Association strengthens the position of the players
Hoffenheim ensures novelty in German football
Updated on May 27, 2025 – 4:05 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
In a pioneering decision, TSG Hoffenheim sets new standards in German women’s football and strengthens the rights of the players.
A step for more security in professional sports: TSG Hoffenheim was the first club to introduce a regulation for pregnant footballers in the last contract year.
The association from Zuzenhausen announced that an ongoing contract is automatically extended by another year in the event of pregnancy – at least constant economic conditions. The players receive more planning security for the time around birth.
“This step is logical for us as a club, because in recent years more and more professional footballers have decided to start a family during their active career,” said Ralf Zwanziger, head of women’s and girls’ football at TSG.
TSG Managing Director Markus Schütz emphasized: “With this regulation, we as TSG close the gap that is currently still between FIFA requirements, DFB implementations and the work reality of footballers.”
There are already similar measures in other countries such as Norway, the USA or Italy. There, players sometimes benefit from collective agreements or financial support in childcare.
Almuth Schult, former national goalkeeper and Olympic champion, also praised the advance. As a member of the advisory board of the “Football can” initiative, she said: “With TSG Hoffenheim, a German club finally dares this advance, I am happy about it. As a mother, I can say that this gives players security and support that you want.”