“Women's football now represents the greatest growth opportunity for football”

The world of women's football is in your hands. Sarai Bareman (Auckland, New Zealand, 1982) is in charge of directing this category in FIFA. A position she has held successfully since 2016. The former international soccer player with Samoa has led the change in the world soccer entity, with a strong commitment to this sport. A necessary revolution that will always carry its name. The New Zealander speaks in an exclusive interview for AS after participating in the Leadership Congress for Women in Football (LWF) and shows his vision on the present and future of this category.

Did you ever imagine being a manager at FIFA?

I never imagined being in this position, and it's not something I take lightly. It is a true honor and I hope to change the lives of many girls in the world through soccer.

Do you think that the COVID-19 crisis endangers the growth of women's football?

The pandemic will have an immediate impact in the short term. This is unavoidable for all sports and all genders. But the bet on women's football is too strong. We at FIFA will continue to invest in this category, which is a top priority.

Is it being difficult to boost this category?

My position carries great responsibility. But, I believe in the power of soccer and the positive impact that this sport can have for women and girls. It is a challenge and we have a lot of work to do.

FIFA includes countries with different situations for women. Can football help change this?

Membership in 211 countries around the world presents a challenge. For this reason, we have taken a tailored approach to the support we offer to our members.

What do you think about the lack of profitability being used as an argument against women's football?

I think it is a very limited vision. Without a doubt, women's football is profitable. We have to change the perception on this issue. As with any investment, if you want to see a return, you have to nurture and prioritize that investment. For decades it has only been invested in men's football, before the women's game became popular. And, I wonder 'How can we expect women's football to be profitable if we only see its cost? Women's soccer is an investment just like men's soccer has been.

Would you like women's football to reach the economic figures of men's?

I would like for women's football to evolve to the point where it doesn't depend on the support of men's football to survive. I would like more women around the world to be able to play football professionally, see more sponsors … We don't always have to compare ourselves to men's football and we can even learn from their mistakes. Women's soccer now represents the greatest growth opportunity for soccer. And so we will continue to invest in it. Women and girls deserve it.

What role does the arrival of big clubs like Real Madrid have in this category?

When you see big clubs like Real Madrid investing in women's football, it sends a very powerful message. I also believe that we must protect those who have invested in this category for many years. Not all clubs have the purchasing power of Madrid. That is why it is important that we work to ensure that the structures surrounding women's football are profitable.

What role do you think congresses such as the Leadership Congress for Women in Football (LWF) play in the growth of women's football and the role of women in this sport?

Sharing challenges and success stories with other players in our industry is invaluable. Events like the LWF provide a fantastic overview of the situation and stakeholder views. They also offer us an important opportunity to discuss and debate key areas of our sector.

How can you bridge the gender gap in football?

Soccer has traditionally been a male-dominated sport and for many years women and women's soccer were excluded from this sport. Now, we have a responsibility to correct these historic mistakes and we must work together to do so.