FIFA has announced several amendments to the current Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). These changes have been approved by the FIFA Council by May 2024 and have been brought into effect from June 1.
These changes are majorly focused on women and the impact that menstruation and pregnancy have on their careers.
A meeting of key stakeholders and FIFA members resulted in these new regulations advancing the women’s game.
These include:
- FIFA female players and coaches can now receive a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave.
- A minimum of 8 weeks of paid absence for female coaches and players who adopt a child under the age of 2.
- Also, a minimum of 8 weeks paid absence from the birth of the child if they are not the biological mother (for example same-sex parenthood).
- Players are entitled to full remuneration if they are absent from training or games due to menstruation or pregnancy health reasons.
- There is increased support for female players in contacting families during national team contexts to ease pressure on children and mothers.
FIFA Chief Legal & Compliance Officer Emilio García Silvero has commented on the recent changes:
“FIFA is committed to implementing a dynamic regulatory framework that is sound and suitable for the increasing needs of female players and coaches,” he said via media release.
“In order for the game to further flourish, it’s key that we have a holistic approach towards player well-being, including the legal aspects.”
This is a huge advancement in the game’s equality mission as FIFA has recognised and actively planned to ease the physical, psychological and social dimensions of pregnancy and menstruation for women athletes.
These regulations fit Goal 2 in FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, which describe the organisation’s commitment to exploring and implementing further safeguards for player and coach welfare.
FIFA Chief Football Women’s Officer Dame Sarai Bareman outlined the importance of placing women’s physical health in the legal and mainstream dialogue of the sport.
“When you’re playing sport for a living, and in a professional environment, we have to factor in that the female menstrual cycle can also impact on your ability to deliver within your role,” she added via media release.
“So, it’s important that we protect … those that are affected by their menstrual cycles in a way that it doesn’t put at risk their employment situation with their club and, ultimately, their ability to earn money.”
This announcement shows the players are becoming the major stakeholders in laws and regulations around their welfare.
This is an important strategy for the equality of the game by making sure that women’s sporting careers are not put on hold or impacted by their natural body function or raising a child.
