Last fall, Fifa announced that it would spend a total of $ 1 billion (around SEK 10 billion) on women's football over the next four years, a doubling of the previously budgeted amount.
But it is not relevant to cut that investment, despite a strained financial situation as a result of the ongoing corona pandemic, Fifa now insures.
Alarming report- This funding has already been committed by Fifa, and it will not be affected by the covid-19 crisis. The money will be invested in a number of areas on the women's side, such as competitions, skills development, leadership, professionalization and technical development, a spokesperson for Fifa told The Guardian.
It is welcome news for women's soccer, which is said to be extra exposed when virtually all sports are at a standstill. Last week, international player union Fifpro released a report warning that the entire existence of women's soccer is almost threatened by the corona crisis.
"Women's football is included"
- Unfortunately, women's soccer, especially in some parts of the world, does not have the same status as men's soccer. And that's where you cut down, Caroline Jönsson, former Swedish national team goalkeeper and today board member at Fifpro, told TT about the report.
Concerns have also been expressed that the women's side is not included when Fifa presents its crisis plan for football during the pandemic.
- Fifa is working right now to help football around the world, women's soccer included. Exactly what this help will look like is being discussed right now in consultation with member bans, confederations and other stakeholders, says Fifa's spokesperson.