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Emma Hayes believes the player contract reforms introduced to women’s professional football in the UK should be replicated around the world.

The Chelsea director spoke after the FA announced the maternity, injury and illness pay increases for professional players.

The move, announced today, follows 16 months of negotiations between the sport’s chiefs and the Professional Footballers’ Association.

Contract changes, starting next season, include players in the sport’s top two divisions receiving 14 weeks of paid maternity leave on top of their full weekly pay.

Hayes, who is facing Man United in the Conti Cup semi-finals, told Sky Sports: “This is much needed and it’s another step in the right direction.

“We have a lot of work to do in our game, whether it’s about chance or it’s about behind-the-scenes delivery.

“This is needed globally. Not just in the UK.

“I think Fifpro is trying to come up with basic standards, a basic minimum globally to protect women’s rights in football.”