New FIFA rule says women's teams must have a woman on leadership staff

FIFA’s council passed a new rule Thursday aimed at bolstering the role of women in leadership, changing its participation requirements for all nations ahead of the 2027 women’s World Cup.

FIFA’s council passed a new rule Thursday aimed at bolstering the role of women in leadership, changing its participation requirements for all nations ahead of the 2027 women’s World Cup.

The FIFA Council passed what it described as “landmark” regulations to mandate female representation in the coaching staff across women’s soccer teams if they wish to participate in FIFA tournaments. This rule includes the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, which had its inaugural run in January, and the upcoming women’s World Cup in Brazil next summer.

According to FIFA, the new rules require teams to have either a woman as head coach or a woman serving in the assistant head coach role. Two female staff members must also be on the bench, according to FIFA.

Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer, said that the rule changes will be paired with development programs that represent an investment in women in coaching.

“We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines,” Ellis said.