THE future of Sunderland Ladies is unclear after the club was denied a place in the FA Women’s Championship next season.

Even though the Women's Super League will be extended to ten teams including Brighton and West Ham, Sunderland’s application for a place in the second tier has been quashed.

The FA announced their decision while also confirming that Manchester United’s application has been approved, having been the only current Premier League not to have a women’s team.

Sunderland Ladies had to turn part-time and have just revealed losses of more than £424,000, so this is another blow and casts uncertainty on the club having been denied a place alongside United.

A Sunderland spokesperson said: "Following today's announcement by the FA, we will take some time to fully consider the options available to us in relation to Sunderland AFC Ladies.”

Sunderland, managed by Melanie Copeland, finished seventh in the top tier this season and they have until June 11 to lodge an appeal, which presents a big decision for new Sunderland owner Stewart Donald to make.

The Sunderland Ladies have produced players such as Jill Scott, Beth Mead, Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze and Jordan Nobbs.

The decision in respect of which clubs were successful was made by The FA Women's Football Board, following a detailed review and assessment, and it remains subject to appeal.

Manchester United's successful application means they will play in the second tier of the competition along with the likes of Doncaster Rovers Belles and Millwall Lionesses.

United chairman Ed Woodward said: "The board is delighted that the FA has approved the application.

"Starting a professional team from scratch is challenging for rewarding and we will make every effort to provide the support and experience for the new women's team to be successful and to uphold the fine traditions of our great club."

Former England player and current England No 2 Casey Stoney is strongly tipped to become the first coach of the United women's team, which will be based at The Cliff, the club's historic training ground.

Baroness Sue Campbell, The FA's head of women's football, said: "Such is the strength of women's football in this country, there have been some difficult decisions to make but they've been made with the sport's best interests at heart.

"This is a hugely exciting time for the game and I am hopeful that we will look back upon this as one of the most significant decisions made in its history."