FIFA has mandated that teams participating in its women’s tournaments must include at least one female head coach or assistant coach.
New Rule Across Competitions
The regulation will take effect this year across the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Each team must also have at least two female staff members on the bench, including either a head coach or assistant coach.
A Global Push for Inclusion
The rule applies to both youth and senior competitions, covering clubs and national teams worldwide.
At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, only 12 of the 32 head coaches were women, highlighting the need for greater representation.
FIFA’s Vision for Change
FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis emphasised the importance of the initiative.
“There are simply not enough women in coaching today,” she said.
“We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing visibility.”
The new rule, alongside development programmes, aims to significantly increase female representation by the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Leading Female Coaches in the Game
Prominent female coaches in football include:
- Emma Hayes
- Gemma Grainger
- Casey Stoney
- Carla Ward
- Sarina Wiegman
Wiegman has won multiple FIFA Best Women’s Coach Award honours and was the only female coach in the quarter-finals of the 2023 tournament.
Call for Greater Representation
Speaking previously, Wiegman highlighted the need for more female representation at the highest level.
“Of course what we hope is to get more female coaches at the top level,” she said.
“If the balance gets better, then hopefully that will inspire more women to get involved in coaching.”
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