June 3 – FIFA has moved to further protect the well-being of female football players and coaches by implementing changes to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).
Approved by the FIFA Council in May 2024, these changes will extend rights and protections to adoptive parents and non-biological mothers after entering into force on Saturday.
They will also address the physical, psychological, and social challenges faced during severe menstruation or pregnancy-related medical complications. Additionally, member associations will be encouraged to allow female players to maintain contact with their families while on international duty.
“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 (pictured). “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.”
“I think it’s a big statement,” said 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.”
The news breaks after FIFA released the Women’s International Match calendar for the 2026-29 rotation, as the number of fixtures looks set to increase.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1720117457labto1720117457ofdlr1720117457owedi1720117457sni@g1720117457niwe.1720117457yrrah1720117457