By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Federation of International Football Federation (FIFA) Council met in advance of the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, and adopted several key decisions, particularly in relation to the future of women’s football, for which the international match calendar was unanimously approved.
Similarly, following the FIFA Council’s decision in December 2022 to approve the Strategic Principle of introducing a FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™ and subsequent extensive consultation with the confederations and other stakeholders, it was proposed that the inaugural edition of the competition be contested by 16 teams in January-February 2026.
Prompt News reports that the Women’s International Match Calendar (WIMC) 2026-2029 is the result of a consultation process which has been underpinned by extensive research and analysis in coordination with the confederations and other stakeholders.
Based on a player-centric approach, the WIMC 2026-2029 will provide more opportunities for rest and recovery for players throughout the calendar, with a reduction in the number of windows from six to five facilitating less disruption to domestic leagues and reduced travel.
Additionally, following the FIFA Council’s decision in December 2022 to approve the Strategic Principle of introducing a FIFA Women’s Club World Cup™ and subsequent extensive consultation with the confederations and other stakeholders, it was proposed that the inaugural edition of the competition be contested by 16 teams in January-February 2026.
The tournament will be held every four years. Further details will follow in due course.
To facilitate the continued global development of women’s clubs and based on requests from the confederations to provide ample playing opportunities on a yearly basis, it was further proposed that an additional FIFA women’s club competition be organised in non-FIFA Women’s Club World Cup years as from 2027.
To further protect the well-being of female players and coaches, and following the FIFA Council’s mandate from 14 March 2023, FIFA will amend the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players as of 1 June 2024 to focus on the following key points that have been thoroughly discussed with football stakeholders. READ ALSO:
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“The Women’s International Match Calendar and the subsequent amendments to our regulations represent an important milestone in our pledge to take the women’s game to the next level by enhancing competitiveness across the world, particularly in those regions where women’s football is less developed and protecting the well-being of the players. Having agreed the calendar well in advance will be beneficial for planning purposes,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“We would like to thank all the confederations and other stakeholders for their efforts and commitment towards our common goal.”.
