London City Lionesses have confirmed that their upcoming fixture against Chelsea on Saturday 21 March will no longer be played at their usual home ground due to a scheduling clash with a Bromley home match.
Under Barclays WSL regulations, all clubs are required to nominate a secondary venue for circumstances such as this. An agreement has been reached with Millwall FC to stage the match at The Den.
For London City, it represents something of a homecoming. For others, however, the decision has reopened old wounds.
To understand the reaction, you have to rewind to 2019. The senior leadership of Millwall Lionesses made the decision to break away from Millwall FC and establish a new, independent club — what would become London City Lionesses. The move was designed to create a more ambitious, professionally structured environment capable of competing at the highest level of the domestic game. Promotion to the Barclays WSL last season would, they might argue, justify that bold step.
Following the split, Millwall FC retained a women’s side operated through its Community Trust. That team now competes in the fifth tier, the London & South East Women’s Regional Football League, where they currently sit mid-table.
The decision to host London City at The Den prompted difficult conversations between Millwall FC, Millwall Lionesses, the Millwall Supporters’ Club and the club’s Fan Advisory Board. In a statement, Millwall acknowledged that “more thorough consultation should have taken place with all three parties earlier in this process” and offered a sincere apology for the upset caused.
In an effort to repair relations, the club committed to reinvesting all net revenue generated from the fixture back into Millwall Lionesses. It also confirmed that, beyond the existing back-up ground agreement, there are currently no plans for further collaboration with London City without proper consultation.
While the episode may feel like an own goal, Millwall appear determined to turn it into a positive. Alongside reinvesting revenue from the London City match, the club confirmed that The Den will host Millwall Lionesses’ upcoming fixture against Sutton United on Sunday 29 March.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 season, Millwall FC have pledged to stage a Millwall Lionesses league fixture at The Den during each international break. They have also committed to enhanced media and marketing support, leveraging their CRM database and social media platforms, and exploring ways club staff can provide additional matchday assistance.
If delivered on, those promises could represent a significant boost for a fanbase that has longed to see its women’s side return to the upper tiers of the pyramid. Before the 2019 split, Millwall Lionesses competed in what is now WSL2 and enjoyed notable success, including Women’s FA Cup triumphs in 1991 and 1997. The club has also produced distinguished alumni, including former England manager Hope Powell.
Millwall Lionesses captain Jordan Butler welcomed the club’s statement:
“As captain of Millwall Lionesses, on behalf of the players, I welcome the Club’s statement and the acknowledgement that greater consultation should have taken place earlier in the process. I would also like to thank the club for its willingness to recognise this and for the commitment shown towards improving communication and strengthening future plans for Millwall Lionesses.
“The pride and passion surrounding Millwall Lionesses comes from the history of this team and the commitment shown daily by our players, staff and supporters. Over the past week, we have held constructive discussions with the club, ensuring the players’ voices have been heard and helping to establish clearer communication moving forward. I would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank the Millwall Supporters’ Club for their support throughout this process.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the club as we move ahead together. Our squad remains proud to represent this badge. The players continue to give their time, energy and make personal sacrifices purely for the love of the club, and we remain focused on progressing together and building a strong, sustainable future for Millwall Lionesses, returning this great club to where it belongs.
What initially risked creating internal friction could yet prove to be a turning point. The fifth tier is fiercely competitive, and a return to the FA Women’s National League — and beyond — will require sustained investment and visible backing.
If Millwall’s commitments translate into meaningful support, this episode may ultimately strengthen, rather than strain, the foundations of the club’s women’s game.
