Emma Hayes talks about the sad memories behind Women’s FA Cup

Emma Hayes

has talked about the deeper meanings behind their Sunday clash against

in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley, which will be at the same time as the 100th anniversary of the FA banning the women’s game at football league ground.

manager sees this match as a bigger thing than a game between two squads, insisting that it is an opportunity for both teams to prove themselves and to celebrate the opportunity that they have created for themselves.

“This is great for people that have been involved in the women’s game from the onset,”

she said.

“This is the showpiece event, yes we’re two fabulous teams both vying to win, but the FA Cup final is about history, and making more history, but the recognition of everybody who has come before.

“I think to have the game on a poignant date in the women’s football calendar is critical and one that must serve as a reminder that this game won’t be banned again, never.

“It’s only going to grown and get better. This game this weekend is about every single person who has made sure that women’s football is a permanent fixture in everybody’s life.”

She has also asked the decision-makers to increase the prize money of the competition to increase the level of the games.

“More prize money for everyone, not just the winning team,”

she said

. “Why is it that we don’t get more prize money? We need more money being invested that can trickle all the way down.

“It’s the same with TV money, that journey has begun, but when it comes to prize money? I don’t think it is anywhere near what it should be and it’s nowhere near what the men’s game is.

“If we want to invest in our game further down, we need that money, as well as I think just continuing to provide more opportunities at grassroots level. I always say this, girls don’t travel to play football like boys do and I see that in the lack of diversity in our game.”

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