FIFA has rolled out a new rule stating that all women’s national teams in FIFA tournaments must have at least one female coach on the bench, whether as head coach or assistant.
Teams also need at least two women on their matchday staff, with one in a coaching role.
Of the 32 nations at the most recent Women’s World Cup in 2023, only a dozen had female head coaches.
Fifa’s chief football officer Jill Ellis, said: “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 programmes, mark an important investment in the current and future generation of female coaches.”
The rule will take effect during this year’s under-17 and under-20 Women’s World Cups and Women’s Champions Cup competitions.
It applies to all FIFA women’s tournaments, which would include UEFA competitions that fall under FIFA’s umbrella for international women’s football.
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