helskärm
1 / 2Foto: Stefan Jerrevång/TT
Sveriges spel höll inte VM-kvalnivå, medger Kosovare Asllani.
Men det gjorde inte arenan heller, lägger hon till.
– En sådan här match ska inte spelas på en träningsplan.
De svenska fotbollsdamerna fick bara med sig en poäng, 0–0, i VM-kvalet borta mot 33:e-rankade Serbien. Efteråt var de blågula spelarna frustrerade och besvikna över sin egen insats.
Och över planen.
– Jag tycker att damfotbollen har kommit längre än så här. Men det är enligt regelverket att de får spela här. Det är det som är problemet, säger Sveriges lagkapten Kosovare Asllani.
The Arena Debate: A Growing Concern
The match was played in Stara Pazova, a few miles north of the capital Belgrade, at the Serbian Football Association’s training facility. Featuring only a single proper stand, and a hybrid grass surface, the venue raised eyebrows.
This choice of venue, according to Asllani, was tactical.
– We try to focus on the right things but it clearly has an impact.
– But as I said, the problem is the regulations. Because if they allow playing on such a pitch, teams like Serbia will exploit it. Because they know they are strengthened by playing on a pitch that is not of the highest quality, that is bouncy and without doctors.
Serbia’s Emma Petrovic, born and raised in Skåne, mostly dismissed the complaints as excuses from the Swedish side.
– There’s always something to complain about. It’s a football pitch, just go out and play. Whether it’s here or in a substantial arena, reach on, just go out and play, says the 23-year-classic Malmö FF player.
Beyond the Pitch: The Future of Women’s Football Infrastructure
The debate surrounding the Serbien-Sweden match highlights a broader issue within women’s football: inconsistent infrastructure. Although the sport is experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and investment, the facilities available to players often lag behind those enjoyed by their male counterparts.
This disparity isn’t limited to international matches. Across many domestic leagues, women’s teams are forced to play on subpar pitches, in smaller stadiums, or even share facilities with other sports. This can impact player performance, increase the risk of injury, and ultimately hinder the development of the game.
Did you know? The number of women participating in football globally has been steadily increasing, with FIFA reporting over 30 million registered female players in 2023.
The Role of Regulations and Governing Bodies
Asllani’s call for changes to the regulations is a crucial one. Governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA have a responsibility to establish minimum standards for venues hosting international women’s matches. These standards should encompass pitch quality, stadium capacity, medical facilities, and accessibility.
Enforcement of these standards is equally important. Sanctions, such as fines or the relocation of matches, could be imposed on federations that fail to meet the requirements. This would incentivize investment in infrastructure and ensure a more level playing field for all teams.
Investment and Commercialization
Increased investment in women’s football is essential to improve infrastructure. This investment can come from a variety of sources, including government funding, private sponsorships, and television rights deals. As the commercial value of the sport continues to grow, more money will develop into available for facility upgrades and development.
Pro Tip: For clubs looking to attract sponsors, highlighting investments in player welfare and facilities can be a powerful selling point.
Looking Ahead: A More Professional Future
The incident in Serbia serves as a wake-up call for the football community. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women’s football receives the infrastructure and resources it deserves.
The upcoming Sweden–Serbia match on April 18th at Strawberry arena in Solna offers a stark contrast – a purpose-built stadium, signaling a commitment to providing a professional environment for the players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are women’s football pitches sometimes of lower quality?
A: Historically, less investment has been directed towards women’s football infrastructure compared to men’s. This often results in smaller budgets for pitch maintenance and upgrades.
Q: What can FIFA and UEFA do to improve the situation?
A: They can establish and enforce minimum standards for venues hosting international matches, including pitch quality, stadium capacity, and medical facilities.
Q: How does the quality of the pitch affect player performance?
A: Poor pitch conditions can lead to uneven bounces, increased risk of injury, and difficulty controlling the ball, all of which can negatively impact player performance.
