The final match of the Women’s Football Association (FA) Cup between Chelsea and Manchester City broke the competition’s record for the most people in attendance at an FA Cup match.
Chelsea’s 3-2 triumph against Manchester City brought a record-breaking audience of 49,094 to the Wembley Stadium, breaking the previous mark of 45,423 established in 2018.
Chelsea won the FA Women’s Super League title for the second year in a row, the first time this has occurred in the club’s history.
Sam Kerr scored two goals for the Blues, including the game-winner. Last November, the Australian player agreed to a contract extension with the club that will retain her in London until 2024. She is said to earn nearly $400,000 per season.
Baroness Sue Campbell, Director of women’s football at the Football Association said, “That was a special day for the women’s game. The atmosphere in and around the stadium from early this morning has been absolutely fantastic, it’s exactly the sort of occasion we hoped for when we committed to hosting the final at Wembley Stadium every season.
“The picture of Olympic Way packed with families, friends, girls and boys is an image that will live with me for a long time. This has been a landmark domestic season for women’s football. We have seen a huge growth in TV and digital audiences throughout the season and nearly 50,000 at Wembley today shows the appetite to attend live women’s football in this country. I’m delighted they’ve been rewarded with a great spectacle between two top teams.
“The momentum certainly doesn’t stop here. After a fascinating FA Women’s National League playoff final next Saturday, there’s a hugely exciting summer ahead. A major tournament on home soil provides us with an incredible opportunity to not only drive participation, refereeing, and coaching but also be even more ambitious with our desire to grow the fanbase. Days like this are just part of the journey, not the end.”
As the popularity of women’s football grows in the United Kingdom, England will also welcome the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Football Championship, which is a national team competition, in July, with Wembley hosting the finals yet again.