فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Over the past decades, women’s football has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from the margins of the sports world to center stage on the global athletic scene. This shift has been fueled by growing support from international and national football federations, as well as the increasing visibility of women’s teams in major tournaments—reflected strongly in the recent Moroccan experience.
A Long Road from Marginalization
Although women’s football dates back to the early 20th century in some European countries, it remained marginalized for a long time due to cultural, structural, and stereotypical barriers. However, the past few years have seen a significant change, particularly with the gradual expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which has been held since 1991 and is now among the most-watched sporting events globally.
A Global Turning Point
The 2019 World Cup in France and the 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand marked a new era with record-breaking viewership and media coverage. This surge prompted FIFA to allocate additional funding to support the development of women’s football—including investments in infrastructure and the training of female coaches and players.
In this regard, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that: “Women’s football is not just the future of the game—it is its vibrant present, and it must be invested in at all levels.”
The Moroccan Model: Unprecedented Achievements
Within the Arab world, Morocco stands as a leading example of advancing women’s football. In 2020, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation launched a national strategy focused on training, professionalism, and expanding access to the sport for girls and women.
These efforts paid off with historic milestones, notably Morocco’s first-ever qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where the national team reached the Round of 16—an exceptional achievement that placed the Atlas Lionesses among the emerging football powers in Africa. Morocco also hosted the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the national team reached the final before an unprecedented home crowd.
Persistent Challenges
Despite this momentum, women’s football still faces several challenges, most notably the lack of media coverage compared to men’s football, limited financial resources for women’s clubs, and social barriers that hinder girls’ participation in some regions.
Reports by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) indicate that nearly 60% of African football associations have yet to adopt sustainable programs for women’s football, highlighting the urgent need for institutional action to reduce the gender gap in sports.
A Promising Future
Women’s football has come a long way—from marginalization to professionalism—and today, it stands as a rising force in global sports. With increasing belief in women’s talent and growing investment, the future lies in ensuring the sustainability of this growth, and in making football a truly inclusive space for both women and men worldwide.
Source: Fes News Media
