FIFA has introduced a comprehensive package of new regulations designed to significantly improve support for female players and coaches throughout their careers, particularly when it comes to starting families.
These changes, hailed by former US coach Jill Ellis as a “big step” for women in football, address several key areas:
- Leave Policies: The previously existing minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for players has now been extended to coaches. Additionally, players and coaches adopting a child under two years old will be entitled to eight weeks of paid leave. This extends support beyond biological mothers, with a minimum of eight weeks of paid family leave offered to non-biological mothers as well.
- Financial Security: Recognizing the physical realities of menstruation, the new regulations allow players to receive full pay while absent from training or matches due to severe menstrual problems. This removes the financial burden associated with taking necessary time off.
- Squad Management Flexibility: To ensure smooth squad operations, clubs can now register players outside the usual transfer window periods if a player is on pregnancy, adoption, or family leave. Similarly, players returning from any of these leaves can be registered outside the standard window.
- Prioritizing Family Contact: Member associations, the governing bodies for national teams, are encouraged to implement policies allowing female players to have contact with their families during international duty. This is a crucial step in acknowledging the emotional strain of lengthy absences, especially for mothers who may be away from their children for extended periods.
Quotes and Significance:
Jill Ellis, who coached the US Women’s National Team to World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019, emphasizes the importance of these changes:
“A football career shouldn’t prevent you from being a mother. These regulations are a big step towards normalizing the experiences of women athletes and providing them with the opportunity to have both a family and a successful career.”
Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, highlights the importance of addressing menstrual health:
“The female menstrual cycle can impact a player’s performance. These regulations protect players and ensure their cycles don’t jeopardize their employment or earning potential.”
Effective Date:
These updates to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players will come into effect on Saturday, making a real difference for female footballers and coaches around the world.
