Afghan women’s refugee team allowed to play in FIFA tournaments
Summary
FIFA has officially allowed the Afghan women's refugee soccer team, called Afghan Women United, to compete in international tournaments. Although they cannot join the 2027 Women’s World Cup, they may try to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.Key Facts
- The Afghan Women United team consists of refugees who fled Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
- FIFA changed its rules to recognize refugee teams like Afghan Women United for international play.
- The team previously played in a tournament in Morocco alongside teams from Chad, Libya, and Tunisia.
- More than 80 Afghan refugee players now live in countries like Australia, the U.S., and Europe.
- The Taliban banned women’s sports after returning to power in 2021, forcing the team to stop competing.
- The Afghanistan Football Federation faced abuse allegations and its president was banned for life by FIFA.
- The Afghan Women United team are coached by Pauline Hamill and plan to play exhibition matches soon.
- Human Rights Watch praised FIFA's decision as a stance against discrimination in sports.
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