India selected for FIFA Women's Development Programme

Key facts

• India is one of 12 countries selected by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for its Women's Development Programme.
• The other selected nations are Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay.
• The programme will be conducted online from May to October 2026.
• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) secured inclusion after presenting a commercial strategy and future plans to FIFA.
• The programme aims to provide capacity building for clubs in developing commercial strategies, securing sponsorships, and engaging fans.
• The initiative prepares clubs for the women's club licensing system planned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
• India's senior, U20, and U17 women's teams have qualified for the AFC Asian Cups in their respective age categories.
• The ASMITA U13 Women's Football League has been utilised to create a base at the youth level.