Sheffield United are to be given a reprieve from relegation and remain in the second tier, WSL 2, next season, the Guardian understands.
The decision, made by the Football Association, follows Blackburn Rovers’ decision to withdraw from the English women’s pyramid’s second tier for financial reasons.
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Sheffield United had finished bottom of tier two last season but have met all the requirements for a WSL 2 licence. Burnley, a third-tier club also applied to fill the vacancy left by Blackburn afrer pledging to move to full-time status, but it is understood guidance in the FA handbook led to the decision to select Sheffield United for a reprieve instead.
Blackburn Rovers confirmed their withdrawal from the WSL 2 on 20 May and that they will re-enter at least two tiers below. The owners had been unwilling to provide the funding to meet the division’s new minimum licence requirement.
Nikki Doucet, the WSL Football chief executive, said at the time: “This is a sad day for women’s football and our hearts go out to the players, staff and fans at Blackburn Rovers FC Women affected by this decision to withdraw from the Women’s Super League 2. We have been working with the club all season to prevent this outcome and we are disappointed it has come to this.”