The women’s football world is one step closer to finding out who will be promoted to the FA WSL next season as Sheffield FC were yesterday confirmed as the champions of the WPL Northern Division.
They will face Portsmouth – who are the winners of the WPL Southern Division – in a play-off on Sunday May 24th, with the victorious team gaining promotion to the WSL 2.
Sheffield – who recently lost the FA WPL Cup final on penalties to Charlton – were neck-and-neck with Coventry City LFC for the title, until the Sky Blues were deducted six points for fielding two ineligible players. The club decided not to appeal the decision leaving the Yorkshire side as champions.
A statement on Coventry City Ladies’ website said: “The board would like to thank all those that so generously offered legal support and expertise in defending our case; regrettably we have simply run out of time.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all at Sheffield FC on retaining the Northern Division title.”
Sheffield have won 18 of their 21 league games so far, including all 11 of their home games. They have one match remaining – away at Sporting Club Albion this Sunday – prior to the promotion play-off.
Portsmouth have finished their season, winning 18 of their 22 games.
Due to the FA’s two-year plan to expand the number of teams in the WSL, there will be no relegation from WSL 2 into the WPL this year.
