Sonia Bompastor ‘not surprised’ by survey results on sexism and discrimination in football | OneFootball

Women’s football has come such a long way over recent years. You’d hope that this would descend into the game as a whole. Yet, the harsh reality of sexism and discrimination women receive working in the sport still rings true.

The organisation Women in Football are calling for accountability after their fifth annual industry workforce survey highlights the realities of ongoing sexism for women working in the sport.

Staggering stats that tell a story

The survey highlights three irrefutable realities for those working in football. Firstly, the overarching factor is that discrimination is persistent and widespread.

Similarly, systems for reporting discrimination are ineffective. Over half (56%) of women working in football said no action was taken after reporting gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

Finally, workplace culture is a significant barrier. In fact, that’s also a factor which is recognised by more than two thirds of male respondents.

Are we heading in the right direction?

Despite the mountain women are made to climb in football, respondents express some optimism. They wholeheartedly believe that current gaps can represent opportunities for creating change. And 67 percent of members believe their resilience, and 63 percent say their determination has helped them during their careers in the football industry.

Despite the stats displaying progress that needs to be made, women believe there’s a bright future ahead.

As many as 77 percent of women are optimistic about the prospects for women in the football industry. Meanwhile, 55 percent of women said the football sector is one where women can excel. However, for women of underrepresented ethnic origins, this drops to 29 percent. This shows that we need to ensure all women, including those from underrepresented groups, can both feel welcome and excel in their chosen careers in the sport.

The everyday reality of sexism for leading women in the game

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These figures are probably all too familiar for women working in football. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor shares that reality.

When asked about the survey, particularly that 78 percent of women had faced discrimination when working in football, she said she was ‘not surprised’.

Bompastor explained that one of the first questions she’s often asked in job interviews is whether she can lead a top club while being a mother.

“Guess what was almost the first question everyone is asking me when I want to become a head coach or a manager? So, I’m going to tell you. ‘Do you think it’s possible to be a mum of four kids and being a manager for a high club?’

“I think if you have a man in front of the same people, they will never ask that question.”

She added: “It wasn’t the case at Chelsea.”

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Of course, it goes without saying that it’s a question she shouldn’t be asked. You only need to look at her first season in charge of Chelsea to know the answer.

Bompastor, who has four children, led the Blues to a domestic treble last season. She agrees with others that ‘we still have room for improvement’.

Similar thoughts were echoed by Arsenal manager Renée Slegers, who was also asked about the survey. She agreed that ‘there is still a lot of work that needs to be done’.

These figures tell a real story for women working in the game, one that’s shared by some of the women leading the way. It’s a reminder that while there’s progress being made, it needs to continue.

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