UEFA tightens licensing rules for women’s coaches

Women’s European football is set to tighten its rules behind the bench, too. As Mundo Deportivo reports, UEFA has recommended higher minimum licensing standards for the technical staff (head coach and assistant) of clubs playing in two of its women’s competitions: the Women’s Champions League and the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup (Women’s European Cup).

The change is being advanced through consultations involving UEFA’s Women’s Football and Club Licensing committees, and in coordination with the European Clubs’ Association. It will take effect starting in the 2029-30 season, giving time for coaches who do not yet hold the required qualifications to get up to standard.

What coaches need by 2029

Per the details shared, the head coach must hold at least one of the following minimum coaching titles, issued by a UEFA member federation in line with the UEFA Coaches Convention:

For the assistant coach, the minimum requirement is:

Courses and extra capacity

To support the transition, UEFA is encouraging national federations to expand and intensify training courses so coaches can access these qualifications. It also notes that if the number of places in UEFA Pro Diploma courses scheduled before the end of the 2029-30 period is not enough for clubs’ needs, UEFA may be asked to arrange additional courses.

In Spain, Mundo Deportivo says the impact—given that these teams are currently the ones in the Women’s Champions League—would be on FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The goal is to strengthen club coaching education and keep pushing the growth of women’s football across Europe.