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Reading FC Women will play in the fifth tier next season after the club withdrew from the Championship.

The club have encountered financial difficulties over the past 12 months and the owners have made cuts across the board, leading to fears that the women's team would be scrapped altogether.

Owner Dai Yongge has put Reading up for sale, but without a "cash injection" the club say they cannot meet the criteria to compete in the second tier of the women's game.

"The club understand the demotion to Tier 5 will come as a huge disappointment for all connected with the club," Reading said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, given the current economic realities of the Club, the outlay required to reach these levels are just not possible without significant owner funding."

The statement added that the Royals would not see a "direct financial return" from investing in their women's team for "at least five years".

The club explored the possibility of external investment into their women's team, which may have allowed the first team to maintain their Championship status.

However, Reading said: "The complexities around separate ownership have meant operating Reading FC Women under a separate funding model has not been possible."

Supporters’ Trust at Reading (STAR) criticised the decision, saying it "affects our community, gender equality and our club's heritage".

"This move undermines our Club’s integrity and the progress of women’s football," the group said.

Reading were relegated from the Women's Super League in 2023, and finished 10th out of 12 in the Championship last season.

Dawn Airey, Women's Super League and Championship board chair, said: "We are very disappointed that Reading FC Women have decided to withdraw from the Barclays Women's Championship.

"We have been working closely with the club throughout the season and have made every effort to find a solution and to prevent this outcome."

Sell Before We Dai, a Reading supporters' group, launched a protest against the club's owners earlier this week ahead of their decision.

As well as highlighting the plight of the women's set-up, the group also urged any potential buyers to accelerate their interest in the Royals.

Reading's demotion means the Championship will have just 11 teams next season, with one relegation place.