Finland's Football Association has renamed the highest division women's football league to become gender-neutral. 

The 'Women's League' will now become 'Kansallinen Liiga' which means 'National League'. 

Last year the association announced it was going to pay men and women footballers equally and the latest move is further evidence of the push towards gender equality. 

President of the FA of Finland Ari Lahti said: "Last summer’s Fifa Women’s World Cup proved that people do not base their interest in football on the gender of the players.

"People come to the games to see top athletes play quality football. That is why women’s football should be treated equally with men’s football.

"Reaching full equality in sports still demands a ton of hard work. Our sincere wish is that other leagues both in Finland and globally will follow our lead. We aspire to be a pioneer of equality in the eyes of the whole sports community."

The Head of women's Football Development Heidi Pihlaja has said the new title will 'reclaim the potential that lies in women's football'.

She said: "It is common within the sports community to talk about sports and women’s sports as if the latter would be less worthy when this of course is not the case. Football is football – no matter who kicks the ball. 

"Some might see changing the name as insignificant but actually it is a strong statement that symbolises a bigger cultural change within the sports community and our society.

"We are not only building a more equal society but also reclaiming the potential that lies in women’s football. We are looking forward to continuing the development of football as a sport for all genders while at the same time increasing inclusivity and recognising its potential to grow."