In a significant move to enhance the support system for female footballers and coaches, the world football governing body, FIFA, has revealed amendments aimed at safeguarding their rights during and after pregnancy and in non-biological motherhood situations.
Among the key changes is introducing a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for coaches, a provision previously only applicable to players.
Furthermore, in cases of adoption, both players and coaches will be entitled to a period of leave determined by the age of the adopted child. In contrast, family leave will be available for parents who are not biological mothers.
To accommodate the needs of players, clubs will now be permitted to sign players outside of the transfer window if a squad member is on maternity, adoption, or family leave.
Female players will have the right to request absence from training or matches due to menstrual health reasons, while still receiving full compensation.
These adjustments, sanctioned by FIFA‘s council earlier this month, are set to take effect starting tomorrow, 1st of June.
