Manchester City confirm participation in first-ever women’s seven-a-side tournament | OneFootball

Manchester City will compete in the inaugural World Sevens Football tournament in Portugal later this month, the club confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

The tournament, which takes place at Estoril’s Estádio António Coimbra between May 21-23, will see City battle against seven other teams for the top prize: £1.9m, which is more than the winners of the UEFA Women’s Champions League will receive. The entire prize pot is $5m [£3.8m].

Manchester City join FC Rosengård, PSG, Roma, Ajax, Bayern Munich, Benfica and Manchester United as the confirmed participants, with United to be involved just days after their Adobe Women’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.

The World Sevens Football tournament commences with a two-day group phase, followed by a knockout stage that will see the champion crowned on May 23. Each team could play up to five games, each of 30 minutes.

The tournament hasn’t come without its criticism, though. Taking place just over a month before the Women’s Euros in Switzerland, there are genuine concerns from fans that players could suffer unnecessary injuries that may rule them out of international duty.

City have sought to ease those concerns, suggesting that their team will comprise of “a blend of international experience and youth talent.”

The team’s Director of Football, Therese Sjogran, commented: “The tournament is an exciting new competition for the women’s game, and, as a Club that continually looks to blaze the trail, we are proud to be part of this milestone moment from the beginning.”

Kelley O’Hara, a member of the tournament’s Player Advisory Council, added: “These top-tier clubs are setting the tone for what’s to come, and I can’t wait to see their players take the pitch for what promises to be really supercharged and competitive football. Having them on board is a huge statement and the best part is we’re just getting started!”