FIFA has announced landmark regulations requiring every women’s national and club team to include at least two women on the bench, with one serving as either head or assistant coach, effective immediately for all upcoming global competitions.
The FIFA Council approved new rules on Thursday mandating that women’s teams must appoint a woman to a top coaching role.
This decision follows data from the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where only 12 of 32 head coaches were female.
Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer, stated, “There are simply not enough women in coaching today,” emphasizing the need for clearer career pathways.
These regulations apply to all FIFA competitions, starting with September’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino supported the shift, suggesting the sport needs “more women coaches in women’s teams.”
The governing body confirmed they would provide financial assistance to teams struggling to meet the criteria, ensuring the new standards are met without displacing existing male staff members.