FIFA Orders Female Coaches In Women’s Football To Boost Inclusion

According to reports, FIFA has introduced new regulations requiring all teams participating in its women’s competitions to include at least one female head or assistant coach. The policy is part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing female representation in elite coaching roles and will take effect in major tournaments, including the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups, as well as the Women’s Champions Cup.

Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, stated that each team must also ensure a minimum of two female staff members are present on the bench. The requirement will apply to all FIFA women’s tournaments, from youth to senior level, making gender inclusion a mandatory standard rather than a recommendation.

Ellis acknowledged a significant gender imbalance in coaching, highlighting that only 12 of the 32 head coaches at the 2023 Women’s World Cup were women. She cited Sarina Wiegman, who guided England to a runner-up finish, as the only female coach to reach the latter stages of the tournament. FIFA data further reveal that women make up roughly five per cent of coaches globally and only 22 per cent of head coaches in women’s leagues.

The new regulations are intended to accelerate long-term structural change by improving access, visibility, and career opportunities for female coaches. FIFA has also committed to supporting the initiative through development programs, including scholarships for women to obtain UEFA Pro and A coaching licences. The move underscores a shift from advocacy to enforcement, positioning gender diversity as a key metric for performance and governance in women’s football.