In a historic decision made on Friday (May 31), the administrative body of world football – FIFA extended its support to women players and coaches. FIFA will be implementing changes to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) that will enter into force on June 1, 2024. These changes will extend the rights and protections to adoptive parents as well as non-biological mothers.
FIFA extends support to female players and coaches
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“FIFA is committed to implementing a dynamic regulatory framework that is sound and suitable for the increasing needs of female players and coaches,” said FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Emilio García Silvero.
“In order for the game to further flourish, it’s absolutely key that we have a holistic approach towards player well-being, including the legal aspects,” said Silvero.
They will also recognise the physical, psychological and social dimensions in the event of an inability to provide employment services due to severe menstruation, or medical complications relating to pregnancy, and member associations will be encouraged to allow female players to have contact with their families while on international duty.
FIFA has been in conversation with stakeholders and a previous set of landmark reforms was moved to further protect and safeguard the interest of women players and coaches. These changes will reflect from June 1 with a change in the RSTP. According to FIFA Chief Football Women’s Officer Dame Sarai Bareman, players are now the real stakeholders. Another opinion from former US coach Ellis saw the decision being a move to encourage more family contact for national team players.
“I think it’s a big statement,” said Jill Ellis, who led FIFA’s Technical Study Group at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and coached the USA to Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. “These are big steps and big strides to really normalise the life that we go through as women … that’s what we want to provide now at every level, the club level, the national team level – the opportunity for pro players to have the chance to be mums.”
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