UEFA has established for the first time in its history the minimum standards that every national team must meet. In an unprecedented document, the highest governing body of European football lists all the aspects that federations should have guaranteed in their women’s teams, such as a full-time coach with a UEFA Pro license (the maximum) or the incompatibility of exercising this position with others such as sports director, as happened in Spain with Jorge Vilda.
The minimum standards that the Federations must meet include at least one doctor and two physiotherapists in each match or training session, decent travel and accommodation conditions in the concentrations that allow the footballers to perform on the field, quality sports facilities for training and matches. , the application of maternity and anti-discrimination policies, as well as a salary agreement with the players.
This is an incentive program, that is, all those Federations that wish to join will be able to do so by benefiting from financial aid of up to 100,000 euros per year for each of the national associations. This new program represents “a starting point to raise the bar for all women’s national teams,” highlights Nadine Kessler, UEFA women’s football director. “Having the best possible conditions on and off the field is absolutely vital for players to perform and, in return, bring success to their national teams. Today we have a highly competitive landscape, so standards must grow along with them,” she maintains.
“The national association must do everything possible to ensure that its senior national team players receive quality sporting care and conditions to ensure their well-being while on duty with the national team, to optimize their training and competitive performance,” says the document that is divided into two blocks: sports and technical provisions; and good governance provisions.
The coach must have a full-time contract exclusively for the women’s team with a UEFA Pro license. A position that will not be compatible with other obligations such as sports management or directing the youth teams.
The criteria for travel and accommodation of the athletes are established, prioritizing criteria such as: the most direct route possible, arrival no later than 24 hours before the match, hotels at a reasonable distance from the facilities…
Elite facilities, well equipped and with a quality playing surface, must be put at the service of female players. In addition, the Federations must provide footballers with all the materials necessary for sports practice, as well as women’s equipment.
There must be agreements between the Federations and their footballers that establish their remuneration, as well as performance bonuses or commercial agreements. In addition, aspects such as maintenance, maternity benefits or health insurance must be reflected.
Federations have the duty to consult with their footballers regarding the application of specific policies. This is the case of maternity policies, against harassment or discrimination.
