September 11 – The UEFA Football Board has reiterated the need to improve competitiveness across domestic leagues, as well as increasing the number of female coaches and an emphasis on professionalising female refereeing.
Meeting at UEFA HQ in Nyon, the agenda covered key areas aimed at driving the sport forward, including strategic planning, enhancing the competitive landscape, improving player welfare and fostering professional opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials.”
The board emphasised the importance of player welfare and that “support structures must continue to be improved to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the players”.
Nadine Kessler, UEFA managing director of women’s football, said: “Today’s meeting was a fantastic continuation of the progress we began last year, filled with open and positive dialogue that reflects the very nature of women’s football. Many important topics have been on the table and the board members’ expertise and insights have been vital to ensuring that we travel in the right direction and set the stage for even greater successes ahead.”
While the objectives have become clearer under the board – with further refinements of the upcoming release of the UEFA Women’s Football Strategy 2024-30 – discussed, the pathway to achieving the objectives is still developing.
The Board recognised the contribution the new women’s international calendar had brought to increasing competitiveness, reviewed UEFA’s objectives for Women’s Euro 2025 were outlined, and recognised the importance of the new format Women’s Champions League and UEFA’s second women’s club competition.
Ada Hegerberg, Olympique Lyonnais and Norway forward said: “Players are, and will always be, at the very centre of the game. Women’s football is at a pivotal stage and it is crucial that our voices are heard in shaping the future. We’re committed to pushing for more opportunities, better conditions and ensuring that the next generation have the resources and support they deserve. Together, with the right platform and the right support, we can continue driving the sport forward in a safe and sustainable way.”
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