Football Queensland has confirmed the Provisional Declaration of Leagues for FQ’s premier and Metro Women leagues in 2024.
The Provisional Declaration of Leagues includes the proposed composition of women’s leagues across the NPL Queensland, FQPL 1 and 2, and FQPL Metro competitions, constructed in accordance with and determined by the rules of competition and sporting merit.
“2023 has been a hugely significant year for women’s football, with the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and the CommBank Matildas inspiring women and girls across the entire state,” FQ CEO Robert Cavallucci said.
“Since the implementation of Future of Football 2020+ reforms, Football Queensland has been able to provide even more opportunities for aspirational players and teams in our women’s competitions through the introduction of the connected football pyramid.
“Following feedback from clubs and in line with Football Queensland’s preferred strategic direction for the Advanced Women’s leagues, in 2024 we will complete the transition to 10-team competitions across the NPL Queensland, FQPL 1 and FQPL 2 Women.
“With 10 teams in the FQPL 1 Women competition and following promotion and relegation and the movement and withdrawal of some teams, a position became available within the FQPL 1 Women for 2024.
“Football Queensland consulted with each club, in their rank order, who had maintained their position in the FQPL 2 Women to determine their level of preparedness and ability to accept this opportunity. Following consultation with newly promoted FQPL 3 clubs, and with each preceding FQPL 2 club declining, it was determined that Gold Coast Knights FC would be the only club ready to fill the available position in the FQPL 1 Women’s competition in 2024.
“Preparations are now underway for 2024, with clubs currently undertaking the affiliation and licensing application process to ensure compliance with relevant criteria in order to be considered for or awarded a position in their attributed league. In season 2024 and beyond, Ipswich City Bulls has been replaced by newly merged club Ipswich FC and Moreton City Excelsior replaces Moreton Bay United.”
A club’s appearance in the ‘Provisional Declaration of Leagues’ is not confirmation of inclusion in the ‘Final Declaration of Leagues’. A club’s participation in FQPL leagues for the 2024 season is contingent upon final league design, affiliation confirmation, approval and compliance of a variety of conditions (mandatory or otherwise) contained within various participation licence agreements. No participation is guaranteed to any club in any league until the Final Declaration of Leagues is issued by FQ.