news for Blues fans as Bombastor provides a fitness update for their squad set to face West Ham at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday. The head coach has confirmed that star striker Joanna Retting-Canerade will be ready to return against the Irons.
Wieke Kaptein was brought off the field in the final moments of Chelsea's Women's FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic last weekend, after what appeared to be a poor knock. Bombastor confirmed that Kaptein is “fine” but is not ready to train with the team this week.
However, the coach confirms that the 19-year-old is “back in position where she will be ready to train on Saturday” and is likely to be in the squad for the match against Durham in the Women’s Subway League Cup.
