As the first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup reaches its semifinals in London, participating clubs have raised issues about Arsenal’s home advantages and mismatched seasonal timings. Gotham FC faces Corinthians, while Arsenal meets AS FAR, with the final set for Emirates Stadium. FIFA defends the setup but acknowledges the event will evolve.
The inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, pitting continental champions against each other, has sparked debate over its structure and equity. Semifinals are scheduled for January 28, 2026, at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium: Gotham FC versus Corinthians at 12:30 p.m. GMT, followed by Arsenal against AS FAR at 6:00 p.m. GMT. The winners advance to the final on February 1 at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, alongside a third-place match.
Gotham qualified by winning the Concacaf W Champions Cup, defeating Tigres UANL, while Corinthians secured their spot with a sixth Copa Libertadores Femenina title. Arsenal earned entry by beating Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, and AS FAR advanced after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Wuhan Jiangda in December, following Wuhan’s 1-0 win over Auckland United in October.
Clubs have expressed dismay at Arsenal’s logistical edges, as the tournament’s London base and Emirates final provide home support and recovery facilities unavailable to others. A FIFA spokesperson stated: “London was selected as the optimal choice based on a range of strategic considerations,” citing visibility, climate, and media infrastructure. However, timing disadvantages non-European teams: Arsenal and AS FAR are mid-season, while Gotham’s last match was November 22, 2025, and their NWSL season starts March 14; Corinthians finished in September but face early commitments.
These mismatches have caused transfer disruptions and player welfare concerns. Gotham organized a three-week training camp in Spain, negotiating with their players’ association to reallocate off-days, amid FIFA’s limited three-day pre-tournament support. Visa delays affected Corinthians players, and traveling teams lack FIFA-provided ice baths, unlike Arsenal. Financially, Gotham faces costs that only a win—earning $2.3 million from a $6 million pot—would offset.
FIFA maintains no team will lose money and views the event as a step forward, with a spokesperson noting it “will evolve and strengthen over time.” If Arsenal and Gotham meet in the final, it could fuel debates on the superiority of the WSL versus NWSL.
