FIFA has announced a new policy aimed at boosting female representation in coaching within women’s football competitions.
Under the new regulation, every team participating in FIFA women’s tournaments must include at least one female coach, either as a head coach or assistant. The directive will take effect across major competitions such as the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, as well as the Women’s Champions Cup.
New requirements for teams
FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, Jill Ellis, explained that the rule goes beyond just one coaching role. Each team will also be required to have at least two female staff members on the bench during matches.
The policy will apply to all FIFA women’s competitions, from youth tournaments to senior-level events, making gender inclusion a mandatory standard rather than a recommendation.
Tackling the gender gap
Ellis acknowledged the existing imbalance in coaching roles, noting that only 12 out of the 32 head coaches at the 2023 Women’s World Cup were women. Among them, Sarina Wiegman stood out as the only female coach to reach the final stages, leading England to a runner-up finish.
FIFA data further highlights the disparity, showing that women make up just about 5% of coaches globally and only 22% of head coaches in women’s leagues.
A push for long-term change
The new rule is part of FIFA’s broader effort to drive lasting change in the sport by creating more opportunities and visibility for female coaches.
In addition to the regulation, FIFA is supporting development programmes, including scholarships that help women obtain top coaching qualifications such as UEFA Pro and A licences.
Overall, the move marks a shift from simply encouraging inclusion to actively enforcing it, positioning gender diversity as a key priority in the growth and governance of women’s football.
