Soccer-Chelsea boss Hayes calls for WSL expansion

The women's top-flight in England was established in 2010 and Chelsea have been a dominant force in recent years. "Lots of people said we weren't at our best last season, but we had a record points total to win the league.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has called for the expansion of the Women's Super League (WSL) from its 12-club format, to 16 or even 18 teams. Chelsea have won six of the last seven league titles and sealed last season's triumph with WSL records of 58 points and 19 wins. Manchester United came in second, just two points behind Hayes' side.

"It's time to grow. It's time to go from 12 to 16 or 18 teams," Hayes told reporters on Friday. The women's top-flight in England was established in 2010 and Chelsea have been a dominant force in recent years.

"Lots of people said we weren't at our best last season, but we had a record points total to win the league. "There is more unpredictability than ever. The opening game demonstrates that. The question we should be asking is when are we going to make our league a bit bigger?"

Chelsea, who sit fifth after last weekend's 2-1 opening-day victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, next visit Manchester City on Sunday. Hayes said Australian forward Sam Kerr is "available for selection" after missing the home game against Tottenham due to a calf injury.