Afghan Women's Refugee Football Team Allowed to Compete in FIFA Tournaments
Nearly five years after fleeing Taliban rule, the Afghan women's refugee football team has been recognized by FIFA to compete in international tournaments, opening the path to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The decision, announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, amends regulations to allow the team, Afghan Women United, to participate. Human rights groups applaud the move as a model for combating discrimination in sports.
An Afghan women's refugee football team has been granted the right to participate in international tournaments, nearly five years after the players were forced to flee the country under Taliban rule.
The FIFA Council, meeting in Vancouver, Canada, agreed on Tuesday to amend regulations to recognize the refugee team, competing under the name Afghan Women United.
Although it is too late for the team to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, they could still compete in qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"We are proud of the amazing journey initiated by Afghan Women United, and with this initiative, we want to enable them as well as other FIFA member associations that cannot register a national team or representative to participate in FIFA competitions, to take another step, in coordination with the relevant confederation," FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated.
The first step towards recognition took place last October, when the Afghan refugee players competed in a tournament involving Chad, Libya, and Tunisia in Morocco. This event followed years of lobbying for the team by players, former captain and activist Khalida Popal, and human rights organizations.
"For 5 years, we were told that the Afghan women's national team would never play again because the men who have taken over our country do not allow it," Popal declared.
"I am immensely proud of this decision by FIFA and thrilled that our collective advocacy has not only changed the future for Afghan women but also ensures that no national team has to be sacrificed like our players."
More than 80 Afghan refugee players are scattered across Australia, the United States, and Europe. Recently, two training camps were organized for the women, one in England and one in Australia.
The team, coached by Pauline Hamill, is expected to play two friendly matches during the June international window, against opponents yet to be determined.
"For the past few years, we have played under many names – as refugees, Afghan Women United, and guests of other clubs – but in our hearts, we have always been the national team," said Australia-based player Nazia Ali.
"The hope of officially carrying our flag again is a feeling I cannot describe."
The Afghan women's team last played an official match in 2018. The Taliban shut down all women's sports when they took power in 2021. The players left Afghanistan fearing persecution.
Before the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan had 25 contracted female players, most of whom now live in Australia.
Even before the team disbanded, the Afghanistan Football Federation was investigated for misconduct related to the women's football program, including allegations of rape and physical abuse. Federation president Keramuddin Keram was banned for life by FIFA.
Discrimination is not permitted under FIFA regulations, but the Afghan federation has not yet been suspended from international football, despite not recognizing the women's team.
"FIFA has finally done the right thing by closing the loophole that allowed the Taliban's discriminatory policies to be enforced on the international stage," said Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch.
"FIFA's action should be a model for how international sports organizations respond when athletes are systematically excluded because of their gender, ethnicity, or beliefs."
