WSL: Will you be ready for FIFA’s requirements for a women’s coach?

FIFA implemented a historical policy requiring that teams in its tournaments include female coaches.

Under the new decision, there must be at least two female employees on the bench for each team in matches, with one in the position of assistant or head coach.

The rules apply to international football competitions and FIFA club competitions.

Looking at the top 10 countries in the world, six of them would already be compatible with only four of them having female head coaches.

But should action be taken in the English game?

In the Women’s Super League (WSL), BBC research suggests that three teams will currently adhere to FIFA rules. Only a third of WSL managers are female, while two clubs do not appear to have any head coaches or assistant coaches.

“To give equal chances, sometimes you need injections,” Arsenal coach Rene Slijers said. “I’m very proud to be part of Arsenal as there are so many women working at a really high level.”

FIFA requirements come into effect for the Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cups and the Women’s Champions Cup later this year.

The rationale is to spark a rapid increase in female representation in coaching roles.

The Women’s Super League says increasing the number of female coaches is a priority and is taking a “considered approach” in collaboration with the FA.

They point to a number of pathways already established such as the Coaching and Mentoring Initiative and the Women’s Elite Coaching Programme, designed to improve women’s access to the top levels of the English game.

Sligers added that anything the WSL could do, whether through regulations, influence or example, was “powerful”.