FIFA has approved sweeping new regulations mandating the inclusion of women in coaching roles across all its women’s competitions, in a move aimed at accelerating gender representation in football leadership.
The decision, ratified at a FIFA Council meeting on Thursday, requires every team participating in women’s tournaments to appoint either a female head coach or assistant coach.
The policy will apply to both youth and senior competitions, covering national teams and club tournaments.
The initiative is set to take effect at the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland this September.
It will also extend to major future events, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the second edition of the Women’s Champions Cup, and the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup scheduled in two years.
In a statement, FIFA described the policy as part of a broader strategy to ensure that the rapid expansion of women’s football is matched by increased female representation in technical and leadership positions.
Despite significant growth in the women’s game, coaching roles remain largely male-dominated.
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At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, only 12 of the 32 participating teams were led by female head coaches.
FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, Jill Ellis, emphasized the need for urgent action, noting that opportunities for women in coaching remain limited.
According to her, the new regulations, alongside targeted development programmes, are designed to create clearer pathways, expand opportunities, and boost the visibility of women on the sidelines.
Beyond coaching appointments, the rules also stipulate that teams must include at least two female staff members on the bench—one of whom can fulfill the coaching requirement—and at least one woman as part of their medical team.
The policy marks a significant step in FIFA’s efforts to reshape the structure of women’s football and promote greater inclusivity at all levels of the game.