Afghan football players will be able to show their skills to the world after FIFA (International Football Federation) paved the way for their return to international competition.
Former captain Khalida Popal said the team will be a symbol of resistance for those facing hardships in her country.
On Wednesday (28), FIFA announced that the Afghan women’s team will be able to resume participation in international competitions, including athletes who are part of the country’s refugee team.
The team has not played an official international match since before the Taliban regained power in 2021. Taliban authorities have imposed severe restrictions on women and girls, including restrictions affecting education, work and sport, forcing many athletes to flee the country or abandon competition.
Before the Taliban took power, Afghanistan had 25 female players under contract, most of whom now live in Australia.
“Our team has always been known as an activist team,” Popal, the team’s founder, told Reuters.
“But this opportunity, with the appropriate support from FIFA, will be the moment for us to also showcase some skills and develop young talents in the diaspora. The team will be a symbol of resilience. I know it will be difficult because Afghan women inside Afghanistan will find it difficult to be part of this,” added Popal.
“But if we can continue to be their voice, sending messages of hope and showing our support, that they are not forgotten, then we will continue to use our platform.”
The Afghanistan women’s team is currently undergoing the selection process, with FIFA holding regional internships in England and Australia. The team is expected to return to the pitch in June, with opponents and locations yet to be confirmed.
Although Afghanistan is not eligible to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, it will still be able to compete in the qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Regardless of how much defense we do externally, when it comes to football, everything is decided on the pitch. That’s why we also want to be a competitive team to show good football,” said Popal.
Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sports and Rights Alliance, said the decision to allow Afghanistan to compete goes beyond sport.
“This decision by FIFA is fundamental to ensuring that all Member Associations fulfill their responsibilities regarding gender equality and human rights,” she said.
“It’s about sending a message that no government should have the power to erase women from public life.”
