Women’s football – News – Barriman: “Women will play an important role in the future of football”

• The FIFA Women’s President spoke to FIFA.com on International Women’s Day
• Barriman is one of four women on the FIFA Executive Board
• Time can be used until the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup ™ to accelerate the dynamic of women’s football

New Zealand-born Sarai Barman is FIFA’s premier representative for women’s soccer.

Before taking up her current position at FIFA in 2016, she was the only woman on the FIFA Reform Committee. Here she campaigned aggressively to bring about changes within the organization and played a key role in advocating specific guidance for women in managerial positions in FIFA and more resources for women’s football.

Barman previously served as CEO of the Samoa Football Association and the Oceania Football Association (OFC). She is now the Head of the Women’s Football Division at FIFA, which is responsible for the growth, development and professionalism of women’s football in accordance with the FIFA Women’s Soccer Strategy and FIFA’s mission from 2020 to 2023.

Women will play an important role in shaping and developing the future of football

In an interview with FIFA.com On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Barman highlights the important role that many women, including players, coaches, administrators and volunteers, play in the development of women’s football.

“I meet women from football every day and talk to them a lot. Their many stories inspire me a lot. Whether it is a player, coach, volunteer or administrator, there are many untold characters and stories in women’s football,” says Barman.

“Whether it is women leading the development of football in Asia, referees breaking barriers or someone else The women’s national team breaks new groundI look forward to playing a role in supporting and caring for other women in football and seeing more and more women play a significant role in shaping the game.

“Even if football still faces major challenges after the pandemic, I firmly believe that there is a real chance for women’s football to become truly global in the next few years. I think the potential on and off the field is truly limitless.”

The barman also talked about who inspires her and what values ​​and forces she admires. “We’ve seen some great female leaders emerge from this pandemic, including Jacinda Ardern. Her ability to lead with the perfect blend of originality, compassion and authority really speaks to my leadership values ​​and New Zealand’s successful course in tackling the pandemic is largely because of their leadership.”

FIFA’s commitment to women’s football is stronger than ever

During the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, FIFA announced that it would double its investment in women’s football from 2019 to 2022, to $ 1 billion. The effects of the pandemic also had a major impact on women’s football and caused massive damage to the member leagues and associations.

To support women’s football, FIFA has launched the COVID-19 Relief Plan, which provides additional funding of $ 500,000 to all 211 member associations specifically for women’s football. Barman highlighted important implications and future opportunities as football’s recovery begins.

“As I said before, even though there are very significant challenges and continues to face women’s football as a result of the pandemic, FIFA has shown that its commitment to women’s football is stronger than ever.

I am optimistic and I see that there is now a great opportunity for women’s football to become stronger, more popular and bigger than before. “

“Next year, India and Costa Rica will host the women’s youth tournaments. Qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will also begin. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar will also be part of the program, which will also be a great all-round soccer platform and thus also benefit women’s football, which You will benefit from the increased international interest. “

“2023 will be the year when women’s football becomes global”

Looking back on 2023, Barman highlighted the importance and impact of the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup on women’s football, particularly with regard to the enduring legacy on and off the field.

“The expansion from 24 to 32 teams is a big step. Not only does it give more teams the opportunity to compete at the highest level, but women’s football as a whole will also reach more fans, and more women and girls in more countries around the world. Exaggerating the implications and legacy of this step and overstepping what is happening in the fields in Australia and New Zealand.

Barman also stressed the importance of using event preparations to increase participation, marketing and public interest in the games. “The anticipation for the World Cup and the excitement it can generate on a global scale is unbelievable. I would like to encourage all female footballers to take advantage of this – this is the greatest opportunity we have to showcase our sport.

Additionally, Australia and New Zealand are both experienced and enthusiastic host countries. It is very clear what legacy this tournament can leave behind. 2023 will be the year when women’s soccer goes global! “

Regarding her message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Barman concluded:

“For me, every day is International Women’s Day. We shouldn’t wait for this day to celebrate our accomplishments, support each other and strive for equality. I am very fortunate to lead women’s football, and these are the issues that always top our work. I want to encourage all women. On finding reasons every day to celebrate success!

This article is part of a series dedicated to women’s football and women in soccer, and was written to celebrate International Women’s Day 2021. You can find more information about FIFA’s women’s soccer strategy and funding programs, as well as other articles like this one. Here.