A landmark rule change by FIFA allowing Afghanistan’s women footballers to compete in official international matches has been hailed as a “historical moment” by former national team captain Khalida Popal.
The decision means Afghanistan’s women’s team will, for the first time, be eligible to participate in qualification campaigns for future editions of the Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Speaking from Copenhagen, Popal described the development as the culmination of years of advocacy and perseverance.
“I woke up this morning imagining a young Afghan girl opening her eyes and saying, ‘I’ve got the right to play’. This is a basic human right,” she said.
“It’s fantastic news, it’s a historical moment we are trying to absorb.”
Long Road to Recognition
The Afghanistan Women’s National Team was established in 2007 by Popal and several other players in Kabul.
Following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021, around 100 players and family members were evacuated to Melbourne, Australia, while others resettled across Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Women are currently prohibited from participating in sport in Afghanistan, with authorities having shut down informal and underground sporting activities organised by women.
In response, Afghan refugee footballers formed a team based across Europe and Australia and played their first international fixtures during the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series in Morocco last year.
However, the team remained unable to participate in official competitions because FIFA regulations required recognition from the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation.
New FIFA Framework
Under the newly approved FIFA amendment, the Afghan women’s team can now receive official recognition through an agreement between FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
The framework is also designed to assist other national teams facing exceptional circumstances that prevent them from registering or operating normally.
“It has been a long fight but we are so grateful this history is made not only for the women of Afghanistan,” Popal said.
“No team, if they face a situation like us, will suffer what we have sacrificed and suffered.”
She added that the decision would enable the team to identify and recruit talented players from the Afghan diaspora around the world.
“This announcement will allow us to find the talent within the diaspora,” she said.
Trials are expected to be organised ahead of a possible match later this month.
Looking Ahead
Although Afghanistan will not be eligible to participate in qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the team will be able to compete for places at future editions of the tournament and other major international competitions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the move as a significant step for global football and women’s rights.
“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport,” Infantino said.
“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.”
The decision is widely regarded as a breakthrough for displaced Afghan athletes and a significant moment in the campaign for women’s participation in sport.