Gotham players criticize the scheduling of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Players from Gotham FC have expressed their dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup after the NWSL team was defeated by Corinthians in the semifinals on Wednesday.
The New York-based Gotham, which earned its spot in the FIFA event by winning the first Concacaf Champions Cup, lost 1-0 to the South American champions in London.
This match marked Gotham’s first competitive outing since clinching the NWSL championship on November 22. The upcoming NWSL season is set to commence on March 13.
When asked if she was pleased with the intercontinental event being held in January, during the NWSL offseason, Gotham defender Jess Carter responded to reporters: “Absolutely not. I don’t think anyone is, but I don’t really know when else to schedule it, to be honest.”
“You’re asking players to shorten their offseason after everyone has just participated in competitions and the Euros, traveling around the globe. Then we come back after a very brief break and have to compete again.”
The six-team women’s Champions Cup was established as an intercontinental championship for women’s club teams, building on the increasing number of regional club competitions, particularly following the success of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
FIFA is also set to launch a 16-team Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, which will occur every four years. The new Champions Cup will take place annually, except in years when the Club World Cup is held.
The expansion of competitions and their duration has sparked discussions regarding the demands placed on top women’s players.
“Currently, there are just numerous games being added to the women’s game, and people are simply hoping that everyone can manage the workload,” Carter noted.
“We need to be taken care of; the players need support. We all want to compete, and we aim to provide the highest level of entertainment, which is only possible if we are all in peak condition, and that applies to every single women’s game.”
During the match, Gotham lost two players to injuries. Gabi Portilho required treatment after being struck on her right foot before halftime and ultimately had to leave early in the second half. Team captain Rose Lavelle also exited due to injury in stoppage time.
Gotham later announced that U.S. midfielder Lavelle was substituted due to concussion-like symptoms and will enter concussion protocol.
Corinthians captain Gabi Zanotti netted the only goal of the semifinal in the 82nd minute, getting past Gotham’s German international goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
“There should be a more effective system ensuring that everyone enters the competition fit enough because you want to compete against the best teams, and it’s essential to determine the optimal timing,” Berger stated.
Corinthians will now face the winner of the match between Arsenal and African champion ASFAR of Rabat, Morocco, in the second semifinal, while Gotham will compete against the loser in the third-place playoff. Both matches are scheduled for Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
