FIFA urges Member Associations to apply for funding to reform women’s football

In a circular sent out earlier this month to all 211 Football Associations, the world football governing body has advised its members to help take the women’s game to a new level.

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 This was part of taking advantage of the record-breaking 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which saw an increased global exposure and a more competitive competition. 

FIFA launched the Women’s Football Strategy 2024-2027 back in 2021, with the aim of increasing opportunities for girls and women.

“To deliver on the ambitious objectives set out in the FIFA Women’s Football Strategy: 2024-2027, FIFA aims to increase the number of opportunities for girls and women both on and off the pitch. To further support our member associations, we have refreshed and renewed the FIFA Women’s Development Programme, which offers tailored initiatives for all 211 member associations, focusing on key aspects of women’s football development,” said FIFA in the circular.

There are 13 development programmes available for member associations to benefit from, and these include, among others; Global Benchmarking of Women’s Leagues, Women’s Football Strategy, Women’s Football Campaign, League Development, Commercial Strategy, Women in Football Leadership, Coach Education Scholarships, Elite Performance – Women’s National Team Preparation.

“All member associations are eligible to apply for and benefit from these women’s development programmes and may submit an application for more than one programme within the same year provided that they are aligned with their overall strategic goals and/or women’s football strategy,” said the statement.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) recently named Dawn Lubisi as the acting Head of Women’s Football. She told SABC SPORT in an interview after her appointment that one of her priorities is to launch the SAFA Women’s Football Strategy in the new year.