Fifa criticised for lack of mandatory rest periods in new women’s calendar

Fifa criticised for lack of mandatory rest periods in new women’s calendarSchedule has five windows but same amount games in EuropeFifa has announced a new four-year women’s international match calendar that will come in from 2026 but faces criticism for not including mandatory rest periods and for undermining domestic leagues.

The new international match calendar, which the global governing body said has a “player-centric focus” and “is backed by extensive research, analysis and consultation” includes a welcome reduction in the number of international windows from six to five.

The Guardian understands that the players’ union, Fifpro, requested mandatory rest periods in the new calendar but these has not been included. The Fifa press release implies that the onus is on the confederations and the national leagues to decide rest periods for players while also announcing that there will be at least 10 weeks between major global tournaments and any subsequent international window.

It is also understood that the Women’s Leagues Forum, a group of women’s professional leagues including the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League and Spain’s Liga F, was not consulted on the calendar despite requests. It had written to Fifa before the ratification of the calendar questioning the impact on domestic competitions, saying the changes would inflict significant harm to the leagues and players.

The Fifa statement on the new types of window said it means “member associations will be empowered to shine a greater spotlight on their women’s national teams by planning and scheduling more international football on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, when the best possible fan connection and commercialisation opportunities exist”. The governing body also announced the launch of a Women’s Club World Cup, with 16 teams competing in the inaugural edition in January-February 2026.

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