The Sport & Rights Alliance has urged FIFA to take decisive action against the ongoing discrimination faced by Afghan women footballers in exile, enabling their participation in international matches. The Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team (AWNT) is set to be excluded from the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers draw, marking the second consecutive cycle since the Taliban seized control in 2021.
Samira Hamidi from Amnesty International stated that while the team escaped the Taliban, they continue to be followed by systematic gender discrimination that hinders their rightful representation. Advocacy from multiple organisations is demanding an investigation into the Taliban’s actions as crimes against humanity, highlighting the need for recognition of the team’s plight.
A report titled “It’s not just a game. It’s part of who I am” illustrates the AWNT’s struggle and symbolism of empowerment in Afghanistan. Dozens of players who found refuge in countries such as Australia and the U.S. are eager to represent their homeland in the international arena, emphasising their determination despite the challenges they face.
Khalida Popal, the founder of the AWNT, expressed the urgency for FIFA to revise its regulations, which currently tie recognition to the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Football Federation’s consent. This conundrum effectively prevents the team from receiving the support they need, as the Taliban forbids women’s sports altogether.
FIFA acknowledged a potential plan to support Afghan women footballers but did not clarify whether the AWNT would be officially recognised. More than three years into their fight, the players and supporters remain hopeful for FIFA’s intervention.
Joanna Maranhão, network coordinator for the Sport & Rights Alliance, highlighted the resilience of Afghan women footballers, who have overcome threats and forced displacements. Restoring access to training and resources is essential for acknowledging their rights under international human rights law.
FIFA’s policies mandate facing sanctions against discrimination and promoting women’s football, which makes their role pivotal in supporting the Afghan women’s team. Andrea Florence from the Sport & Rights Alliance insisted that the success of Afghan women’s international play rests solely on FIFA’s intervention and decision to officially recognise them and assign necessary funds.
The campaign for the AWNT has drawn global attention, even appealing to notable figures like Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. Many believe that recognition would not only validate these athletes’ rights but also send a powerful message against the Taliban’s oppressive regime.
The International Olympic Committee has taken a progressive step by recognising an Afghan Olympic Committee in exile, allowing women athletes to compete despite restrictions. UN experts have called for further support from global sports bodies, emphasizing the need to combat the Taliban’s policies more effectively.
The Sport & Rights Alliance urges FIFA to support the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team (AWNT) in exile, as they face exclusion from competitions due to Taliban restrictions. The report highlights the team’s struggles and resilience as they seek recognition and support. Both international advocacy and recognition are deemed essential to push back against gender discrimination and empower Afghan women athletes in their fight for rights and representation in sports.
In conclusion, it is imperative for FIFA to acknowledge and support the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team, enabling their rightful place in international competition. With gender discrimination persisting even in exile, the advocacy for the team not only emphasises their passion for football but also serves as a vital act of resistance against oppressive regimes. FIFA’s intervention is crucial in restoring the team’s agency and sending a clear message about the importance of women’s rights in sports.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
