FIFA has announced a landmark policy aimed at strengthening female representation in women’s football, requiring all teams in its competitions to include women in key coaching roles.
The new regulation, approved by the FIFA Council, takes immediate effect and will be implemented across upcoming tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Under the directive, every team must appoint at least two women to their technical staff, with one serving as either head coach or assistant coach. The rule applies to all FIFA women’s competitions at both youth and senior levels, covering national teams and club sides.
The decision comes in response to the visible gender gap in coaching. At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, only 12 out of 32 teams were led by female head coaches, a statistic that highlights the need for more inclusive representation on the bench.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the move goes beyond regulation, describing it as a strategic effort to reshape the future of women’s football by creating more opportunities for women in leadership roles.
This policy marks a significant step in FIFA’s broader vision to promote equality and drive long-term development within the women’s game globally.