Sonia Bompastor raises concern over player safety after unacceptable pitch condition in Subway League Cup and Champions League fixtures

Following the clashes between Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as the Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Arsenal, Sonia Bompastor has spoken out about the poor pitch conditions teams were forced to face. Both matches were played on muddy, inadequate surfaces that turned the games into virtual slip ‘n slides, ultimately contributing to the serious ACL injury of Madrid’s Melanie Leupolz, who limped off after a non-contact fall.

Bompastor has called it unacceptable to have pitches in such conditions, in today’s game, emphasising that player safety is at risk. She believes this would not be tolerated in the men’s game and is now raising her voice in the hope that someone is listening. However, she stresses that real change in women’s football must start with the clubs themselves. They need to take responsibility and ensure women’s teams have access to bigger, better stadiums.

Yet, the issue does not lie solely with the clubs. Higher governing bodies, such as UEFA, must enforce better pitch standards, especially when high-quality stadiums are available due to the men’s international break. Bompastor also recalls that the pitch was already in poor condition during El Clásico, which took place at the same venue as Real Madrid’s Champions League fixture against Arsenal.

As long as inequalities like these persist, Bompastor urges players, fans, and women working in football to keep using their voices and demanding change - even when it feels difficult to influence decisions. Ultimately, it is up to the governing bodies to take the necessary steps forward and show a real commitment to closing the gap that still exists.