The state federations backed a new constitution which redefines the way the FFA will operate.

Just two state federations sided with FFA chairman Steven Lowy's status quo, while eight voted in favour of the radical FIFA-instigated changes from the Congress Review Working Group.

The votes bring to an end three years of turmoil and will see wholesale change in the way the FFA is now run. 

Under the new system congress will be made up of four stakeholders, with 29 members, sharing 100 votes. It will see a women's council for the first time and pathway for fans to get a seat in congress too.

What does this mean for women's football?

Women's Onside, a network of former Matildas, leaders, administrators and experts in football, were hoping there would be 50:50 gender representation but an agreement to have  40/40/20 representation at all levels of governance is a significant step forward.

"The 40/40/20 committee representation, the Women’s Council, near-equal voting representation in Congress and other gender-inclusive measures made up a package that was described by the FIFA Secretary General as “fully in line” with FIFA’s statutes," Women Onside wrote in a statement on Wednesday morning. 

"As more of FIFA’s members are brought into full alignment with its Statutes over time, we look forward to seeing a steep change in the participation of women in all aspects of football around the world."

Women Onside will continue to be available to the FFA, the Congress, Member Federations and the Women’s Council as they strive towards further opportunities for girls and women in football. 

This will include identifying and listing suitably qualified women for the new governance and committee roles through a platform to be known as ‘Elaine’s List’, which will be announced soon.