Reims deny scrapping women’s team, confirm drop to amateur level | OneFootball

On Friday, Stade de Reims ruled out closing their women’s section, but confirmed it will step down from the professional tier to an amateur division next season.

The club said in a statement that constantly rising regulatory, organisational and structural demands, set against a tightly constrained economic context in French football, mean it cannot keep the first team in a national championship. It reiterated its commitment to developing the women’s game at the club.

The clarification followed a statement from the players highlighting their situation. The UNFP has taken up the case and is concerned for the professionals, with players said to have been advised to look for a new project for next season.

Reims will no longer compete in the Second Division. The team will enter either D3 or R1 next season.

The club intends to concentrate resources on the long-term maintenance and sustainable development of its women’s set-up.

Source: L'Équipe