FA and WSL announce investigation into ACL injuries in women's football

The FA and WSL have launched a research project with Imperial College London to investigate why female players suffer ACL injuries at higher rates than men.

The Football Association and Women's Super League have announced a new research project to investigate anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women's football, following a series of high-profile ruptures in recent years.

The study, a collaboration with Imperial College London and knee surgeon Simon Ball, will be led by researcher Hanna Lehtovirta and aims to understand why ACL injuries occur and how they can be reduced. Previous research suggests female players face a higher risk of the injury than male counterparts. Every club in the WSL and WSL2 will be invited to participate.

The research will combine scientific data with player and staff experiences, comparing data from those who have suffered ACL injuries with those who have not, and will include player interviews. High-profile players including Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr and Vivianne Miedema have all ruptured their ACLs in recent years. ACL ruptures typically require 6-9 months recovery and have caused several players to miss major tournaments.