Vancouver (Sports Desk) FIFA has taken a historic decision allowing a women’s football team made up of Afghan refugee players to participate in international competitions.
This Afghan women’s refugee team was forced to leave the country nearly five years ago after the formation of the Taliban government. It has now been officially recognized under the name “Afghan Women United.”
The decision was approved during a FIFA Council meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, where amendments to regulations were also passed to formally recognize the team.
Using its special powers in exceptional circumstances, FIFA has granted Afghan Women United the status of Afghanistan’s official national women’s team. With this decision, the team will now participate in international competitions as an officially recognized national side for the first time.
Although the team will not be able to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, it will be eligible to participate in the qualifying rounds for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
FIFA President described the decision as an important and inspiring step, stating that the aim is to provide opportunities for teams that were previously unable to be officially registered within the global football structure.
