Female players make Football Manager debut

THE Football Manager game is to introduce women players for the first time as part of an equality drive which could see footballers become pregnant and have periods.

The makers of the cult simulation game, which sees users assume control of a professional football club, confirmed female teams will be added to its database in a “multi-year project”.

Miles Jacobson, the game’s founder, believes the development can help women’s football achieve an “equal footing” with the men’s game. “There’s no hiding that there’s currently a glass ceiling,” he said.

“We want to do what we can to help smash through it.

“We want to be a part of the process that puts women’s football on an equal footing.”

Mr Jacobson indicated on the Football Manager website that discussions will be held over the level of detail to be included on female players. “There is a lot of existing literature available about the impact of the menstrual cycle on training and injuries but how do we incorporate this without it having a major effect on gameplay? And what about pregnancy?

“If we have pregnant players and staff ... do we need different 3D models for the different stages?” he asked.

Football Manager 2022 is due to be released later this year but no date has been given for when female players will be added, a change expected to cost “millions”.

It has also been revealed that Football Manager is stepping up its efforts to become a commercial partner for women’s football.

Mr Jacobson said the game is to start sponsoring Leicester City’s women’s team, on top of the ongoing partnerships with AFC Wimbledon Ladies & Girls and Watford Women.

“We know that our voice is very powerful and we want to use it for good,” he said.

Football Manager has sold more than 33million copies since it began life as Championship Manager in 1992. In 2004, the first Football Manager version was released after a split between the original producers, Eidos Interactive, and Sports Interactive, the game’s developer.

The accuracy of the game’s player details has led some clubs to use it to scout talent.