23rd November 2024
Lewes FC, AFC Sudbury, Worcester City Women, Cheltenham Town and Dulwich Hamlet unite for Equal FA Cup Prize Money.
The Second Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup will see Lewes FC face AFC Sudbury this Sunday – but this match is about more than football. These teams are now joined by Worcester City Women and Cheltenham Town Women, along with Dulwich Hamlet, Lewes’ first round opponents, in stepping up their fight for prize parity by calling for equal FA Cup prize money for men and women.
Right now, the disparity is stark: winners in the Women’s Second Round will receive just £8,000, while men’s teams at the same stage pocket £75,000. This glaring inequity is determined entirely by the FA. Despite progress since Lewes FC first began campaigning for change in 2018, the women’s total prize fund remains at only 30% of the men’s, and most prize money goes to the biggest teams. This injustice must end. The FA can make the decision for pay parity today.
Our campaign advocates for a fairer distribution of FA Cup prize money, aligning with the FA’s ‘For All’ mission. The proposed changes would direct transformational funds to women’s and non-league clubs, boosting both club and player development. Under this model, 95% of clubs participating in the men’s and women’s FA Cup would benefit financially.
The clubs are making their voices heard both on and off the pitch. Teams are actively writing to their MPs and advocating for change. On the field, players will pause play for the first 21 seconds of their matches, a powerful gesture commemorating the 1921 FA ban that sidelined women’s football for 50 years.
The clubs would like to meet with the FA to discuss why the FA has yet to ensure prize parity between the men’s and women’s FA Cups.
Lewes FC COO Kelly Lindsey expressed her excitement about the growing momentum: “We’re proud to welcome AFC Sudbury, Worcester City Women, Cheltenham Town, and Dulwich Hamlet to our campaign for equality. This isn’t just about prize money—it’s about fairness and respect for women’s football at every level. Together, we’re sending a clear message to the FA, whose mandate is to ensure no one is treated less favourably or discriminated against. The FA’s mission is to ‘inspire positive change through football’, and we believe the most powerful change is for every boy and girl in the country to know their National FA sees them as equals. We urge everyone who believes in equality to join us and help close the gender gap to create a level playing field for all.
Dulwich Hamlet Reaffirms Commitment to Equal Access to FA Cup Prize Money. Although we are disappointed not to advance to the next rounds of the FA Cup, our commitment to advocating for equality in the sport remains unwavering. Each round of the competition, regardless of who participates, serves as an opportunity to champion a cause that we believe in wholeheartedly: equal access to FA Cup prize money.
“Prize money is about more than just financial support—it represents recognition for the time, effort, and dedication that women bring to the game, on par with their male counterparts. Beyond recognition, equitable prize money has the potential to transform women’s football at every level, driving growth, improving resources, and inspiring future generations to take the sport to even greater heights.
“We remain resolute in our efforts to push for fairness and continue to stand behind
this critical cause as the competition progresses.”
AFC Sudbury Director Patrick Bell says: “Fair distribution of the FA Cup prize money pot would not cost the FA a penny; it would simply help to enable their own commitment to Women’s and Girls Football as expressed in their ‘Reaching Higher Strategy for Women’s and Girls Football 2024 – 2028’
“This in turn will help deliver a financially sustainable football ecosystem that benefits all clubs, players, and communities across the country, not just the very biggest which inevitably gain the most under the current system, yet need it the least.”
Worcester City Women play West Bromwich Albion in the Women’s FA Cup second round on Sunday, and CEO Nicole Allison says: “As an independent, purpose-driven club Worcester City Women FC are proud to support the campaign for fairer distribution of FA Cup prize money. Research by Women in Sport revealed that 4 in 10 girls feel women’s sport is still viewed as of lower value than men’s sport and the continued disparity only serves to reinforce this. We will do everything we can to change perceptions, educate and accelerate action to empower women and girls.”
Cheltenham Town Women take on Moneyfields FC this Sunday, and Chairman Andy Liddle says:“Seventeen years have passed since the Wimbledon Tennis tournament balanced the prize money between Men and Women. We look forward to the time when the FA stop sitting on their hands and take action too.”
Lewes FC, AFC Sudbury, Worcester City Women, Cheltenham Town and Dulwich Hamlet FC are united in their message: football is for everyone, and equal play deserves equal pay. A women’s football match isn’t cheaper to stage. We bear the costs of competing in the FA Cup but don’t receive the same rewards. It’s time for the FA to finish the job and introduce equal prize money for all FA Cup competitions.
Find out more at www.equalfacup.com
#EqualFAcup #EqualityFC #21SecondProtest