In case you hadn’t already heard, FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino is waiting for approval from his executive council for a new global women’s league.
The proposal would include 16 of the world’s top women’s national teams which would start as early as November 2019. It also proposes an addition of regional leagues to encourage the development of women’s soccer around the world — the leading players would have the potential to win promotions to the top division.
Infantino had included the proposal of a women’s league back in his 2015 campaign and he wants to boost visibility prior to re-election next year; however — and perhaps an even bigger play in the move — it’s also to boost the visibility, quality and interest in women’s football internationally. To this point in time, largely financed by FIFA, women’s football only has two main global tournaments every four years: the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics.
If approved, it will engage a whole new world of fans and open up the opportunity for women around the world to play professionally — previously, this just wasn’t realistic. If FIFA officially throws its branding and support behind a women’s league it would attract huge sponsor and likely even bigger fan interest, an area that’s struggled in the past.
There’s chatter that Infantino might be trying to push through too many changes too soon, but putting the option out there to various club members and football fans, giving them the opportunity to weigh-in could hold tremendous power. Women represent approximately 50% of the world’ population — they definitely have skilled athletes that deserve an opportunity to compete in a structure league and have more than enough interest, as it is, from a fanbase. Imagine the explosion of interest that opens up when and if this proposal is approved.
Now, add to this excitement and potential the explosive power when fans get the opportunity to fully engage and participate in the dialogue around the football industry. That’s where United Fans can really be of added value! Our vision is to provide fans and team management with the ability to interact, vote or raise capital through a platform which will increase collaboration and strengthen the football community.
Blockchain technology easily facilitates this process, empowering fans to own and manage teams. In fact, fans can actually vote on important issues, help raise capital for specific purposes, buy merchandise or even reward their favorite players.
So, think of what happens when fans are given the opportunity to fully throw their weight behind ideas such as this new FIFA women’s league! All of the sudden, FIFA management has more direct access to a wealth of crowd wisdom and can really stay informed on the pulse of fandom, and the process itself can really gain some momentum as more people learn about the opportunity and meaningful ways in which to get involved. The more support behind an idea, the better — these things can build a powerful voice to influence the future of football!