New Delhi, April 22: India has been chosen as one of the 12 countries for FIFA’s Women’s Development Program (Commercial Strategy 2026), announced on Wednesday. The other selected countries include Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay.
FIFA confirmed India’s participation following the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) initial application, which was accompanied by a comprehensive presentation of commercial strategies and future plans. This program will be conducted online from May to October 2026. FIFA will tailor the course specifically for various stakeholders involved in women’s football across the country.
With AIFF now supported by a commercial partner, this initiative will equip clubs with the tools and knowledge necessary to create sustainable models. Additionally, it will prepare them for the upcoming women’s club licensing system, which the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) plans to implement.
AIFF’s Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayana stated, “I believe this is the perfect time for us to enhance the commercial aspects of women’s football in India. The qualification of our three women’s teams (senior, under-20, and under-17) for the AFC Asian Cup showcases our potential, and the Asmita Under-13 Women’s Football League has helped us establish a foundation at the youth level.”
He added, “Now that clubs will have the opportunity to develop commercial strategies, secure sponsorships, engage fans, and more, the entire ecosystem will benefit. I think FIFA’s initiative is excellent. We are pleased to have been selected for this program. We hope that clubs and stakeholders involved in women’s football will gain from this, especially as the IWL clubs are set to come under club licensing requirements established by the AFC very soon.”
FIFA has been supporting the Indian football ecosystem for years. The former FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, even referred to it as a ‘sleeping giant.’
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