India has been selected by FIFA for the FIFA Women’s Development Programme under its Commercial Strategy 2026. The programme will run online from May to October 2026 and is designed to strengthen the commercial and organisational capacity of women’s football stakeholders in the country. India is among 12 selected nations, alongside Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania and Paraguay.
Selection and Programme Scope
India’s inclusion followed an application by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), supported by a detailed presentation on commercial strategy and future plans. FIFA will tailor the course for different stakeholders in women’s football. The focus will be on building sustainable models for clubs and improving long-term growth.
Commercial Capacity Building
The programme is expected to help clubs develop:
- Commercial strategies for women’s teams.
- Sponsorship and revenue generation plans.
- Fan engagement methods.
- Organisational tools for sustainable operations.
This is important as women’s football in India moves towards a more structured commercial ecosystem.
Link with Club Licensing
The initiative also aligns with the upcoming women’s club licensing system planned by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Indian Women’s League clubs are expected to come under licensing requirements soon. The programme will therefore help clubs prepare for compliance, professionalism and better governance.
Women’s Football Growth in India
AIFF has brought into light recent progress in women’s football, including qualification of the senior, U20 and U17 national teams for their respective AFC Asian Cups. The ASMITA U13 Women’s Football League has also helped build a youth base. FIFA’s support is expected to strengthen the wider ecosystem and improve the commercial future of women’s football in India.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026