Chelsea manager Bompastor did not mince words when she voiced her discontent over the dismal pitch conditions in women’s football. Following Chelsea’s hard-fought 2-1 victory against Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup final at Pride Park, Bompastor expressed her disappointment with the playing surface. “It’s a bit of a shame to have this pitch for a final, especially when you expect England to have the best pitches in the world. I’m not sure if it was a men’s final that it would be the same,” she remarked pointedly.
The pitch, described as patchy, dry, and riddled with brown spots, was far from the world-class standard one might expect for a cup final. Chelsea’s captain Millie Bright also voiced her frustration, labeling the conditions as “disappointing.” Midfielder Erin Cuthbert echoed similar sentiments, further emphasizing the need for better playing fields. The substandard surface not only impacted the flow of the game but also posed an increased risk of injuries to players.
Chelsea manager Bompastor: A Recurring Theme in Women’s Football
Bompastor’s concerns are far from isolated. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers also raised her voice on the matter after her team’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final. Slegers pointed out that heavy rain had turned the pitch into a waterlogged hazard, severely affecting the players’ ability to perform at their best.
Chelsea manager Bompastor: Such issues are becoming alarmingly frequent, and players and coaches alike are growing increasingly vocal about the disparity in pitch standards between men’s and women’s football. If elite clubs playing at the highest levels are facing such challenges, what does that say about lower-tier teams and grassroots football?
A Dangerous Playing Field: Player Safety at Risk
Chelsea manager Bompastor ; One of the most pressing concerns arising from poor pitch quality is player safety. An uneven or excessively dry playing surface increases the risk of ankle twists, ligament tears, and muscle strains. Injuries not only derail individual careers but also weaken teams and negatively impact the overall competitiveness of the league.
Given the rapid growth of women’s football in recent years, it’s unacceptable that players are still being asked to compete under such conditions. The demand for equality in sports should extend beyond just wages and visibility—proper infrastructure is a fundamental necessity for professional athletes to perform safely and effectively.
Chelsea manager Bompastor: The Need for Governing Bodies to Step Up
The responsibility for addressing these concerns falls squarely on the shoulders of governing bodies like UEFA, the FA, and FIFA. Stricter regulations should be in place to ensure that all high-profile matches meet a certain standard of pitch quality, regardless of whether it is a men’s or women’s competition.
Investment in pitch maintenance is not a luxury—it is a necessity. If women’s football is to continue its upward trajectory, it must be given the same level of care and attention as its male counterpart. This includes ensuring that groundskeepers have the resources needed to maintain pitches in top condition and holding stadiums accountable when they fail to provide a safe playing environment.
A Call to Action: No More Excuses
Chelsea manager Bompastor: The message from players and managers is clear—enough is enough. Women’s football deserves better, and the time for change is now. Improved pitches will not only enhance the quality of the game but will also demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality in football.
With the Women’s World Cup and major club competitions gaining increasing viewership, fans, sponsors, and governing bodies must work together to ensure that the athletes competing at the highest level are provided with the best possible conditions. Because let’s face it—football, no matter who’s playing, deserves a proper stage.
