FIFA mandates woman coach or assistant for women's comps

"There are simply not enough women in coaching today. 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 programs, mark an important investment in both the current and future generation of female coaches."

"This initiative is aiming to increase the number of women's coaches, with FIFA saying it's part of their long-term strategy, which combines statutory advances with sustained investment in coach education and professional development, to prepare women for such leading positions."

FIFA's Council approved new legislation requiring women's teams to employ at least one woman as head coach or assistant coach, with a minimum of two women in total backroom staff. This regulation takes effect immediately for under-17 and U20 Women's World Cups and applies across all FIFA youth and senior women's tournaments, national team competitions, and club competitions. FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis emphasized the shortage of women coaches and stated this initiative aims to create clearer pathways and increase visibility for female coaches. The regulation represents part of FIFA's long-term strategy combining statutory requirements with investment in coach education and professional development. Only 12 of 32 head coaches were women at the 2023 World Cup.

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