Reading FC protest group Sell Before We Dai are launching a billboard campaign in the town to highlight the plight of Reading FC Women.
Alarming reports over the last week have suggested that the women’s team may not be able to compete in the Women’s Championship from next campaign and may have to drop down the football pyramid.
To raise awareness and support for the women’s team, Sell Before We Dai are launching a billboard in Reading town centre which will go live at 5pm today (Wednesday).
A statement from SBWD reads: “To Dai Yongge and Dai Xiuli: Sell the club now. Enough is enough. Take a viable offer and leave.
“To prospective owners: “Exclusivity matters. The sooner you demonstrate that you are serious about Reading FC, the earlier we can mitigate further damage taking place. Pre-season is almost upon us.
“From any new owners we expect a commitment to the club’s long-term success – by supporting the whole club. This includes the Women’s team too.
“To the Football Association: We urge you to work with Reading FC to find solutions that do not further harm Reading FC Women. Any fines or sanctions placed upon Reading FC right now would further jeopardise the existence of the entire club and complicate our chances of a sale.
“To Reading FC fans: To the fans of Reading FC Women, we ask you to keep raising awareness and championing the survival of the Women’s team and Academy.
“It’s not true to say that closing the Women’s set-up will save the Men’s team. It costs a very small fraction of what the club pays for the Men’s set-up. It is not an ‘either/or’ decision.
“Neglecting the Women’s team has broader repercussions. If we allow the Women’s team to be decimated, it opens the door for the Academy and the Men’s team to be next.
“Supporting the Women’s team is not just about football; it’s a matter of community pride, gender equality, and preserving the club’s heritage.
“The Women’s team contributes significantly to the overall identity and reputation of Reading FC.
“Together, we can secure a sustainable future for Reading FC – one that includes the invaluable contributions of our women’s team.”
