When it comes to workplace rights for women, maternity leave is a hot topic. More and more companies such as Microsoft are starting to offer longer paid maternity leave and just last week, FIFA introduced a new set of maternity rights for professional female soccer players.
The new rules mandate that clubs offer 14 weeks of maternity leave paid at a minimum of two-thirds of a player’s full salary. Additionally, fines and bans for one year will be given out to any club that terminates a player’s contract due to pregnancy.
FIFA chief legal officer Emilio Garcia said in a statement, “The idea is to protect female players before, during, and after childbirth.”
The new maternity rights will take effect in the new year after they are approved by the FIFA Council.
