Women’s Football in Crisis Under Taliban Rule: UN Calls Out FIFA’s Inaction

Women’s Football in Crisis Under Taliban Rule: UN Calls Out FIFA’s Inaction

The United Nations Special Rapporteur has voiced support for the demand to reinstate Afghan women’s football and has urged FIFA to take strict action regarding the issue.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, the Afghanistan women’s national football team has been unable to participate in the World Cup qualifiers or any international competitions. The Taliban-controlled Afghan Football Federation does not allow women to play football, making it impossible for them to receive FIFA recognition.

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett stated,
"I support the call from the Sports and Rights Alliance and urge FIFA to ensure Afghan women footballers get the opportunity to compete internationally."

National team captain Mursal Sadat said at a press conference,
"I appeal to all athletes around the world—let’s stand together. Women should support other women. This would be a great source of inspiration for us."

Khalida Popal, the team’s founder and former captain, remarked,
"We are not fighting against FIFA, but looking for cooperation. Our goal is to ensure that other women in different countries do not face a similar situation, learning from Afghanistan’s experience."

In 2020, 25 female football players were under contract in Afghanistan. However, most of them now reside in Australia.

Source: Al Jazeera