Caitlin Murray joins The Far Post podcast for a discussion about the reasons behind the USWNT’s failure in Tokyo. (2:53).
FIFA hired Jill Ellis, a World Cup winning coach, to lead its adviser on women's soccer. The governing body is launching a campaign for the tournament to become a biennial event. Ellis was the U.S.'s coach in 2015 and 2019, before she left.
She will examine the changes in the international match calendar, and balance in a global women’s game that favors a few elite countries.
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Ellis stated that he is not yet certain whether the World Cups will be doubled from the current quadrennial schedule. Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, has talked about playing the tournament every two years.
Ellis stated in a video briefing on Sunday that "that is a component to looking at different levers you can pull to grow your game." Everything is going to be within the scope of conversation but that has yet to be determined. "I think that recommendations will be part of the discussion of this group.
Ellis, who had been the USWNT coach for a decade, was appointed president of San Diego's expansion team of National Women's Soccer League.
Even-numbered years are used for the Women's World Cup, as well as continental events like Copa America, European Championship, and CONCACAF Golf Cup. Along with the Olympic soccer tournament for women, the men's World Cup is held in even years.
Infantino stated that "Jill's expertise and forward-looking outlook make her the ideal candidate to lead and explore the way forward."
Jill Ellis was the US women's team captain to win two of four World Cup titles. Maja Hitij/Getty images
FIFA's new vision of football would see a men's tournament every year. This would negate the summer focus that FIFA had set to encourage the growth and development of women's football. The Olympics would also be affected by a biennial World Cup.
Ellis stated, "I am aware of ongoing conversations on both the men's and women's sides, but I think they are probably looking at many different things in terms handling the landscape."
"One thing I told people was, "Listen, there cannot be a world champion, a major championship played by the women's team on the same day that the men's." It's as simple as a calendar alignment and working together so that both men and women can stand tall. These types of things are very important to me.
"So that's how we look at the calendar. "And within that, we'll likely come to the discussion about the frequency of the world championships.
There seems to be more flexibility in the calendar for World Cups every other year for women. The men's calendar is already clogged with club seasons that run from August through May. These include league matches, domestic cups and international competitions.
Ellis stated that they are "major focus points in terms just elevating our game" and not just in terms economic drivers of sponsors coming at the table. However, Ellis believes participation will increase after major events around the world.
"So there are many reasons to get in the trenches and find out what makes sense. That's not to say that this won't be part of our solution.
Ellis, 54, was the coach of the U.S. women's soccer team between 2014-19. She was also voted FIFA Women's Coaching Award winner in 2015 and 2019. Ellis, who had been the USWNT coach from 2014-19, was elected president of San Diego's National Women's Soccer League expansion squad.
FIFA has been criticised for inequity in funding between women's and men's soccer.
It paid out $400 million in prize money to 32 teams participating in the 2018 men's World Cup. France was awarded $38 million. It paid $30 million to 24 teams in the 2019 Women's World Cup. This includes $4 million to the U.S., after the Americans won their second consecutive title.
FIFA has raised the amount to $440 Million for the 2022 men's World Cup. Infantino proposed that FIFA double the prize money for women to $60 Million for the 2023 Women's World Cup. FIFA also increased the number of teams to 32.
