Watford FC has faced backlash online after offering an unpaid fulltime internship role.

Since the beginning of February, the football club has advertised its performance and data analyst internship roles to work closely with either the men’s or women’s first team or the academy.

The role is looking for current undergraduate students studying a computer science, mathematical or sports or equivalent degree and has a list of high skill requirements.

But the offer has sparked an online debate, as many have questioned why such highly skilled interns should work fulltime, including evenings and weekend hours, without any form of payment.

Unpaid or underpaid fulltime internships is not unheard of in Premier League teams, with The Athletic’s Adam Crafton nothing that sport scientists in particular are “underpaid and overworked” by their club.

Sports journalist Toby Gilles equated the role as “exploitation”, stating that he was “absolutely dismayed” to hear there would be no payment.

Data scientist Aaron Moniz tweeted: “The problem is, a lot of people can't afford to take an internship like this in place of a job that pays money towards their tuition.

“So in doing this they tend to price out anyone who isn't privileged enough to not need money.”

Another user, @J_Schofield4, said: “Can pay my mortgage with hopes and dreams.”

And user Tom Clark said: “You're asking people to work full time for a year for free. The only people who could afford to do that are already well off or supported by well off parents. This is inequality. You also won't be getting the best person for the job because most people need money.”

The job advertised is open until Monday (February 28) and Watford FC was approached for comment.