VALANKA ALEMAO, CEO of Churchill Brothers FC, has made history as the first Indian woman to be appointed to the FIFA Women’s Football Development Committee (2025–2029).
The Geneva-based committee, chaired by former French international Laura Georges, focuses on the global advancement of women’s football through structured development and increased participation.
Alemao, who also serves on the AIFF Executive Committee and chairs its Women’s Committee, described her appointment as “a victory for every girl involved in football in India.” She joins deputy chairperson Olive Dol-Somse of the Central African Republic and Johanna Wood of New Zealand, a FIFA Council delegate, on the panel.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Indian women’s football, which has been on an upward trajectory. The Blue Tigresses recently rose to 63rd in the FIFA World Rankings, up from 69, following a strong showing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand, defeating Mongolia (13–0), Timor-Leste (4–0), Iraq (5–0), and hosts Thailand (2–1).
Alemao said, “There were no shortcuts to success—this was the outcome of long-term vision and structured preparation. Our aim is not just to make players physically and mentally fit, but to help them compete with Asia’s best. We are committed to empowering women in all aspects of football – from players to coaches and administrators – through initiatives like Project Diamond.”
Under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme led by Arsène Wenger, the AIFF continues to strengthen women’s football under its Vision 2047 roadmap, nurturing technically and mentally robust athletes. Valanka added, “India, one of 12 nations in the 2026 Asian Cup, has a genuine chance to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. I believe the Indian women’s team can make it to the World Cup before the men.”
Plans are also underway, with support from FIFA and AIFF, to establish India’s first dedicated women’s football academy in Hyderabad, a significant step forward in the nation’s women’s football journey.
