A new directive by FIFA mandating the inclusion of at least one female coach in every women’s football tournament has ignited both optimism and critical reflection across the global game, particularly in developing countries.
For Eunice Dollar, the move represents a regulatory adjustment and signals a long-overdue recognition that the growth of women’s football must extend beyond the pitch.
“This is a pivotal, albeit complex, intervention,” she noted, emphasizing that “the development of women’s football cannot be measured solely by player participation, but must also include leadership pathways and safeguarding for female athletes.”
The directive seeks to address a long-standing imbalance in technical leadership, where male coaches have continued to dominate even as the women’s game experiences rapid growth. According to Dollar, embedding female figures within coaching structures will not only enhance representation but also foster a sense of safety and trust among players.
“A female presence in leadership builds confidence and creates an environment where players feel understood and protected,” she said, adding that such roles must come with “real responsibility and influence.”
For years, stakeholders have pointed to a “leaky pipeline” in women’s football, where female players rarely transition into coaching roles at the same rate as men. This new rule, observers say, could begin to reverse that trend by forcing structural change.
Dollar believes the impact could be transformative. “Young players need to see that football offers a future beyond playing. When women occupy technical roles, it normalizes coaching as a viable career path,” she explained.
However, she cautioned that the success of the directive will depend heavily on how it is implemented. Without proper investment, there is a risk that teams may comply superficially by appointing female coaches without granting them meaningful authority.
“To avoid tokenism, there must be deliberate investment in training, fair compensation and clear decision-making roles,” she warned.
She called on football bodies to back the directive with concrete support, including funding for advanced coaching certifications such as UEFA and CAF licensing programs, which remain financially inaccessible to many aspiring female coaches.
“Mandates without resources risk becoming symbolic,” Dollar said. “We need structured support systems that ensure these women are empowered, not sidelined.”
Beyond compliance, she urged federations and clubs to embrace the directive as an opportunity to build sustainable leadership pipelines.
“This should not be treated as a box-ticking exercise, but as a succession strategy to nurture future head coaches and technical leaders,” she added.
As the global football community begins to adapt, the directive is widely seen as a signal that the women’s game is entering a new phase, one defined not just by participation, but by inclusive and representative leadership.
For Dollar and other advocates, the hope is clear: that this policy will move beyond symbolism and become a catalyst for lasting systemic change.
“We look forward to seeing this evolve into a genuine transformation,” she said, “one that secures the credibility and sustainability of women’s football for generations to come.”
Dollar spoke in Kisumu at Smart Ladies Youth Initiative office based in Tom Mboya estate.
