Women in Football Re-Iterates Its Call for Change

In September 2023, Women in Football launched its Open Doors Agenda, a response to FIFA’s invitation at the FIFA Women’s World Cup for women to “just push the doors” and say what football needs to do.

In a statement, WIF said:

WIF called on FIFA and the game’s governing bodies to better support women working in the game, to mandate diverse leadership in national associations, and for the executive committees of national associations to include independent, non-executive members, recruited via formal, rigorous and transparent processes. Three years on: plus, ça change.

WIF’s Open Doors Agenda generated global media headlines, yet those volumes pale into insignificance when compared to the maelstrom surrounding FIFA since last Tuesday. Once again, serious governance concerns in global football have been raised. 

The questions regarding FIFA’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) form part of a much wider debate about the concentration of power, opaque decision-making, inadequate representation and insufficient accountability. 

Who holds power? How are decisions made? Who is consulted? What happens when people raise concerns? How is leadership held accountable?

A common failure by leaders is to treat stakeholders as an audience to be informed, rather than as participants whose views should help shape material decisions. Chief Executives and Boards are temporary custodians of institutions that should outlast them.

In 2023, WIF recognised that transformative change can take time and invited every football organisation to harness expertise to help set the roadmap for change. They were clear that without the kind of governance changes set out by the Open Doors Agenda, the playing field will never be levelled. 

In the coming days, weeks and months, FIFA, its six confederations and 211 member associations have important decisions and choices to make. WIF’s own doors remain firmly open to any organisation operating in football that wishes to drive their own internal evolution and support an industry-wide cultural revolution.

The Open Doors Agenda in summary

• A minimum of 30% women on senior decision-making bodies
• Senior decision-making bodies to include independent, non-executive members
• Senior decision-makers to be recruited by transparent processes, to serve fixed terms of office
• Policies and sanctions against discrimination, abuse, inappropriate physical contact and sexual harassment
• Clear pathways for reporting and dealing with violations
• Fit-for-purpose safeguarding and duty of care policies and responsibilities, ensuring that players’ voice are heard

Women in Football’s 2025 industry workforce survey headlines

In 2025, WIF’s annual industry workforce survey still identified unacceptable incidences of misogyny and sexism. Discrimination was persistent and widespread (78% of women reported experiencing discrimination at work), systems for reporting discrimination are deemed to be ineffective and workplace cultures are a significant barrier, a factor recognised by more than two thirds of male respondents. 

The 2026 WIF annual survey is currently open, giving you the platform to share your experiences and help WIF shape the future of the game. Your insights help us celebrate what’s working well, highlight trends, and advocate for change where change is needed – take part in the 2026 survey here.

Transformation

WIF’s reform proposals in 2023 were proposed as the starting point for a transformation of football governance. WIF recognises that clubs and leagues, as well as governing bodies have a vital role to play in working towards a gender-inclusive football industry. 

WIF are already working with many major football organisations, including clubs, who are keen to be part of the change that football so badly needs. Women in Football members are invited to add their names to the call for reform – add your name here.