FIFA requires greater representation of women in coaching roles for female tournaments

FIFA has introduced a new requirement for all teams participating in its women's competitions, mandating that each team must have at least one female head or assistant coach. This directive is part of a broader set of regulations aimed at increasing the number of women in coaching positions at the highest level.

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The newly approved regulations will come into effect at the U-17 and U-20 Women's World Cups, as well as the Women's Champions Cup, following their approval by the FIFA Council on Thursday.

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According to FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, teams must also have a minimum of two female staff members on the bench, a requirement that will apply to all women's tournaments, from youth to senior level.

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Ellis emphasized the need for greater representation of women in coaching, stating that the current numbers are insufficient, and that more needs to be done to create opportunities and increase visibility for women in these roles.

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The new regulations, Ellis explained, are part of a larger effort to invest in the development of female coaches, both now and in the future, through a combination of new rules and targeted development programs.

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Noting the disparity in the number of female coaches, Ellis pointed out that only 12 of the 32 head coaches at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia were women, a figure that does not reflect the rapid growth of the women's game globally.

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Sarina Wiegman of England was the only female coach to advance to the round of 16 and ultimately led her team to a second-place finish, highlighting the potential for women to succeed in these roles.

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According to the 2023 Member Associations Survey, women make up an average of just five per cent of coaches across both male and female teams worldwide, a statistic that underscores the need for greater representation.

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The 2024 "Setting the Pace" benchmarking report, which surveyed 86 women's leagues globally, found that 22 per cent of head coaches were women, indicating some progress in this area.

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Ellis stated that the new rules are part of a long-term strategy to ensure that women's representation in technical and leadership roles keeps pace with the growth of the women's game.

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FIFA has increased its support for women's coaching in recent years, including providing scholarships for women in top leagues to obtain UEFA Pro or A coaching licences, as part of its efforts to promote greater representation and development.