Danish women’s football enters a new era « Euro Weekly News

Football player Mie Leth Jans. Credit: Instagram @mielethjans

Danish women’s football is welcoming the introduction of a landmark standard player contract for the Danish Women’s League.

The agreement, implemented on New Year’s Day, was headed by the Danish players’ union, Spillerforeningen. The union promises to revolutionise working conditions for professional female footballers in Denmark.

What does the new Danish women’s football contract include?

For the first time, female players in Denmark are guaranteed minimum wages, injury insurance provided by clubs, and a pension scheme. The new system aligns wages with the type of employment – full-time or part-time – ensuring that players are fairly compensated.

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Additionally, young players will benefit from a youth contract that facilitates the balance between education and football, a move aimed at reducing the number of players seeking better opportunities abroad.

“All of this means we are taking a huge step towards increased professionalisation,” said Allan Reese, Spillerforeningen’s deputy director.

Inequalities in Danish football

Previously, women’s contracts in Denmark were described as “absurd,” with some players earning only a few hundred dollars a month despite full-time commitments. Compensation and protections were minimal, leaving players vulnerable.

“Players have been frustrated for years,” explained former national team star Line Roddik to FIFPro. “While this should have been addressed earlier, we must recognise that this is a big step forward. We still have a long way to go, but things are looking good.”

Under the agreement, minimum wages will increase annually until they match the men’s wages by 2029, setting a timeline for pay equality.

One of the contract’s most celebrated aspects is injury insurance, which many female players lacked.

Laerke Tingleff Søndergaard, a former FC Nordsjælland player, emphasised that injuries often have a disproportionate financial impact on female players due to lower salaries and fewer safety nets.

The future of Danish women’s football

This contract is more than just a legal framework; it represents hope for future generations. Brøndby player and union board member Mie Leth Jans highlighted how transparency in contract terms is empowering players: “There’s now clarity on what to expect and demand, which was previously absent.”

While challenges remain, the contract sets a new standard for women’s football in Denmark and serves as a model for other nations.

“It’s a huge step,” said Jans, “but there’s still work to be done. This marks the beginning of a brighter, more equitable future for women’s football.”

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