The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) council has permitted the Afghan Women United to compete in the official tournaments without the approval of the ruling Taliban.
The Afghan Women United was formed by women refugee players from the country.
Speaking about the development, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that it is a powerful step taken in world sport. Considering the initiative, he also added that the council is turning the principles into action.
“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,” he said.
“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,” added Infantino.
Earlier, the Taliban returned to power in 2021. After establishing their rule over the country, the Taliban government banned all the tournaments for women and also shut all their training centres.
Later, the women players flee the country seeking asylum in Australia, Europe, and West Asia. According to Al Jazeera, there were 25 women players under Afghanistan`s contract before the Taliban took over. Most of these players are now living in Australia.
The initiative will help these players represent their country for the first time in official matches with full sporting recognition.
Former Afghan skipper, Khalida Popal, stated that FIFA has taken a step that no other sports governing body has been able to achieve so far.
“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,” said the 39-year-old former footballer.
(With ANI Inputs)
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