AC Milan has announced that they are the first club in Europe to guarantee contract renewals for players who become pregnant in the final year of their contracts. This initiative ensures that these players will receive a one-year contract extension with the same financial terms as their current deals.
In addition to contract renewals, the Italian club will provide support with childcare and cover expenses for both their children and a companion. This progressive move aligns with a broader push for enhanced rights for players, a cause highlighted by FIFA's introduction of new standards to protect pregnant female footballers in May.
The Italian women's top-flight league became professional in the 2022-23 season and plans to expand from 10 to 13 teams by the 2025-26 season.
Elisabet Spina, AC Milan's head of women's football, emphasized the club's commitment to the well-being of its female players and staff, both professionally and personally. She stated, "We are now about to start a new season in which we will work to achieve important goals, both on and off the field. We are excited to approach it by introducing our innovative policy."
This new policy by AC Milan sets a significant precedent in European football, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting female players throughout their careers.
