However, the proposal has been met with opposition on social media, with SheGulls, representing fans of Brighton & Hove Albion, suggesting the preferential treatment afforded to ‘elite level teams’ will only widen the gulf in quality across the pyramid.
“The sporting merit in our game is slowly being eroded in favour of ‘super matches’ between elite level teams,” SheGulls wrote on X.
“The rich will only get richer and teams up and down the pyramid will fade into obscurity with the knowledge that without tens of millions of pounds, they won’t even sniff the big time.”
Fulham Women Supporters Club, whose side play in the fourth tier, labelled it a “ridiculous idea” and added: “[It] goes against all the principles of the FA Cup. I’d like to see WSL teams actually come in a round early.”
“And there goes the magic of the FA Cup! Subway Cup [League Cup] is a farce, now this?” added Everton Women’s Official Supporters Club.
“All about the money. Didn’t take long to ruin the women’s game too did it…”
In its current guise, the Women’s FA Cup follows the same format as the men’s competition, with a draw following each round.
There is a preliminary round and three qualifying rounds featuring teams from tiers four to seven of the pyramid, with Women’s National League teams entering in the first-round proper, and WSL2 teams in the third round.
The 12 WSL sides – which will increase to 14 from next season – enter the draw in the fourth round, which is the last 32.
Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City – who finished in the WSL top four last season – have won the past 13 Women’s FA Cup titles between them.