‘Women play football, not women’s football’: the potentials and paradoxes of professionalisation expressed at the UEFA women’s EURO 2022 Championship
A summary of the research:
The article titled "Women Play Football, Not Women’s Football: The Potentials and Paradoxes of Professionalisation Expressed at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Championship" explores the professionalisation of women’s football through an ethnographic study conducted during the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Championship. The authors examine the growing recognition and investment in women’s football while identifying several paradoxes that accompany its professionalisation. For instance, while record-breaking attendance signals the sport's rising popularity, UEFA's choice of smaller stadiums and lower ticket prices constrained its commercial potential. The article also points out the inconsistency between UEFA’s global marketing of the event and the lack of local visibility and promotion in host cities.
The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the championship is another example of progress accompanied by challenges. While the introduction of VAR highlights the increasing professionalisation of women’s football, the quality of the technology was subpar compared to men's championships due to limited resources. Additionally, although the tournament attracted a more diverse fan base, the design of the stadiums—such as limited facilities for women—did not fully support this inclusivity. The article concludes that while significant strides have been made, disparities in resources, media coverage, and infrastructure continue to hinder the full professionalisation of women’s football.
Key Takeaways:
Record-breaking attendance: Despite the growing popularity of women’s football, UEFA's decision to use smaller stadiums and lower ticket prices limited the commercial potential of the event.
Implementation of VAR: The use of VAR technology was a step toward professionalisation, but the use of fewer cameras and lower-quality technology compared to men’s tournaments exposed gender disparities.
Infrastructural challenges: While the championship drew a more diverse crowd, the stadiums’ lack of adequate facilities for women indicated that more effort is needed to support inclusivity in women’s football.
Authors: Anne Tjønndal, Sigbjørn Børreson Skirbekk, Stian Røsten, & Egil Trasti Rogstad
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