Players from Gotham FC have voiced their frustrations regarding the scheduling of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup following their semifinal loss to Corinthians on Wednesday.
The New York-based club, which qualified for this prestigious tournament by clinching the first Concacaf Champions Cup, was narrowly defeated 1-0 by the South American champions in London.
This match marked Gotham’s first competitive outing since their NWSL championship victory on November 22, with the new NWSL season not slated to commence until March 13.
When asked about her feelings on the intercontinental event being held in January, during the NWSL offseason, Gotham defender Jess Carter responded, “Absolutely not. I don’t think anyone is, but I’m not really sure when else it could be scheduled.”
“Players are being asked to shorten their offseason after many had just participated in competitions like the Euros, along with extensive travel. We come back after limited time off and are expected to play again.”
The six-team Women’s Champions Cup has been established as an international championship for women’s club teams, building on the momentum from a variety of regional club competitions, particularly the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
In addition, FIFA is set to launch a 16-team Women’s Club World Cup in 2028, with matches scheduled every four years. The Champions Cup will take place annually, aside from the years when the Club World Cup is held.
The growing number and frequency of competitions have sparked discussions about the workload placed on top female athletes.
“Currently, it seems like a lot of matches are being added to women’s soccer, and the hope is that everyone can manage the increased load,” Carter explained.
“We need to be taken care of; player well-being is essential. All of us want to compete and provide the best level of entertainment, but that can only happen if we are all in top physical condition, a standard that should apply to every women’s game.”
During the match, Gotham lost two players to injuries. Gabi Portilho required treatment for a foot injury sustained before halftime and had to exit in the second half. Team captain Rose Lavelle also left the game with an injury in stoppage time.
Gotham later reported that Lavelle was substituted due to concussion-like symptoms and will undergo concussion protocol.
The lone goal of the semifinal was scored by Corinthians captain Gabi Zanotti in the 82nd minute, finding the back of the net against Gotham’s German international goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
“There should be a more organized system to ensure players arrive fit for such competitions because everyone wants to compete against the best teams, and we need to identify the optimal timing for that,” Berger noted.
Corinthians will now face UEFA Champions League titleholders Arsenal after their 6-0 victory over African champions AS FAR in the other semifinal, while Gotham will take on the Moroccan side for the third-place playoff. Both matches are set for Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.