BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-World football governing body FIFA has introduced a new regulation requiring every women’s football team to include at least two female coaches on their technical bench.
The directive signals a deliberate shift toward increasing women’s participation in leadership roles within the sport, particularly in coaching structures that have traditionally been dominated by men.
Under the new rule, one of the two female coaches must occupy either the head coach or assistant coach position.
This provision ensures that women are not only present in technical teams but are also entrusted with key decision making responsibilities.
The policy is part of FIFA’s broader strategy to promote gender balance and create more opportunities for women in football beyond playing roles.
However, sports analyst Williams Chande has emphasized that while the policy is commendable, there is a need for women coaches to continuously upgrade their qualifications.
Chande noted that coaching at elite levels particularly within national teams demands high levels of competence and consistent positive results, making professional development essential.
He added that capacity building through advanced coaching courses will be key in ensuring that female coaches are well equipped to handle the pressures associated with top level football.
The new regulation is expected to influence football associations worldwide, including those in Africa, to invest more in training and mentoring female coaches.
FIFA has confirmed that the rule will come into effect later this year, with its first implementation set for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled for September in Poland, will serve as the initial platform where the new requirement is enforced, marking a significant milestone in the push for inclusivity in global football.