FIFA has introduced new measures to protect female footballers and coaches during and after pregnancy, as well as in non-biological motherhood. These changes aim to provide better support and opportunities for women in the sport.
One significant change is the addition of a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for coaches, which was previously only available to players. This recognizes the importance of providing adequate time for mothers to recover and bond with their newborns.
In addition, if players or coaches choose to adopt, they will also be granted a period of leave based on the age of the adopted child. This ensures that they have the necessary time to adjust to their new family dynamics.
Furthermore, players who are not the biological mother will also be eligible for family leave, allowing them to take time off to care for their child. This inclusive approach acknowledges that parenting responsibilities extend beyond biological relationships.
FIFA has also made changes to player registration rules. Clubs will now be able to sign players outside of the transfer window if a squad member has taken maternity, adoption, or family leave. This ensures that teams can maintain their competitive edge while supporting their players’ personal journeys.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by female athletes, FIFA has also granted players the right to request absence from training or matches due to menstrual health reasons. This acknowledges the impact that menstrual health can have on performance and ensures that players can prioritize their well-being without facing financial repercussions.
These changes have been widely praised by players, coaches, and experts in women’s football. Melanie Leupolz, a midfielder for Chelsea and Germany, highlighted the importance of providing support for players both on and off the pitch. She emphasized that being a mother should not hinder a player’s ability to compete.
Jill Ellis, former head coach of the USA women’s national team and two-time World Cup winner, commended FIFA’s efforts to normalize the experiences of women in football. She described the changes as significant strides towards allowing professional players to also have the opportunity to be mothers.
While these changes are a positive step forward, there is still work to be done. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) emphasized the need for a collective effort to improve the rights and conditions of players in the women’s game. They highlighted the importance of creating a culture within the sport that supports working mothers.
In conclusion, FIFA’s new measures aim to provide better support and opportunities for female footballers and coaches during and after pregnancy. These changes include paid maternity leave for coaches, leave for players and coaches who choose to adopt, family leave for non-biological mothers, flexible player registration rules, and support for menstrual health. While these changes are commendable, it is crucial that the women’s game continues to strive for improved rights and conditions for its players.