FIFA Allows Afghan Women Refugees to Compete as National Team
Afghanistan women’s refugee players allowed to compete as official national team
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
FIFA has granted Afghan Women United, a team of female refugees, the right to represent Afghanistan in official competitions, bypassing the Taliban's control. This decision marks a significant shift in FIFA's regulations, allowing the team to compete despite the Taliban's ban on women's sports.
- 01FIFA permits Afghan Women United to compete as the official national team.
- 02The decision comes despite the Taliban's ban on women's sports in Afghanistan.
- 03The team was formed after the Taliban's return to power in 2021, following the banning of the official women's national team.
- 04FIFA's new regulations aim to support women and girls in Afghanistan.
- 05Captain Fatima Haidari emphasizes the empowerment felt while playing for her team.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
FIFA has officially recognized Afghan Women United, a team of female refugees from Afghanistan, allowing them to compete in international competitions without needing approval from the Taliban. This decision represents a significant regulatory shift, as previous rules required recognition from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation, which does not acknowledge women's sports. The team was established after the Taliban regained power in 2021, leading to the dissolution of the official women's national team, with many players seeking asylum abroad. FIFA's new approach includes a strategy to advocate for women's rights in sports and provide opportunities for Afghan women. Captain Fatima Haidari, currently based in Italy, expressed the emotional connection she feels while playing, stating that she plays not just for herself but for all girls in Afghanistan.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This decision provides Afghan women with a platform to participate in sports and represents a step towards advocating for their rights in a restrictive environment.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support FIFA's decision to allow Afghan women to compete internationally?
Connecting to poll...
More about FIFA
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.