The Sports Federation of Saudi Arabia (SFA) held an event in the capital Riyadh on Tuesday. There, the union confirmed that it will be a football league for ladies in the country in the future.

The initiative was taken by SFA President Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal. He believes this is just the beginning of promoting sports for women in the country.

"This league is the first step for several different sports for women," he says according to the association's Twitter.

The Football League will go by the name of the WFL (Women Football League) and applies to women and girls over 17 years. The first season will be played in the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

For the country, it is a big step to start a women's soccer league. Saudi Arabia has a history of oppression against women and their rights have long been limited. Just two years ago it was forbidden for them to stay in a football arena during a match.