India has been chosen as one of the 12 countries by FIFA for the FIFA Women’s Development Programme (Commercial Strategy 2026). The other countries in this selection are Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania, and Paraguay.
FIFA confirmed India’s participation in the programme following an application by AIFF, which was supported by a detailed presentation of the commercial strategy and future plans. The programme is scheduled to take place online from May to October 2026, with FIFA customizing the course for the different stakeholders in women’s football across India.
With AIFF now having a commercial partner, the programme aims to provide clubs with the necessary tools and knowledge to establish sustainable models. This initiative also aims to prepare them for the upcoming women’s club licensing system that AFC (Asian Football Confederation) is planning to introduce.
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan expressed optimism about the growth potential of women’s football in India. He highlighted the recent qualification of three women’s teams (senior, U20, and U17) for the AFC Asian Cups and the positive impact of initiatives like the ASMITA U13 Women’s Football League at the grassroots level. The capacity building provided by FIFA in areas such as commercial strategies, sponsorships, and fan engagement is expected to benefit the entire ecosystem of women’s football in the country.
FIFA’s support for Indian football has been longstanding, with former FIFA President Sepp Blatter once referring to India as a “sleeping giant.”
