FIFA has introduced a new rule requiring every team in women’s football tournaments to include at least one female coach.
The rule means each team must have either a female head coach or assistant coach. In addition, at least two women must be on the bench during matches, with one serving in a coaching role.
This ensures that women are not only part of the team staff but also actively involved in decision-making during games.
This decision was made during a recent FIFA Council meeting and will take effect at upcoming competitions, including youth tournaments and senior events like the Women’s World Cup and other international and club competitions.
The rule will apply across all levels, from under-17 and under-20 tournaments to senior national teams.
FIFA says the goal is to increase the number of women in coaching roles and improve gender balance in football.
According to FIFA’s chief football officer, Jill Ellis, there are currently not enough women in coaching, and more effort is needed to create opportunities and clear career paths for them.
At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 out of 32 teams had female head coaches. One of the most successful among them is Sarina Wiegman, who has led England to major titles and won several individual coaching awards.
FIFA hopes the new rule will lead to a steady rise in female coaches ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The organisation believes increased visibility will encourage more women to take up coaching careers.
Some well-known female coaches include Emma Hayes, who works with the United States team alongside her assistant Denise Reddy.
Others are Gemma Grainger of Norway, Casey Stoney of Canada, and Carla Ward of the Republic of Ireland.
Wiegman has also stressed the importance of better balance, saying more female representation at top levels will inspire future generations to join coaching and grow the women’s game globally.
