Brighton CEO Paul Barber on women’s stadium and pitch safety

The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) are currently proposing several changes to the structure of the women’s game with the aim of helping to grow it.

Clubs will be asked to discuss and vote on any proposals at their quarterly shareholders meetings – one possible change would be the temporary scrapping of relegation from the Women’s Super League.

Barber says it is not something Brighton’s board have addressed but he welcomes proposals for change.

“I think it is right that the WPLL are looking at every single avenue to accelerate the growth of the women’s game,” said Barber.

“If that means we need to give owners more security in order to invest faster, we have to consider that. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong – but just that we need to have every argument on the table.”

Barber said WSL clubs “understand” they will endure financial losses for a period of time as they invest in women’s football but added that they must look to make it sustainable.

“The most important thing is that we are investing in the right things to turn around that position in the not-so-distant future because we can’t just run women’s football clubs at a loss forever,” he added.

“That doesn’t make any sense for anyone and isn’t healthy for aspiring future female athletes who want to come into an environment, be paid properly and looked after.

“We have to create a business that is sustainable for the future.”

Asked whether he would welcome Financial Fair Play regulations in the WSL, Barber added: “I think it’s a balance of not constraining investment but at the same time not accelerating losses. It’s so difficult.

“The key thing is learning as many lessons as we can from the men’s game so we don’t lead football clubs into more precautions positions.

“I would expect in the new governance bill, that in time, there will be more parameters around spending [in the WSL].”