The Italian giants Milan have become the first European club to officially introduce an innovative and extremely progressive maternity policy aimed at women at the club - both female players and staff.
This is a bold step towards equality and sustainability in professional sport. According to the new policy, any female player of the “Rossoneri“ who becomes pregnant during the current season will automatically receive a one-year extension to her contract under the same financial and professional conditions, if her contract expires in the same season.
The club is sending a clear message: pregnancy will not be a reason to lose professional status. But the initiative does not stop there. Milan will provide childcare during sporting activities, including training, matches and camps.
In addition, the club will cover travel expenses - airfare, accommodation and logistics - for the player's child and one companion when necessary due to the player's sporting schedule.
This policy is unprecedented in European sport and represents a major breakthrough in the field of combining a professional sports career and motherhood. With it, Milan not only sets new standards, but also sets a direction for other clubs, leagues and federations.
Other leading teams in Europe are expected to follow the example of the “Rossoneri“, and female footballers around the world now have another reason to look to Milan.