The USA manager won the award for best women's coach earlier this week but was frustrated that she and other key figures from the women's game were unable to be in Paris for the ceremony as they are representing their countries at present.

Hayes said: "I mean, it'd be like running an Oscars or a Golden Globes, without having any females present. It just wouldn't happen. And I think that all too often it's an afterthought, to be honest with you."

The coach was proud to win the award and is happy to be with her team but has called for change so that female footballers can attend the prestigious ceremony in the future.

She said: "I think for those players and coaches, it is the one industry moment they get recognised, and it's disappointing. I did speak to the organisers about it, and they said that that is something that will be changing in the future. Let's hope that is the case."

Hayes says her award is down to the quality of players she has coached with the USA and her former club Chelsea.

She said: "We are only as good as our players. And I've been fortunate enough to coach some wonderful players, both at Chelsea and here with the national team, that allows the team to be able to compete at the level that they do. And for that, I'm really, really thankful."

Hayes guided the USA to a gold medal in the women's Olympic football in Paris this summer and described it as the biggest achievement of her coaching career.

She said: "Chelsea has been my love. Every trophy I won with that club is dear to me.

"But this professionally is probably much bigger than anything else I have ever done."