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20 March, 2026, 2:17 pm
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20 March, 2026, 2:17 pm Central - 29°C Rain

New FIFA rule mandates female coaches in all women’s tournaments

New FIFA rule mandates female coaches in all women’s tournaments

By Priya Nand
20/03/2026
Photo: Getty Images

Increasing female representation in coaching has been identified as a key priority, with FIFA introducing new regulations requiring every team in its women’s tournaments to include female coaching staff.

According to BBC Sports, under the new rule, each team must have at least one female head coach or assistant coach, while a minimum of two women must be included on the bench during matches, with one of those roles being either the head coach or an assistant coach.

The regulations will take effect at this year’s FIFA Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cup tournaments, as well as the Women’s Champions Cup, and will apply across all youth and senior competitions, including both club and national teams.

The decision was approved at the FIFA Council meeting yesterday as part of ongoing discussions on long-term strategies to improve female representation in football coaching.

FIFA hopes the move will lead to a significant rise in female coaches, particularly ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Source: BBC Sports

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