Women’s football is enjoying a global surge in on-screen visibility and popularity, a surge that masks the cracks in the way it is run and governed. Many teams competing at last year’s World Cup were in active disputes with their own federations around pay, conditions and sexual harassment cases. But with barely any women elected into decision-making roles in global and national football governance, should we turn to AI to solve sexism in football?

Maggie Murphy, Lewes FC, outgoing CEO took to the Female Leaders’ Club Stage at MAD//Fest London and explained why sexism is not solved in football just yet. Watch Maggie’s great session in it’s entirety here and also find out, amongst other things, about:

  • Why in 1921, women’s football was banned by the FA for 50 years. The very body whose entire job is to promote football, decided to reduce its acquisition targets by 50%. 

  • Why it is taking so long to get women into the decision making roles in the football federation.

  • How drawing on real stories and policies, an AI woman might be able to solve football’s sexism crisis.

All the Female Leaders’ Club 2024 sessions are now on our YouTube channel. Great to watch whilst you’re on the beach, on the train, or at work!  Over the course of the summer and next few months, we'll be summarising and highlighting several of the standout keynotes (like Maggie’s), so you can have a weekly dose of inspiration and insight!