A fan-led movement against Reading FC’s inept owner, Dai Yongge, has commented on the prospect that the club’s women's team may not be able to compete in the Championship next season.

According to Sky Sports, there are ‘fears’ that the team might be chucked into the fourth tier of the women’s football pyramid.

This comes after the Royals, as it stands, only have two contracted first-team players going into the 2024/25 campaign.

The Berkshire-based team opted to not trigger any other contract extensions for their players due to ongoing ownership issues.

Caroline Parker, Sell Before We Dai spokesperson said: “We are gutted that it appears Reading FC Women are the latest casualty of Dai Yongge’s disastrous reign.

“It is not surprising, but it is bitterly disappointing.

"For the best part of 20 years, Reading FC was ahead of the curve on the women’s game.

"We invested while others ignored; now we’re winding up when everyone else doubles down.

“Although some will say it is the correct business decision for the current circumstances, the truth is it’s another example of a reckless owner trashing our club’s heritage, our once proud family club values and the careers of players and staff, as well as the potential careers of girls in the academy and the surrounding area who aspire to play women’s football.

“This club created memories, won trophies and – in Fran Kirby and Mary Earps – helped raise two Lionesses who brought it home for our country in 2022.

“We hope any new owners see the potential of investing in the women’s game – not just as the right thing to do but also as a long-term growth strategy.”

The women’s team were relegated to the Championship in 2023 and were also forced to go on a part-basis due to the financial contrasts.

Along with the lack of players, Reading must also provide proof of funding, staff employed and registered players come pre-season to meet the FA's requirements.