Japan's new professional football league will begin in September 2021 and requires at least one female executive per club.

The league was announced by the Japanese football association last year but more details emerged over the weekend. It will feature six to ten clubs and will run from September to May.

Teams will also be required to have women in half of their board positions within three years. 

The names of clubs will feature the city they originate from and will have a corporate element.

The exisiting women's league, Nadeshiko League, will still act as an amateur league below the new professional one.

The first teams are expected to be announced this summer.