Revealed! When Sunderland Ladies will find out their FA WSL fate

The Lady Black Cats' players and staff remain in limbo, with the club unsure on whether they will be accepted into the new-look structure.

Melanie Copeland's side finished seventh in the top tier this season, but may lose their place in the FA WSL following an application process.

Restructuring means that a maximum of 14 teams will be allowed in the top tier - and 10 of those places have already been taken.

Teams such as West Ham and Manchester United have already announced their intention to lodge bid meaning that Sunderland will face plenty of competition.

The club have applied for a top tier place, and will find out their future on Sunday, May 27 after the FA WPL Play-Off Final. The news will then be made public at 11am on Monday, May 28.

It has also been confirmed that a rule in the initial FA WSL application pack - which suggested that had Sunderland been unsuccessful they could be demoted two divisions - has now been re-worded.

The ruling now states that: "Clubs who have played in FA WSL 1 & 2 during the 2017/18 season and have not been awarded a Tier 1 or Tier 2 licence for 2018/19 will be accommodated and offered a position at the highest level available within the women's football pyramid."