West Ham have promised to take over the club’s ladies team after accusations that they had been discriminated against.
Stephen Hunt, the chairman of the West Ham Ladies team, has lodged a formal complaint with the Football Association after complaining that the club had failed to provide funding and they were forced to buy their own kit.
“West Ham need to be fined until they start to act like a 21st century club,” Hunt told BBC Sport.
Having initially transferred the running of the women’s side to a third party, West Ham responded with a statement that promised they would now assume control of the team.
“Supporting, nurturing and facilitating the women’s game is very important to West Ham United, a club with strong community principles and a dedication to equality in sport,” it read.
“The day-to-day management of West Ham United Ladies FC was transferred to a third party some time ago, and unfortunately it is an arrangement that has simply not worked.
“Mr Hunt has refused to align with West Ham’s principles throughout his tenure as chairman and has, on a number of occasions, threatened the club.
“The club have been working for some time on plans to take West Ham United Ladies FC ‘in house’ and, in light of Mr Hunt’s most recent deeply concerning comments, we will now be seeking to do so at the earliest opportunity.
“We will, of course, seek to maintain the current West Ham United Ladies FC squad personnel where possible, and provide them with the best possible support and management moving forward.
“As a result of this, women’s football at West Ham United will become bigger, better and stronger, as we continue our commitment to the growth and development of the women’s game, both on and off the pitch.”
Hunt has claimed that West Ham, who play in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division, have been forced to train by the side of a road after being refused access to the club’s gym.
“I think West Ham have breached the underlying objectives of the FA to promote equality and grassroots football at all levels,” he said.
“Initially what I thought was a lack of interest I now understand is a positive intent by senior people at West Ham to block the growth of West Ham Ladies. It’s beyond negligence – it is trying to starve us of any sort of funding.”
Last October, captain Stacey Little described her treatment as “disgusting” after she left the club following a suspension.
