Brazil establishes permanent guidelines for women’s soccer

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday (Sep. 28) signed into law a bill establishing permanent national guidelines for the development of women’s soccer in Brazil. Law No. 15,522 sets forth a series of responsibilities for the country, the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF), and soccer clubs.

“We want women to gain a foothold in every sector of the labor market, every political activity, every professional field, and every sporting activity. There is no reason for women to be treated as inferior,” Lula stated.

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The law stipulates that clubs that train young athletes must also maintain a women’s team, and it guarantees sports organizations that develop women’s soccer the same rights and benefits granted to entities that promote men’s soccer.

The Ministry of Sports will be responsible for encouraging girls’ participation in soccer, strengthening youth competitions across all age groups, and supporting the creation and maintenance of professional and youth teams.

The ministry should also work with clubs and CBF to develop protocols for preventing and combating racism, discrimination, prejudice, and violence against women. These protective measures cover women athletes, referees, coaches, fans, administrators, physical education professionals, and other women involved in soccer.

The ministry will also encourage partnerships between schools, universities, and clubs to identify and develop new talent in women’s soccer. It will also support the training and employability of women in other aspects of the game, such as refereeing, coaching, and sports administration, among other roles.

The new law also amends the Law on Public Limited Soccer Companies (SAF). Now, a club that wishes to become an SAF must develop both women’s and men’s soccer, or women’s soccer only.

“The change provides legal backing for the development of professional athletes by business structures dedicated exclusively to women’s soccer,” the Brazilian government explains.

The Executive Branch submitted the bill to the National Congress in September 2025. On September 2 of this year, the bill completed its legislative process after being approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and was sent to the president for approval.

World Cup

The law was enacted in connection with the organization of the upcoming Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Brazil in 2027. The text of the law also calls for the development of a plan outlining the social, athletic, and financial legacy that the tournament is expected to leave behind.

The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be held from June 24 to July 25, 2027, in Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo.