Women’s football has grown at an extraordinary pace in recent years, inspiring a new generation of players and increasing visibility for the sport. But with this growth comes greater scrutiny of player welfare—particularly when it comes to injuries.

One of the biggest threats to female footballers today is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. In the 2023–24 season alone, an estimated 195 elite players suffered ACL tears. That’s 195 careers disrupted. 195 players facing months, if not years, of gruelling rehabilitation. And for too many, 195 dreams cut short.

At Switalskis, we see the impact of these injuries first-hand. We work with athletes whose careers and futures have been put at risk due to inadequate medical care and mismanagement.

Our client, a 19-year-old winger and striker in the Women’s Super League, had everything ahead of her. Her speed, skill, and determination made her one of the most exciting young talents in English football. But after sustaining an ACL injury, the care she received fell far short of what she needed.

Despite an MRI confirming a Grade 2 ACL tear, she was told that physiotherapy alone would be enough. She trusted the medical advice, returned to play too soon, and suffered a complete ACL rupture. Multiple surgeries followed, but by the age of 22, she was forced to retire from professional football.

Led by Tamlin Bolton, senior associate solicitor, our team at Switalskis built a robust case to hold those responsible accountable. We:

• Secured expert evidence from specialists in women’s football to quantify the impact on her career and financial future.
• Worked with international witnesses, including former managers and industry professionals, to highlight her potential and the opportunities lost due to her injury.
• Achieved a six-figure settlement, ensuring she had the financial security and resources needed to rebuild her future.

Cases like this are avoidable. But change will only happen if women’s football is given the medical support it deserves.

Why are ACL injuries more common in women’s football?

Research suggests that female footballers are up to six times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than their male counterparts. But why? The reality is that women’s bodies, training, and medical support have historically been overlooked in sports science. Several key factors contribute to the increased risk:

• Biomechanics – Women’s wider pelvises and differences in knee alignment place additional stress on the ACL during movements like jumping, pivoting, and sudden changes in direction.
• Hormonal fluctuations – Estrogen affects ligament strength, increasing the risk of injury at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
• Training and conditioning – Many programmes were originally designed for male athletes, failing to account for the physiological differences that influence injury risk in women.

As women’s football continues to evolve, so must the medical and coaching strategies supporting players. A failure to adapt is a failure to protect the athletes who drive this sport forward.

The duty of care in women’s football

Elite clubs, governing bodies, and medical professionals have a responsibility to prioritise player welfare. Proper care isn’t just about treating injuries—it’s about preventing them in the first place.

A strong duty of care includes:

• Early and accurate diagnosis – Players must have access to MRI scans and specialist assessments to determine the severity of an injury without delay.
• Tailored rehabilitation – Recovery from an ACL tear is not one-size-fits-all. Female athletes need structured, evidence-based rehab plans that take their specific needs into account.
• Informed decision-making – The pressure to return to play too soon can lead to repeat injuries, permanent damage, and even career-ending complications. Players deserve clear, honest guidance about when it’s truly safe to step back onto the pitch.

When this duty of care is neglected, the consequences can be devastating. One recent case we handled shows just how much is at stake.

How Switalskis can help

At Switalskis, we are committed to driving improvements in player welfare. Following this case, we have begun working with the British Orthopaedic Association to improve NHS guidance on treating female footballers. Our goal is simple: to ensure players receive the specialist care they need, reducing the risk of preventable injuries and safeguarding their futures in the sport.

We’re also advocating for:

• Better injury prevention programmes tailored to female footballers.
• Increased research into the specific medical needs of women in sport.
• Stronger regulations to ensure clubs and medical teams provide the best possible care.

Women’s football has a bright future. But we must protect the players at its heart.

If you or someone you know has suffered an ACL injury that was mismanaged, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Switalskis, we understand the complexities of sports injury claims and the unique challenges facing female athletes. Our team is here to fight for the care, support, and compensation you deserve.

Women’s football is reaching new heights, but player welfare must keep pace. By learning from past mistakes and demanding better, we can ensure that no player’s career is needlessly cut short. If you need advice or support, get in touch with our team today. Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com