The Supporters Trust at Reading have issued an open letter to the FA, the club’s ownership following the news that Reading FC Women will drop down the football pyramid.
As well as the team dropping out of the Women’s Championship, the women’s academy set-up will also close down.
Penning an open letter to the Football Association (FA), Dai Yongge, Dai Xiu Li and prospective owners of Reading FC, STAR said: “STAR write to express our extreme disappointment regarding the reported withdrawal of Reading FC Women from the Women’s Championship.
“We understand that this decision was not taken lightly and the position forced as they would be unable to secure a licence to operate in the in the Women’s Championship for th 2024/25 season.
“The move undermines our club’s integrity and the progress of women’s football.
“Reading FC Women have been a source of prodigy for many and an inspiration for the next generation of women’s footballers across Berkshire.
“However, this decision not only jeopardise the future of our players and staff but also will inevitably mean the closure of the Professional Game Academy pathway, a blow to the hopes of aspiring female footballers across Berkshire.
“We stand united with our community, players and staff. We also appreciate the efforts of teh consortium that have attempted to rescue the Women’s team, and are saddened that the ownership situation has prevented its completion, be that through the actions of our existing owners or prospective owners.
“The desecration of Reading through our absent owners is already abhorrent, reports that prospective owners have blocked rescue attempts, despite seemingly not being willing to support the club themselves, are deeply troubling.
“This decision extends beyond football. It is a decision that affects our community, gender equality and our club’s heritage.
“Unlike the Men’s team, Reading Women received no punishments for non-compliance last season.
“While the EFL are working with Reading FC to enable them to participate in League One for 2024/25, no such concessions appear to be in place for Reading FC Women. This disparity of treatment is unjust and our plea is not for special treatment but for fairness.
“STAR call upon the FA to: 1. Offer a new achievable, deadline to rectify the current situation.
“2. Acknowledge the significant contribution of Reading FC Women to both the local community and professional women’s football.
“3. Partner with Reading FC to guarantee the ongoing presence of Reading FC Women in the WSL Championship
“STAR call on prospective owners and Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li (recognising this may be via Mark Bowen or Nigel Howe) to: 1. Communicate. State your plans for the future of Reading FC Women.
“2. If Reading FC Women are not a priority promptly pass on the ownership to a party committed to preserving their status in the women’s Championship.
“STAR remains deeply committed to supporting Reading FC Women and advocating for their place in football.”
