**FIFA Mandates Female Coaches on All Women's Tournament Benches** In a move aimed at increasing female representation in football, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced new regulations requiring all teams in its women's competitions to include female coaches on their benches. The rules, set to take effect this year, will apply to various tournaments, including the Under-17 and Under-20 Women's World Cups, as well as the Women's Champions Cup. According to FIFA's new regulations, each team must have at least one woman serving as either head coach or assistant coach, and at least two female staff members must be present on the bench during matches. The rules cover all levels of competition, from youth to senior tournaments, and extend to both national teams and club sides. This move is part of FIFA's efforts to promote greater female representation in coaching roles. At the 2023 Women's World Cup, only 12 of the 32 teams had female head coaches, including England manager Sarina Wiegman. FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis emphasized the need for change, stating, “There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines.” Ellis also highlighted the importance of targeted development programmes in supporting the growth of female coaches. FIFA expects the new regulations to boost the number of women in coaching roles, with the goal of achieving stronger representation at upcoming tournaments, including the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The organization believes that this move will not only promote greater diversity but also contribute to the long-term development of the sport.