Aston Villa ace Anita Asante criticizes English FA over coin toss proposal

Anita AsanteAston Villa Women midfielder Anita Asante has questioned the English FA over a proposal to decide Women’s FA Cup matches by a coin toss after the competition was suspended due to coronavirus.The English FA have held talks to decide best way to progress with competition after second and third-round matches were postponed following the latest coronavirus lockdown as the Women’s FA Cup classified as ‘non-elite’.Second and third-round matches in the competition, which is currently classified as non-elite, were postponed last month following the government’s announcement of new lockdown restrictions.There have several meetings to discuss ways to progress with the tournament with a coin toss one of a number of options being considered.Reports indicate that there would be similar discussions surrounding the men’s tournament if they were in the same situation.”I was really shocked to read that. Personally, I think it’s a disservice to the players that sacrifice a lot to compete at that level, Asante told Sky Sports.”All those girls will want to be able to decide games by playing.”It undermines the sport and what we’re trying to push as elite-level footballers by reducing it to something that is child’s play.”It’s exposed just how big the difference is between the elite level of the women’s game and the rest – the divisions below and grassroots. That’s something that really needs to be looked at.”Covid has highlighted the inequalities in terms of resources and support that aren’t there within the women’s game.”