Declaration of Principles

Declaration of Principles for the Protection of Women and Girls from Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Football Worldwide

Why this Declaration is needed

Women and girls around the world must have the right to participate in football in a safe environment, free from any exploitation, harassment, coercive control or sexual abuse. The recent crisis of sexual and physical abuse in the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team has sadly demonstrated that women and girls are being denied their fundamental rights, by both individuals and power structures within world football. Unfortunately, we know that this team’s plight is not isolated.

What we want to achieve

Athlete well-being must be the centrepiece of football culture. This Declaration of Principles is designed to serve as a stimulus and a challenge to all people and organisations involved in football governance, to ensure that proper systems are put in place so that women and girls can play football in freedom and without fear.

Key Principles for the Protection of Women and Girls from Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Football Worldwide

1. Safeguarding codes and educational programs must be instituted

All football governing bodies and their member associations must adopt clear standard safeguarding codes, setting out that the exploitation, harassment, coercive control and sexual abuse of athletes, staff and referees by those in positions of authority over them are prohibited. Governing bodies and member associations must educate the football community as to those codes.

2. Whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms must be implemented

Women, girls and their advocates must be able to report their concerns without fear of retaliation, through transparent whistleblowing processes that are accessible, independent and responsive. All football governing bodies and their member associations must be mandated to report any suspected incidences of exploitation, harassment, coercive control and sexual abuse to appropriate law enforcement agencies, to FIFA and to other sport governing bodies.

3. Enforcement policies must be upheld

All football governing bodies and their member associations that either violate safeguarding codes or fail to uphold these policies must be dealt the most serious sanctions by FIFA, including wholesale financial penalties and lifetime bans for individuals involved.

4. Affected individuals must receive appropriate support

Athletes, staff, referees and their families, including whistleblowing third parties, must be offered protection from persecution, intimidation and violence. They must be supported with appropriate redress, which may include legal action.

Our sincere hope is that this Declaration of Principles will bring about significant changes in the governance of world football, to prioritize safeguarding women and girls playing football around the world. The aim is to strengthen women’s football globally, to enable more women and girls to become empowered through football at all levels of the game, grassroots through elite.

Signed and endorsed by