FIFA adopts new protocols to support players during pregnancy, following the birth of their children
Soccer’s international governing body is introducing new measures designed to further support the well-being of players and coaches during pregnancy and after the birth of their children
By Anne M. Peterson
Published - May 31, 2024, 01:35 PM ET
Last Updated - May 31, 2024, 01:35 PM EDT
Soccer's international governing body is implementing new measures designed to further support the well-being of players and coaches during pregnancy and after the birth of their children.
The FIFA protocols give both players and coaches a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, and a minimum of eight weeks paid leave for those who adopt a child younger than 2. There is also a minimum eight weeks paid for women who are non-biological parents of newborns.
While the players’ maternity leave was previously adopted in 2020, the new rules extend it to coaches, non-biological and adoptive mothers.
The protocol goes into effect on Saturday. It was approved last month by the FIFA Council.
