In a historic move that establishes a new precedent in European football, AC Milan has implemented a maternity policy aimed at safeguarding and assisting its female players and staff. This groundbreaking initiative ensures that female players who become pregnant during the final season of their contracts will receive automatic contract renewals, a first among Europe’s top football clubs.
Going beyond the current regulations, this policy offers a range of protections to ensure that female athletes can pursue their professional careers and personal lives without any compromises. Statistics from the 2017 FIFPRO Global Employment Report show that only 2% of female footballers across four continents have children, with 47% stating that they would leave the sport to start a family. AC Milan’s new policy directly addresses this issue, creating a supportive environment where players can continue their careers while embracing motherhood.
The club’s policy guarantees a one-year contract extension on the same terms for players whose contracts are expiring during the season they become pregnant. Additionally, AC Milan will provide assistance with childcare during training and cover travel expenses, including flights and accommodation, for the player’s child and one companion. This comprehensive support package allows players to remain focused on their game without the added stress of balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Players will still benefit from existing protections related to pregnancy, such as mandatory compensation and a guaranteed return to play, in accordance with FIFA guidelines and other relevant regulations. AC Milan is also dedicated to offering players access to professionals in psychology, physiotherapy, and nutrition, with the option to involve external experts as needed.
The creation of this policy was a collaborative effort, with input from players on both the First Team and the Primavera Team. AC Milan’s psycho-pedagogical team guided the process through meetings, interviews, and surveys, ensuring that the policy reflected the needs and experiences of the players. This inclusive approach will continue as the club refines its offerings, aiming to create an even more supportive and inclusive environment for its players and staff.
Giorgio Furlani, CEO of AC Milan, expressed pride in the club’s forward-thinking stance: “We are proud to introduce such a significant initiative, which once again showcases AC Milan’s commitment to important issues for all members of the Rossoneri family. We hope this new policy will serve as further motivation for growth and development across the Club, becoming a role model at the national and international levels, ensuring that the world of football increasingly becomes a space where everyone can comfortably make significant personal decisions.”
Elisabet Spina, Head of Women’s Football at AC Milan, added: “The Club has always prioritized the well-being of its female players and staff, both professionally and personally. For instance, we were the first Italian Club to provide social security benefits to our players, well before the advent of professionalism. Our commitment is further exemplified through the #WeAllAreFootball manifesto to address gender issues, leading to the establishment of principles, initiatives, and concrete actions regarding the Club’s infrastructure. As we embark on a new season, we are determined to achieve important goals both on and off the field, eagerly embracing our innovative policy.”
This policy marks a significant advance in the ongoing advocacy for maternity rights in women’s sports, a movement that has gained momentum in recent years. FIFA’s introduction of new maternity standards in May and similar initiatives by other sports organizations have underscored the need for enhanced protections for female athletes. AC Milan’s policy not only aligns with these global efforts but also establishes a new standard for how elite football clubs can support their players in balancing professional ambitions with personal lives.
With this bold move, AC Milan is not merely following the trend but leading it, demonstrating that football can truly be an inclusive environment where players are empowered to make important life decisions without the fear of jeopardizing their careers.
