Chelsea Donate WSL Prize Money to Domestic Abuse Charity Refuge

Chelsea have announced that they are donating their prize money from being crowned 2019/20 Women’s Super League champions to UK charity Refuge, the largest provider of domestic abuse services and support in the country.

With the WSL cancelled as a result of the challenges brought about by the coronavirus crisis, Chelsea were awarded the title on a points per game basis, jumping ahead of Manchester City in the process and taking the trophy back from 2018/19 champions Arsenal.

It is a third WSL title in six seasons for Chelsea and manager Emma Hayes, in addition to the shortened Spring Series title they also won in 2017.

But in these difficult times that have seen a rise in demand for Refuge’s helpline and services from domestic abuse sufferers during the coronavirus crisis, Chelsea want to donate their £100,000 prize fund, taking their existing involvement with Refuge even further.

“It’s a charity that’s close to the hearts and minds of the Women’s team, and is very important to our owner Mr Abramovich and everyone at the club,' Hayes told the club’s official website.

“It makes me proud our club is supporting those less fortunate in times of need.

“Up until now our involvement was about supporting the campaign publicly with a call to action but we all wanted to do more than that and if donating our prize money can ease some of the concerns and worries people have then it’s the least we can do.

“It’s an important message. It’s a campaign that’s really dear to us and the best way we can demonstrate our support further is by committing our prize money towards it and helping those in need.”

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