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The new rules will require at least two female staff members on the bench, including the mandatory coach, for all teams participating in a women’s tournament organised by FIFA.
FIFA. (AFP Photo)
All teams participating in a women’s tournament organised by FIFA must have a female head coach or assistant coach following the introduction of new regulations at its council meeting on Thursday.
This requirement applies to youth and senior tournaments, national team competitions, and club competitions, and will be implemented for the first time at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland in September.
It will also be enforced at the second women’s Champions Cup, the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and the inaugural women’s Club World Cup in two years.
FIFA stated that this initiative is part of its broader strategy “to ensure that the rapid growth of the women’s game is matched by an increased representation of women in technical and leadership roles”.
Despite the growth of the women’s game, coaching positions continue to be predominantly occupied by men. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 out of 32 head coaches were female.
“There are simply not enough women in coaching today,” said Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer and former United States national team head coach.
“We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines.
“The new FIFA regulations, combined with targeted development programmes, mark an important investment in both the current and future generation of female coaches.”
The new rules will also require at least two female staff members on the bench, including the mandatory coach. Teams will additionally need to have one woman on their medical staff.
(With Inputs From Agencies)
March 20, 2026, 10:42 IST
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