The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is an international governing body for association football, beach soccer and futsal. Founded in 1904, it is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and has 211 national association members.

FIFA’s stated objectives include developing football internationally, making the game accessible and promoting integrity and fair play. It organises major international competitions, including the men’s FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In the context of women’s football, FIFA’s definition of a professional player is a player with a written contract who is paid more than the expenses they incur playing. The news report also notes that FIFA introduced maternity regulations in 2021.