FIFA mandates female coaches in Women's tournaments to boost representation

2026-03-20 - 00:02

FIFA has introduced new regulations requiring every team in its women's football tournaments to include at least one female head coach or assistant coach, in a move aimed at accelerating gender representation in the sport. The requirements take effect this year across the Under-17 and Under-20 Women's World Cups and the Women's Champions Cup. The decision, ratified at the FIFA Council, mandates at least two female staff members on the bench, with one in a head coach or assistant coach role. The rule applies to all youth and senior tournaments for clubs and national teams. FIFA's chief football officer Jill Ellis stressed the need for change. "There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways and increasing visibility for women on our sidelines." The move follows data from the 2023 Women's World Cup, where only 12 of 32 head coaches were female. England manager Sarina Wiegman, the sole woman in the quarter-finals, has long advocated for better representation. US coach Emma Hayes has described the lack of female coaches in English football as "a massive issue", urging administrators to find creative solutions. FIFA hopes the new regulations will drive rapid progress, with the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil serving as a key benchmark. Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.