By Olusola Alabi
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed the resounding success of women’s football on the global stage, terming it as a progressive stride for the sport.
Speaking at the Coaches Forum hosted at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, Infantino expressed satisfaction with the exceptional football showcased during the previous FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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He acknowledged that the tournament marked a pivotal moment for many viewers, who, perhaps for the first time, recognized the excellence and excitement that women’s football brings to the sporting world.
Emphasizing the need to build on this newfound appreciation, the President highlighted the importance of fostering the growth and recognition of women’s football globally.
The two-day Coaches Forum provided a platform for coaches to exchange insights and ideas on technical, competition, and refereeing matters.
In an effort to enhance FIFA’s activities and elevate its image, Infantino discussed plans for expanding youth competitions.
This includes increasing the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to 24 teams. Furthermore, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is slated to become an annual event in the future, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to promoting women’s football across various levels.
Notably, the 2023 Women’s World Cup concluded with the Spain women’s national football team clinching the title by defeating the reigning European champions, England, with a 1-0 victory in the final.