Football association Fifa has implemented support for its female footballers and coaches during and after pregnancy, and in all types of motherhood as of 1 June.
Approved by the Fifa council last month, the changes are applicable to its affiliated associations in 211 countries across the world. They include a minimum of 14 weeks paid maternity leave for coaches, which had previously only been in place for the players.
Rights and protections to adoptive parents and non-biological mothers have also been extended. Players and coaches will be entitled to a period of adoption leave depending on their child’s age, and family leave will be available for parents who are not the biological mother.
Clubs will be able to sign players outside of a transfer window if they are on maternity, adoption or family leave and female players will be encouraged to have contact with their families while playing in an international team.
Players will additionally be entitled to request an absence from training or matches due to menstrual health reasons, while still receiving full pay, and the association will recognise the physical, psychological and social impact if a player is unable to participate in matches due to medical complications relating to pregnancy.
Emilio García Silvero, chief legal and compliance officer at Fifa, said: “Fifa is committed to implementing a dynamic regulatory framework that is sound and suitable for the increasing needs of female players and coaches. 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.
“As a modern organisation, it’s Fifa’s duty to listen to the main actors and adapt its regulations to the ever more complex dynamics of professional football. We would like to thank all the stakeholders that have contributed to the drafting of these robust regulations, and look forward to seeing them being implemented and positively affecting the lives and careers of women in football.”
