Women's football faces an existential threat in light of covid-19. Using case studies, we explore the covid-19 responses of three highly-ranked countries' national football associations (Australia, England, and USA) and their professional women's football leagues to: (a) compare and shed new insights into the wide range of covid-19 responses, and (b) identify ways that other nations could successfully manage the tensions between the economic impact of covid-19 and their social and ethical

more »

... sibilities to women's football. Drawing on institutional theory, a framework analysis was undertaken. 71 articles were examined to analyse the gendered global impacts that covid-19 is having on women's football. The results highlight several important recommendations for nations to consider during the pandemic: (1) maintain active communication with the community to allay worries about the future of women's football, (2) gather support from health and government officials, (3) seek out commercial and broadcasting partnerships to drive revenue, and (4) the interests of women's football are best served when responsibility for the elite women's league does not rest (solely) with national football associations. The study is first to explore institutional pressures and football governing bodies during covid-19 and provides a framework for other nations to manage major crises. A major question for the women's football community emerged: should our expectations of gender equality in football shift in light of covid-19? We argue sport is an interwoven part of society and cannot be separated from gender equality issues.