Spain FA offers egg freezing to female players and referees

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has launched a pioneering fertility support program for female players and referees, offering coverage for treatments such as egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The initiative, announced on Tuesday and effective until 2029, aims to provide women in elite football with greater autonomy over their decisions regarding motherhood. The agreement, established in collaboration with the Tambre clinic, will cover the full cost of egg-freezing treatment for international players who have been called up for at least two matches. This coverage extends retroactively from April of the previous year and also includes referees and RFEF employees. The RFEF will initially provide for the preservation of eggs for five years. Reyes Bellver, the RFEF's director of women's football, stated that the program is designed to ensure athletes are protected and have access to information and services during their most fertile years. She emphasized that the initiative is not intended to discourage players from having children while competing but rather to offer an additional option for those who might otherwise postpone motherhood due to their careers.