In a significant decision made by FIFA, all women's teams participating in their tournaments are now required to have female head or assistant coaches. This mandate was announced by a FIFA committee and was put into effect without delay. Consequently, teams preparing for upcoming U-17 and U-20 World Cup events will need to comply with this new regulation. Additionally, the ruling specifies that women’s teams must also include at least two female support staff members, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to gender representation in sports.

FIFA officials, including Jill Ellis, emphasized the necessity for more women in coaching roles, citing a lack of enough female coaches currently. The organization aims to accelerate change in this arena by providing clearer career pathways, expanding opportunities for women, and increasing their visibility alongside the pitch. Ellis noted that out of 32 teams at the recent World Cup finals, only 12 were led by female head coaches, highlighting the need for more progress in this area.

The implementation of these new requirements reflects FIFA's broader long-term strategy to support the development of women coaches and to ensure that they are represented in leadership positions within the sport. As countries, including Estonia, adjust to these new mandates, the move is expected to encourage a more inclusive environment in women's football and is likely to have broader implications for the growth of female participation in coaching roles worldwide.