On Monday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a law establishing national guidelines to professionalize women’s soccer, expand player development, and promote equality measures within the sport.

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva approved Law No. 15.522, which sets forth new obligations for the State, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), and clubs, aiming to boost the development of women’s soccer in the country.

The regulation, based on a bill submitted by the government to Congress, mandates a gradual reduction in the number of non-professional players registered for competitions, with the goal of achieving full professionalization of the teams. It also stipulates that clubs maintaining youth divisions or training programs must either have a women’s team or establish one within 180 days.

During their development, female players must have access to the same facilities, spaces, and support staff available to their male counterparts. Furthermore, sports organizations dedicated to training female players will enjoy the same rights and benefits as those linked to men’s soccer.

The Ministry of Sports will be responsible for encouraging women’s participation in sports, strengthening grassroots competitions, and supporting the creation and maintenance of professional and youth teams. The legislation also provides for the government to coordinate with clubs and the CBF on protocols to prevent and combat racism, discrimination, prejudice, and violence against women in soccer.

The text reads: “The South American country kicked off the countdown to the pinnacle of women’s football with activities in the host cities and a message of encouragement for the development of the sport.”

Regarding equal pay, the law does not mandate automatic parity between women and men but guides the formulation of initiatives aimed at reducing existing disparities in the sport.

The legislation also introduces changes for Soccer Corporations (known as SAFs). Clubs adopting this model must train both female and male players, although they may also choose to maintain exclusively female training programs.

“We want women to gain ground across the entire labor market and in every sporting activity,” stated Lula during the signing ceremony, where he was accompanied by former footballer Miraildes Maciel, known as Formiga. The president also jokingly commented on the performance of the women’s team from Corinthians, the club he supports.

Brazil will be the first South American country to host the Women’s World Cup, scheduled for June and July 2027. The tournament will bring together 32 national teams across eight host cities, including Recife. The new law also mandates the development of a social, sporting, and financial legacy plan for the competition.

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