Millwall Lionesses have proclaimed that the club will end their affiliation with Millwall FC, as they look to compete as an independent Club next season under the name London City Lionesses.

After an official licensing agreement it is expected that the new rebranded Lionesses will retain Millwall’s FSL 2 license and compete in the Women’s Championship next season.

Millwall issued a statement on Monday afternoon explaining the reasoning behind the spilt.

“The club is disappointed that the Lionesses’ current hierarchy have decided to become independent.” The statement read.

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Millwall have tried several times, over the course of the season, to arrive at a different outcome.

“The club attempted to reach an agreement whereby its name, Millwall, could continue to be used but this was rejected out of hand.

“As such, the club ultimately supported the name change, subject to certain conditions being met, in order for the team to complete the current season and so that management had ample time and opportunity to secure alternative funding.

The Lionesses were founded in 1972, and become the first club to be associated with a men’s professional side in the 1980s.

As a result of their long binding relationship, Millwall announced that the club will re-establish a new team through the Community Trust, which will start from scratch.

“The Lionesses will always be a key part of Millwall Football Club. Their tradition and heritage is a source of immense pride and, through the Community Trust, more history can now be created.

“The club’s aim, as always, is to ensure that there is a pathway for girls and women to play football at as high a level as possible and this will continue to be the case with a new-look Millwall Lionesses.”