FIFA has introduced new regulations requiring all teams in women’s football tournaments to include female coaches, in a move aimed at boosting gender representation on the sidelines.

Under the new rule, every team must have at least one female head coach or assistant coach, while a minimum of two female staff members must be present on the bench during matches. The directive will take effect at upcoming competitions, including the Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cups, as well as the Women’s Champions Cup.

The decision was approved by the FIFA Council as part of broader efforts to strengthen female participation in coaching across both youth and senior levels, including club and national team competitions.

At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 of the 32 participating teams were led by female head coaches, highlighting the gender gap the new policy seeks to address.

FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, Jill Ellis, said the move is designed to accelerate change in the sport.

“There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must create clearer pathways, expand opportunities and increase visibility for women on our sidelines,” she said.

She added that the new regulations, alongside development programmes, represent a significant investment in the next generation of female coaches.

FIFA expects the policy to drive a noticeable increase in female representation ahead of major tournaments, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Among prominent figures in the women’s coaching space is Emma Hayes, who currently leads the United States women’s team alongside assistant Denise Reddy. Hayes has previously described the shortage of female coaches in English football as a “massive issue,” urging administrators to adopt more innovative solutions.

Other notable female coaches include Gemma Grainger (Norway), Casey Stoney (Canada), and Carla Ward (Republic of Ireland).

Rhian Wilkinson recently guided Wales to their first major tournament appearance, while Sarina Wiegman has led England to back-to-back European titles and won the FIFA Best Women’s Coach award four times.

Wiegman was the only female coach to reach the quarter-final stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, underlining the imbalance the new policy seeks to correct.

“We hope to see more female coaches at the top level and a better balance overall,” Wiegman said. “That will inspire more women to get involved in coaching.”