AC Milan Supports Pregnant Players with Contract Extensions

In a groundbreaking move, AC Milan has announced a new policy aimed at supporting female players who become pregnant while under contract. This initiative ensures that players will not have to choose between motherhood and their football careers, as the club guarantees contract renewals for those who become pregnant in the final year of their contracts. Additionally, AC Milan will provide assistance with childcare and related expenses, allowing players to concentrate on their performance on the field. Christy Grimshaw, the captain of AC Milan's women's team and a Scotland international, expressed her support for the policy, stating that it alleviates the fear many women face regarding their careers and motherhood. She emphasized the beauty of motherhood and hopes this initiative marks a significant step forward for women’s football and sports in general. Grimshaw's sentiments reflect a growing recognition of the challenges female athletes encounter in balancing their professional and personal lives. Elisabet Spina, head of women’s football at AC Milan, highlighted the club's commitment to the well-being of its female players and staff. She noted that as a prominent club, AC Milan has a responsibility to foster the development of women’s football and invest in projects that support female athletes. Spina expressed optimism that this new policy will not only enhance women’s football but also positively impact women’s sports as a whole. The recent changes introduced by FIFA further support this initiative, providing a minimum of 14 weeks of paid maternity leave for coaches and allowing clubs to sign players outside of transfer windows if they are on maternity or family leave. These reforms aim to create a more inclusive environment for female athletes and coaches.