The top tier of English women's football will be only for full-time clubs from 2018-19 after proposed changes to Women's Super League licences were approved by the FA, reports BBC Sport.

All clubs must re-apply for their places, while new teams could earn licences to join the top tier that will have between eight and 14 teams.

Top-flight clubs will be required to run an academy under the new criteria.

The FA is also looking into how the new leagues could be rebranded.

Current WSL tier one clubs have until 10 November to submit their applications, which will be reviewed by the FA women's board in December.

Teams outside tier one will be invited to apply in March 2018.