Women's club football in Europe is at "a critical juncture" but can soar to stunning new heights over the next decade, a new report from UEFA has disclosed.

Its commercial value can grow sixfold to €686million by 2033 and club sponsorship could swell to €295million by the same point, according to European football's governing body.

The developing professional leagues across Europe remain at an early stage of growth, emphasised by the fact spending on international player transfers topped €2m for the first time last year.

UEFA published its 'Business Case for Women’s Football' on Tuesday, with the women's game planning to capitalise on the success of international tournaments such as Euro 2022 by aiming to steer supporters and investors towards the clubs and leagues that in some cases are battling to survive.

The report said stakeholders have "an extraordinary opportunity to develop and professionalise women's football in Europe over the next decade by investing now" to unlock "enormous potential".

The report's findings would enable stakeholders "to make informed decisions and invest on the scale required", its authors said.

UEFA explained that previous data in this area, looking at the prospect for future growth, meant there was an "inconsistent and incomplete" picture of what the years to come might hold. It said its research and data investigations this time were "unprecedented" in their scale.

Former Germany striker Nadine Kessler, who is now UEFA's chief of women's football, hailed the game as being "on an incredibly exciting trajectory".

Kessler added: "The potential of the women's game is limitless and we believe we are on course to take women's football to heights that were unimaginable just a few years ago.

"As this report shows, now is the time to capitalise on the momentum we have created together, now is the time to get involved, now is the time to invest."

The research showed that a current fan base of 144million could reach 328million in 10 years' time. Followers were described as being broadly "diverse, progressive and young", with close to one in three fans of the women's game found to be new to football.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas pointed to the prospect of short-term losses for long-term gains.

Aulas, an early advocate of the women's game, said: "In the early years, there will be losses to reach a certain level and become successful. Over time, the investment will create excellent value for the club through new partners and a differentiated fan base."

That was reflected in the report stating the "majority" of leagues and teams are making a loss, relying on support from club owners or men's team budgets to remain sustainable.

Some 87 per cent of integrated clubs said involvement with women's clubs had brought about a reputational boost.

UEFA said its research showed 70 per cent of women's clubs and 50 per cent of leagues are aiming to be self-sustainable within the next decade.

Paris Saint-Germain have suspended women's coach Didier Olle-Nicolle while the club investigate allegations of "inappropriate behaviour and remarks".

Olle-Nicolle took charge of PSG at the end of last season following their D1 Feminine title success.

PSG are second in the table this season, needing to beat title rivals Lyon in their penultimate game on Sunday to keep their slim championship hopes alive.

But preparations for that game have been overshadowed by allegations made relating to Olle-Nicolle that, the club say, "if confirmed, would be incompatible with the sporting and human values of Paris Saint-Germain".

A statement late on Tuesday read: "Paris Saint-Germain was informed today of inappropriate behaviour and remarks to which members of its women's team have allegedly been exposed.

"These facts and statements, if confirmed, would be incompatible with the sporting and human values of Paris Saint-Germain.

"Paris Saint-Germain takes the situation very seriously and intends to shed light on the facts and remarks reported.

"In this context and in order to preserve the interests of all stakeholders, the coach of the women's team has been put on leave today, by mutual agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.

"This measure is of a precautionary and temporary nature. It does not prejudge in any way the results of the internal investigation that will be conducted, nor the decisions that the club may have to take."

Paris Saint-Germain celebrated their maiden Division 1 Feminine title on Friday as Lyon's run of 14 consecutive league trophies came to an end.

Lyon had dominated the top tier of women's football in France, their stranglehold on the league dating back to 2007.

PSG had finished second on eight occasions during that period, but that changed thanks to a 3-0 home win over Dijon in their final game of the season.

French capital club PSG went into the final round a point clear atop the table following their goalless draw away to rivals Lyon in the penultimate fixture.

PSG got their hands on the trophy thanks to goals from Sara Dabritz, captain Irene Paredes and Jordyn Huitema, despite Lyon's 8-0 demolition of Fleury 91.

Olivier Echouafni's PSG went through the league campaign undefeated after 22 games, winning 20 matches, while scoring 83 goals and conceding just four times.

It is not the first time PSG have snapped a Lyon streak in 2020-21.

Lyon suffered their first Division 1 Feminine loss in four years, the club's incredible streak halted by PSG in November.

The dominant force of women's football in France and Europe, Lyon's 80-match unbeaten league run – which featured 75 wins – was ended following a 1-0 loss.

Not since December 2016 had Lyon tasted league defeat.

PSG also upstaged Lyon after extra time in the Women's Champions League quarter-finals this season.