Afghan women footballers celebrate new FIFA rule change
Former captain Khalida Popal has hailed a new FIFA rule change as a “historical moment” for Afghanistan’s women footballers. The amendment allows the team to compete in official matches without approval from the Taliban-controlled federation. Popal described the decision as the result of a “long fight” for basic human rights. The move is seen as a major victory for Afghan women and could inspire future generations.
What we know
- Khalida Popal called the FIFA rule change a “historical moment” and said it fulfills a “long fight” for Afghan women’s right to play football.
- The Afghanistan Women’s National Team, founded in 2007, was forced into exile after the Taliban retook power in 2021, with players relocating to Australia, Europe, Britain, and the United States.
- The new FIFA amendment allows the Afghanistan team to be officially recognized through an agreement with the Asian Football Confederation, bypassing Taliban approval.
- The rule will also help other teams in exceptional circumstances who cannot register a national team.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the decision “a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport” and emphasized the organization’s responsibility to protect the rights of girls and women to play football.
