Brazil Enacts Permanent Guidelines to Boost Women’s Soccer Ahead of 2027 World Cup

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed Law No. 15,522 on September 28, creating permanent national guidelines for women’s soccer. The law requires clubs that train youth to field a women’s team and grants them the same rights and benefits as men’s teams. The Ministry of Sports will promote girls’ participation, strengthen youth competitions, and support professional and youth women’s teams. It will also develop protocols to prevent racism, discrimination, and violence against all women involved in soccer, from players to administrators. The legislation amends the Law on Public Limited Soccer Companies, allowing clubs to become SAFs only if they develop women’s soccer. The law ties into Brazil’s hosting of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, calling for a legacy plan for social, athletic, and financial benefits.