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India Selected for FIFA Women's Development Programme with 11 Other Nations

India has been selected as one of 12 countries for FIFA's Women's Development Programme, following an application and presentation by the AIFF. The online programme from May to October 2026 will tailor courses to help stakeholders build commercial sustainability. It aims to equip clubs with tools for sponsorship, fan engagement, and preparation for the AFC's upcoming women's club licensing system. AIFF officials highlight the timing is ideal, citing the qualification of three women's national teams for AFC Asian Cups as evidence of the sport's potential in India.

Key Points: India Selected for FIFA Women's Football Development Programme

  • India among 12 nations selected
  • Programme runs online May-Oct 2026
  • Focus on commercial strategy & club licensing
  • Aims to build sustainable football models
  • Backed by AIFF and a commercial partner
2 min read

India among 12 countries selected for FIFA Women's Development Programme

India joins 11 countries in FIFA's Women's Development Programme to boost commercial strategy and club sustainability from 2026.

"I think this is the perfect time for us to grow the commercial aspect of women's football in India as a whole. - M Satyanarayan"

New Delhi, April 23

India, on Wednesday, became one of the 12 countries selected by FIFA for the FIFA Women's Development Programme.

The other countries include Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay, as per a press release from AIFF.

India's inclusion in the programme was confirmed by FIFA after an initial application by AIFF, which was followed by a detailed presentation of the commercial strategy and plans.

The programme will be held online from May to October, 2026. The course itself will be tailored by FIFA for the various stakeholders in women's football across the country.

With AIFF now backed by a commercial partner, this programme will equip clubs with the tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable models, while also preparing them for the upcoming women's club licensing system that AFC (Asian Football Confederation) plans to introduce.

AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan said, "I think this is the perfect time for us to grow the commercial aspect of women's football in India as a whole. The qualification of three of our women's teams (senior, U20, and U17) for the AFC Asian Cups in their respective age categories shows our potential, and the ASMITA U13 Women's Football League has helped us create the base at the youth level.

"Now that the clubs will receive this kind of capacity building on developing commercial strategies, securing sponsorships, engaging fans, and much more, the whole ecosystem will benefit," he said. "I think the initiative by FIFA is excellent, and we are glad to have been selected for it. We hope that the clubs and stakeholders in women's football will benefit from this, especially with IWL clubs coming under club licensing requirements very soon, as set by the AFC."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Being selected alongside football giants like Germany and the Netherlands is a huge recognition. Shows FIFA sees potential here. The focus on commercial strategy is key – you need money to build a sustainable ecosystem.
A
Aman W
Good step, but I hope this isn't just another online seminar that leads to no real change on the ground. AIFF needs to ensure the knowledge trickles down to state associations and local clubs, not just the big names.
S
Shreya B
The timing is perfect with our teams qualifying for Asian Cups. This programme can teach our clubs how to monetize that success and fan interest. More sponsorships mean better facilities and pay for our players. Win-win!
D
David E
Interesting mix of countries in the programme. From a global perspective, investing in women's football in a market like India is a smart long-term play for FIFA. The growth potential here is massive.
K
Kavya N
Hope they focus on fan engagement strategies that work for India. We need to make women's matches a family event, get more people to the stadiums. Community connection is everything.

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