India among 12 countries selected for FIFA Women’s Development Programme

• India became one of the 12 countries selected for the FIFA Women’s Development Programme.

• The other countries are Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay.

• India’s inclusion in the programme was confirmed by FIFA after an initial application by All India Football Federation (AIFF), which was followed by a detailed presentation of the commercial strategy and future plans. 

• The programme will be held online from May to October 2026. 

• The course will be tailored by FIFA for the various stakeholders in women’s football across the country.

• This programme will equip clubs with the tools and knowledge needed to build sustainable models, while also preparing them for the upcoming women’s club licensing system that AFC (Asian Football Confederation) plans to introduce.

What is FIFA?

• Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) exists to govern football and to develop the game around the world. 

• FIFA was founded in Paris on May 21, 1904, with a view to organising the world’s most popular sport. The foundation act was signed by representatives from France, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

• The FIFA Member Associations are at the centre of football’s global ecosystem, representing 211 countries and territories across six continents. 

• These associations are responsible for the development and governance of football within their territory, including organising competitions, nurturing grassroots programmes, and promoting the sport at all levels. 

• FIFA supports them financially and logistically through various programmes. As representatives of FIFA in their countries, they have obligations to respect the statutes, aims and ideals of football's governing body and promote and manage the sport accordingly.

• The FIFA Council is the main decision making body of the organisation in the intervals of FIFA Congress.

• The final composition of the FIFA Council consists of 37 members: one president, elected by the FIFA Congress; eight vice presidents, and 28 other members elected by the member associations – each for a term of four years. 

• A minimum of one female representative must be elected per confederation. 

• The president and the members of the Council may serve for no more than three terms of office (whether consecutive or not).

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)