FIFA Decision Allows Afghan Women to Make their International Comeback

FIFA has made it possible for Afghan women to represent their country in official matches thanks to a landmark governance reform.

At its meeting on 28 April 28 in Vancouver, the FIFA Council made a historic decision to allow the registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances when a Member Association is unable to do so.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told fifa.com: “The FIFA Council today approved a momentous amendment to the FIFA Governance Regulations, which enables Afghan female players – including members of the FIFA-funded and FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad – to represent their country in official international matches as part of FIFA competitions in agreement with the relevant local confederation, in this case the Asian Football Confederation.”

“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport. FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football and to represent who they are. By enabling Afghan women to compete for their country in official matches, we are turning principles into action. FIFA is proud to lead this historic initiative and to stand alongside these courageous players on and off the pitch.”

Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal added: “For these players, representing Afghanistan is about identity, dignity and hope. Thanks are due to the leadership of FIFA, which listened to their biggest request and delivered a solution that no other sport has ever achieved. This moment also shows that when we stand united, we can achieve more.”

The FIFA-funded and supported team will have their next training camp in New Zealand from June 1 to 9, where they will also take on the Cook Islands.