FIFPRO report highlights growing pains in women's football
Expected global revenue of over $1 billion and new faces at the U17 World Cup show women's football is booming, but a recent report also highlights need for greater structure globally.
A recent FIFPRO report sheds light on the challenges facing women's football. Despite the sport's growing popularity, with global revenues projected to exceed $1 billion by 2027, players still struggle to earn livable wages. The U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco showcases the increasing importance of youth tournaments, with the 2026 edition in Morocco already attracting top teams like Germany, France, and North Korea.
Puerto Rico, Australia, and Argentina are making their World Cup debuts, with Puerto Rico marking a historic first for their nation. While North America boasts a higher average player salary at $5,940 per month, the vast majority of professional players still earn far below this amount, with only 66% receiving payment for the entire year.
The average contract length stands at just 1.6 years, exacerbating financial instability. Mental health issues emerge as a significant concern, with 46% of surveyed players citing psychological stress as the primary reason for considering an early exit from the sport. FIFPRO calls for FIFA to establish minimum standards for contracts, pensions, and health support, echoing the successful labor negotiations within the WNBA.
Despite progress in North America, disparities persist globally and even within regions like Europe, where eastern countries face significant gaps compared to their western counterparts. As the sport continues to grow, addressing these inequalities becomes increasingly urgent to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for women's football worldwide.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
