The journey of women's football in Switzerland reflects a gradual evolution from ridicule and exclusion to acceptance and celebration. Organised women's 11-a-side football was only sanctioned in the late 1960s, with full integration into the Swiss Football Association occurring in 1993. This progress has been significant, leading to a crowded opening game of the European Championship in Switzerland, indicating strong public interest. Despite Switzerland's historical lack of significance in women's football, ticket sales already surpass expectations, illustrating the growth and potential of the sport.
The narrative arc of women's football in Switzerland is one that will be familiar to the game's pioneers across the continent: an agonising and incremental journey from apathy to hostility to mockery to inertia to change.
Switzerland has never been one of Europe's major women's football nations. And yet, without the benefit of a Wembley or Old Trafford, a land of 9 million people has ensured that ticket sales will surpass those of Euro 2022 before a ball has even been kicked.
Women were not allowed to play organised 11-a-side football until the late 1960s. Women's leagues were not fully integrated into the Swiss football association until 1993.
The opening night of Switzerland's summer party is a moment to sense the sheer scale of progress, to salute the countless women who toiled in anonymity to make it possible.
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