Although interest in women's football has increased in recent years, it still trails far behind men's football in terms of participation, viewing figures and revenue generated through sponsorship and broadcast deals.

But Blatter believes huge investment from FIFA and National Associations is helping to bridge the gap between men's and women's football.

"This [expanding the women's game] is one of my projects," said Blatter in an interview broadcast on Al Jazeera.

"The future of football will be feminine.

"We have shown that now, all around the world, girls and women can play football.

"We had a wonderful example for the 2012 Under-17 World Cup that was recently played in Azerbaijan.

"It was the first time we organised a women's competition in a Muslim country.

"So we are investing a lot in women's football.

"The National Associations are also investing in women's football because there is movement in every country now that the girls and the women should play football."


Blatter added that he does not believe women's football is at the same level as men's football right now but that FIFA is taking the right steps to help it towards true equality.

"In my opinion, we are on the right track," he said.

"And we are especially on the right track in terms of different cultures.

"In some cultures, where women play football, it can be difficult.

"But if women are footballers, they should have the same rights as men when they are on the field of play."

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