FIFA has responded to the concerns of women in football by implementing new changes to the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).
These changes are set to take effect in June to further protect female players’ well-being, following thorough discussions with key stakeholders and previous landmark reforms.
Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, emphasized the importance of supporting women in football: “One of our key objectives in women’s football is to see more women around the world being able to make a living playing the sport that they love. To achieve this, we must ensure their protection, particularly for those wanting to start families or adopt children, so they can do so without negatively impacting their careers.”
Approved by the FIFA Council in May 2024, these changes will extend rights and protections to adoptive parents and non-biological mothers. Fatmire Alushi, a 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner, praised the initiative: “As a mother of four, I was fortunate that PSG supported me fully during my pregnancy. However, not all players had this experience, so I greatly appreciate FIFA’s efforts to protect pregnant women.”
The new measures also address the physical, psychological, and social impacts of severe menstruation and pregnancy-related medical complications, recognizing the unique biological needs of women. Additionally, member associations are encouraged to facilitate contact between female players and their families while on international duty.
