New maternity cover regulations aimed at protecting women footballers have been praised as “an essential step” for the sport.
Fifa could impose transfer bans on any clubs not meeting the new standards.
Football’s international governing body has for the first time proposed worldwide maternity regulations for female players and coaches.
Players would be entitled to a minimum of 14 weeks of maternity cover, on at least two thirds of their salary.
The proposed regulations will require Fifa Council approval in December.
Fifa’s chief legal and compliance officer, Emilio Garcia Silvero said: “The clubs will not be allowed to terminate the contract of a player on the grounds of a player becoming pregnant.
“If this is the case, we are going to impose not only a fine, and compensation to the player, but also a sporting sanction.
“We are going to impose a transfer ban on the club. From now on, female players will be better protected. Continue reading