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Global Employment Market for Women's Football

The employment market for women’s football has been heavily restricted

Women’s football has a long history of organised play, that in some countries stretches back for over a century. However, it has faced many more barriers than the men’s game in terms of achieving recognition and stability – which has heavily impacted players’ ability to retain viable professional employment. FIFPRO is committed to creating as many high-quality jobs for footballers as possible, and works with governing bodies and industry representatives from around the world to consistently improve the global employment market for women’s football.

What you should know

The degree of professionality in the women’s game is widely varied

At the top end, there is a small group of well-paid and recognised players, while a much larger group of amateurs – with no contracts, pay, and limited rights – sit at the opposite end of the scale. In the middle, there is an undefined group with no standardisation of contracts or real distinction between professional and amateur status.

A collaborative approach is required to standardise the employment market for women footballers

FIFPRO is committed to working with global governing bodies and stakeholders to deliver the support and resources needed to create better job opportunities for players.

The women’s football industry needs to be developed in a sustainable way

Any future visions need to address the systematic and institutionalised barriers that have negatively impacted women’s earning capacities and job security. All stakeholders must be committed to investing new and existing resources into the players and their working environments.

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