'We must accelerate change '- FIFA pushes for female coaches in women’s tournaments:

FIFA has introduced new regulations requiring every team in its women’s competitions to include female coaching staff, with officials stressing the urgent need to improve representation on the sidelines.

FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis made the governing body’s position clear.

“There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways and increasing visibility for women on our sidelines,” she said.

Under the new rules, teams must have at least two female staff members on the bench, including one in a head coach or assistant coach role. The regulation will apply across FIFA women’s tournaments, including youth competitions and club events.

The push follows concerns raised by leading figures in the game over the lack of female representation.

England coach Sarina Wiegman has consistently called for greater opportunities for women, while USA manager Emma Hayes described the situation as a serious problem.

“It’s a massive issue,” Hayes said, urging football authorities to take decisive action.

FIFA hopes the measures will lead to meaningful progress ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, as the organisation looks to reshape the coaching landscape in women’s football.