India among 12 countries selected by FIFA for Women’s Development Programme

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) selected India among the 12 countries selected for the Women's Development Programme (Commercial Strategy 2026). The other countries include Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Scotland, Canada, Finland, Mexico, Ghana, Jordan, Lithuania and, Paraguay.

On Wednesday, India became one of the 12 countries selected by FIFA for the programme. The news was confirmed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) by releasing a statement on X, “FIFA confirmed India’s inclusion in the programme after an initial application by AIFF.” The Federation said this decision is followed by a detailed presentation of the commercial strategy and future plans.

“The programme will be held online from May to October, 2026,” they added. They stated that the course will be tailored for the various stakeholders in women’s football by FIFA across the country. 

The AIFF also says that the programme will help with ‘tools’ and ‘knowledge’ which is needed to build sustainable models and prepare them for ‘upcoming women's club licensing system’ that the AFC plans to introduce. 

The AIFF secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan reportedly said that this is the perfect time for us to grow the commercial aspect of women’s football in India as whole after the qualification of three of women’s teams for the AFC Asian Cup in their respective age group.