FIFA has cleared the way for the exiled Afghanistan women’s national team to represent the country but has been criticised for moving too slowly, four years after players fled the country when the Taliban returned to power.
Football’s global governing body said it was committed to supporting players outside Afghanistan and would organise training camps, provide staff (including qualified coaches and technical and medical staff) and coordinate friendly matches.
The pledges were made in a letter to the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA), which has been pressing for the exiled team to be recognised. The Afghanistan women’s side last played an official game in 2018.
Current and former players welcomed Fifa’s steps but expressed frustration at the pace of change. Fifa’s move comes too late for potential participation at the 2027 Women’s World Cup because the team will not be in the draw on Thursday for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
