The changing support for mothers in women’s football was discussed on a Space hosted by FIFPRO involving former internationals Helen Ward and Sif Atladottir, as well as FIFPRO Senior Legal Counsel Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud.
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Why maternity regulations are so important to women's players
FIFPRO Senior Legal Counsel Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud initiated the discussions with FIFA and other stakeholders, and fought hard to optimise these protective regulations, to enable women to combine being a parent with their football career.
A groundbreaking maternity case
Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir became the first player to win a claim against a club through the FIFA Maternity Regulations. FIFPRO provided legal support to Bjork Gunnarsdottir, from explaining her rights to representing her before the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber.
"Players have the right to be mothers"
Senior Legal Counsel Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud was an integral force in defining what is now known as the FIFA Maternity Regulations, and ensuring their inclusion in FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
Helen Ward: "Players don’t have to sacrifice their career to be a mother"
Wales’ all-time scorer talked to FIFPRO in 2021 about her own experiences of balancing motherhood and a playing career, and how maternity is a different ball game in the world of football.
Jessica Wik: “It is possible to be a mother and play professionally”
Sweden international Jessica Wik addresses the perceived incompatibility between professional football and motherhood, and hopes that FIFA’s maternity regulations, drafted collaboratively with FIFPRO’s involvement will be fully implemented soon in her country.
Almuth Schult: "Coming back after childbirth as a goalkeeper is different"
Former Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult recently returned to football eight months after the birth of her third child. Schult made history by becoming the first player in Germany to use the FIFA Maternity Regulations to return from maternity leave and join a new club outside of transfer periods.
Line Roddik Hansen: "We compare pregnancy to an ACL injury"
Line Roddik Hansen, who spent 15 years playing for Denmark, retired ahead of having her first child last year. The former Olympique Lyon, Barcelona and Ajax defender says football can learn from handball with regards to players returning after maternity.