In a fervent call for reform, Marc Skinner, the esteemed manager of Manchester United, has raised concerns about the existing Women’s Champions League qualifying format. As his team braces for a crucial encounter with Paris St-Germain, Skinner contends that the current structure unfairly discriminates against English teams. In this article, we delve into Skinner’s perspective, analyzing the challenges faced by English clubs and the need for a more equitable qualification process.
The Unequal Divide: Women’s Champions League
Skinner’s primary grievance lies in the dual pathways established for the draw – the ‘champions’ path for domestic league champions and the ‘league’ path for teams who did not secure victory in their respective divisions. Manchester United, making their European debut after a commendable performance in the Women’s Super League, found themselves unseeded in the league path draw, pitted against formidable opponents in PSG.
A Tough Road for English Teams
Skinner argues that English teams encounter a significantly more challenging qualification route compared to their counterparts. The manager points out the disparity in the draw, highlighting instances where certain matchups seem disproportionately one-sided. This perceived imbalance raises questions about the fairness of the current system and its impact on the overall competitiveness of the Women’s Champions League.
The Strength of the WSL
The Women’s Super League (WSL), as Europe’s sole completely full-time and fully professional women’s football league, presents a unique landscape. Only the top three teams from WSL secure entry into European competitions each season. Skinner’s concerns gain weight as he observes instances like Arsenal, who finished third in the WSL last season, entering the qualification process earlier than United and facing an unexpected defeat by Paris FC.
October’s Final Qualifying Stage
Examining the final qualifying stage in October, Skinner alludes to fixtures in the ‘champions’ path that appear conspicuously one-sided on paper. Examples include Italian champions Roma facing FC Vorskla of Ukraine, raising questions about the overall competitiveness and fairness of the draw. In the ‘league’ path, Paris FC’s reward for eliminating Arsenal is a challenging tie against Wolfsburg, last season’s European finalists.
Manchester United’s Challenge
Skinner acknowledges the difficulty of their path, emphasizing that PSG, as a top-tier team, wouldn’t have chosen to face Manchester United. Despite the challenges, he exudes confidence in his team’s ability to prevail, stating, “There’s something about Manchester United on European nights, and I want to make sure that we give everything to try and be in there [the group stage].”
WSL Champions’ Automatic Spot
In contrast, WSL champions Chelsea receive an automatic spot in the group stage, enjoying a privilege that stems from their domestic success. This raises questions about the fairness of the qualification process, as teams with a proven track record in domestic leagues enter at different stages, affecting the overall competitive balance.
Champions League Qualifying Fixtures
Champions Path
- Apollon Ladies v Benfica
- FC Zurich v Ajax
- Roma v FC Vorskla
- Valur v St Polten
- Slavia Praha v Olimpia Cluj
- Glasgow City v SK Brann
- Spartak Subotica v FC Rosengard
League Path
- BK Hacken v FC Twente
- Real Madrid v Valerenga
- Eintracht Frankfurt v Sparta Praha
- Paris FC v Wolfsburg
- Manchester United v Paris St-Germain
Looking Forward
In conclusion, Marc Skinner’s call for a reevaluation of the Women’s Champions League qualifying format reflects a broader discussion on the fairness and competitiveness of the current system. As Manchester United battles PSG for a coveted spot in the group stage, the disparities in the draw prompt contemplation on the future of women’s football in Europe.