Scottish women's Premier League clubs set to join SPFL

Scotland’s elite women’s teams are set to join the SPFL this summer after a majority of Premier League clubs voted to leave Scottish Women’s Football (SWF).

The SPFL currently runs the four senior men’s divisions and now plans to operate two women’s divisions and also a women’s League Cup competition.

There are currently ten teams in the SWPL1, including the likes of Celtic, Rangers and reigning champions Glasgow City. There are seven teams in the second division, SWPL2.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said he was struck by the ambition of the top clubs in the women’s game.

He said: “It is clear to see the many benefits that increased professionalism has brought to women’s football across the world.

“We believe we are well-placed to add significant value to the game in Scotland in both a sporting and commercial sense.”

SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said the organisation would do everything it can to support the elite clubs’ transition to the SPFL.

She said: “SWF is committed to driving the women’s and girls’ game in Scotland. We are therefore determined to do everything we can to support the elite game as it transitions to the SPFL.

“With changes at the top level, SWF’s role and function in creating a positive environment for women and girls to play our beautiful game is now more important than ever.

“We intend and hope that SWF Championship teams will ultimately battle for promotion to SWPL2, with relegated teams joining the SWF Championship.”