ELLIE ROEBUCK has criticised the work conditions issues facing Birmingham’s women’s team and described the situation as ‘not good enough’.
The Manchester City and England stopper is among a growing number of WSL stars speaking out in support of Blues aces who have complained about their work environment.
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Roebuck, 21, was speaking ahead of the Lionesses’ upcoming friendly clash with France.
The City star is part of a 24-player England squad taking part in a training camp ahead of the game, which will be their first on French soil since the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
And the match takes place in a week in which Birmingham Women have made headlines following a formal complaint letter sent to their club’s board listing a number of work concerns.
Issues include problems with some players being paid below the minimum wage, lack of help with travel and hotels for away games and substandard physio and rehab facilities.
Roebuck told reporters: “It is a difficult one to comment but yes I am shocked.
“We’re making such good progressions both on and off the field, with the likes of the new broadcast deal, I’d like to think we are going in an upwards direction.
“Looking in from the outside, it’s not good enough. In the women’s game, we’re now at a level where that is not acceptable at all.
“I’m really lucky to be at a club where everything is top-level and the equality throughout the building is top drawer.
“We all need to be at a level that can help players perform to the best of their ability.
“If they can be provided with better facilities, that will help the growth of the game and individuals. Hopefully, it gets resolved.”
The BBC says the FA plans to conduct an investigation into the issues outlined in the complaint letter which it has seen along with The Telegraph.
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Other concerns reportedly listed include lack of payment for players without contracts and squad members being called on to play when not physically fit.
It has been reported the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have been liaising with senior members of Birmingham Women’s first-team this term.
And it is thought Blues boss Carla Ward has been acting as a mediator between her Birmingham players and the club’s board members.
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