NewKerala.com

India Among 12 Nations Chosen for FIFA Women's Football Development Push

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, scheduled for 2026, aims to equip clubs with commercial tools and prepare them for the AFC's upcoming women's club licensing system. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan stated the timing is ideal to grow the commercial side of women's football, citing recent national team successes. The initiative is expected to benefit the entire ecosystem as clubs build sustainable models.

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

  • India selected for FIFA programme
  • 12 nations including Germany, Canada
  • Focus on commercial strategy & sustainability
  • Prepares clubs for AFC licensing
  • Online course from May-Oct 2026
2 min read

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

India joins 11 other nations in FIFA's Women's Development Programme, a commercial strategy course to boost the women's football ecosystem.

"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 22

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.

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 future 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."

FIFA has supported the Indian football ecosystem for years, with the then FIFA President Sepp Blatter even calling it a "sleeping giant".

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Being selected alongside football powerhouses like Germany and Sweden is a huge recognition. It shows FIFA sees potential here. But let's be honest, the real test is implementation. AIFF needs to ensure this knowledge actually trickles down to the clubs and isn't just another certificate for the federation.
A
Aditya G
Great step forward. The mention of club licensing is important. It will force clubs to professionalize their women's teams. More matches, better facilities, and fan engagement strategies can really change the game. The sleeping giant might finally be waking up in the women's category!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows global women's football, this is a significant development. The program being online from 2026 is a bit of a wait, but the planning phase is crucial. Building a commercial model from the ground up is how you create lasting change. Wishing the Indian teams all the best!
K
Kavya N
So proud! My daughter plays in a local academy, and news like this gives us hope. If clubs learn how to get sponsors and engage fans, maybe one day she can have a real career in football here in India. The ASMITA league is a good start. More power to our women! 💪
M
Michael C
A respectful critique: While the program is excellent, the timeline "online from May to October, 2026" feels distant. A lot can be done in the meantime. AIFF should not wait to start local workshops and build momentum. The momentum from the Asian Cup qualifications should be capitalized on now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50