The Sport & Rights Alliance has urged FIFA to address the ongoing discrimination faced by Afghan women footballers living in exile, facilitating their return to international competition. The Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team (AWNT) has been absent from World Cup qualifying competitions since the Taliban regained control in 2021.
Despite escaping peril, the AWNT continues to confront gender discrimination, hindering their participation in football. This was highlighted by Samira Hamidi from Amnesty International, emphasising that investigations into the Taliban’s actions should be treated as crimes against humanity given the threats Afghan women face.
A report titled “‘It’s not just a game. It’s part of who I am’: Afghan Women Footballers’ Fight for the Right to Play” highlights how the AWNT has become a symbol of empowerment, yet has been specifically targeted since the Taliban’s return. Many players evacuated to various countries still hope to represent Afghanistan globally and showcase the resilience of Afghan women.
Khalida Popal, who established the AWNT, pointed out that FIFA could change rules to allow them to play and demonstrate Afghan women’s rightful place in sport and society. Currently, FIFA’s regulations necessitate recognition from the Taliban-controlled football federation, which has banned women’s sports.
FIFA’s recent response showed plans to support Afghan women’s football but did not clarify their stance on officially recognising the AWNT or how funding will be allocated. Joanna Maranhão from the Sport & Rights Alliance called for restoring access to training facilities for the AWNT under international human rights law’s provisions.
FIFA’s Statutes prohibit discrimination and mandate support for women’s football. Failure to comply can result in sanctions for member associations. Andrea Florence from the Sport & Rights Alliance stressed that only FIFA can enable Afghan women to play internationally and expressed hope that they would officially acknowledge the team and provide financial assistance, like other member countries receive.
The campaign for recognition has attracted significant support, including from Malala Yousafzai, with nearly 200,000 signatures on a petition urging FIFA for action. Fereshta Abbasi of Human Rights Watch stated that for these women, football represents both their passion and a defiant stand against the Taliban, advocating for their rights.
While the International Olympic Committee recognised the Afghan Olympic Committee for upcoming Olympic events, urging sports bodies to support female Afghan athletes, more needs to be done to address the pervasive oppression they face.
The Sport & Rights Alliance urges FIFA to address discrimination against Afghan women footballers and support their return to international competition. The AWNT has been excluded since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, leading to calls for FIFA to officially recognise the team and provide financial aid. Notable figures, including Malala Yousafzai, support the campaign, highlighting the significance of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
In summary, the plight of the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team illustrates the broader struggle against gender discrimination enforced by the Taliban. FIFA’s intervention is essential for the team’s recognition and ability to compete internationally. The ongoing global support underlines the importance of advocating for Afghan women’s rights and empowering them through sport, making it a critical moment for FIFA to act decisively for change.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
