In a groundbreaking move for women's sports, FIFA has approved the establishment of an Afghanistan women's refugee team, allowing evacuated female players from Afghanistan to participate in matches overseen by the world governing body. This decision, made on May 9, 2025, marks a significant step towards providing these athletes with an opportunity to play football on an international stage, despite the Taliban's oppressive regime that has banned women's sports in Afghanistan.
The newly sanctioned team will consist of female players of Afghan nationality who have obtained refugee status abroad. FIFA's initiative will initially operate under a one-year pilot phase, which aims to evaluate the team's viability for the long term. The approval of the team is contingent upon the FIFA Council's endorsement, which will allow them to compete in recognized friendly matches and tournaments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the decision as a "landmark" moment for women's football, emphasizing the organization's commitment to empowering girls globally. "FIFA is committed to giving every girl the possibility to play football," Infantino stated, highlighting the importance of inclusion and representation in sports.
The Afghan Football Federation (AFF), however, has not acknowledged its women's teams, as all women's sports are banned under Taliban rule. Since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, women’s rights in Afghanistan have been severely curtailed, with girls being barred from education and sports. This has left Afghanistan's women's national team in limbo, as they have not played an official match since 2018 and are no longer listed in FIFA's 196-team women's world rankings.
The absence of Afghan women in international competitions has spurred calls from players and advocates for FIFA to recognize their team and allow them to represent their homeland. There is a deep-rooted desire among these athletes to reclaim their identity and passion for football, which has been stifled by the current regime.
According to reports, over 75 individuals connected to the Afghan women’s senior football team, including players, officials, and their families, managed to escape to Australia with the assistance of FIFPro, the global players' union. Others have found refuge in various European countries, including the United Kingdom. In total, FIFA supported the evacuation of around 160 people from Afghanistan in October 2021, with approximately 70 percent of those being women and children, including female players.
FIFA's pledge to support the establishment of the Afghanistan women's refugee team comes at a time when the organization is under scrutiny for its governance and treatment of women's football globally. The AFF's failure to promote and protect women’s football has raised questions about the organization's commitment to its statutory obligations, which include preventing discrimination and promoting the development of women's football.
Despite these challenges, FIFA's decision to create a refugee team signals a new chapter for Afghan women in sports. The governing body has stated its intention to engage directly with the relevant players and will facilitate the team's operations to commence activities as soon as possible.
This initiative not only provides a platform for these women to showcase their talent but also serves as a beacon of hope for countless girls in Afghanistan who aspire to play football. The establishment of a women's refugee team could potentially pave the way for similar initiatives for other nationalities facing oppression and discrimination in sports.
As the situation develops, the world will be watching closely to see how this pioneering team takes shape and whether it can inspire a new generation of female athletes in Afghanistan and beyond. The establishment of the Afghanistan women's refugee team is not just about football; it is about reclaiming dignity, rights, and the chance to dream.
