The Afghanistan women team has not played an official competitive international since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The historic decision's ultimate aim is to ensure that players are not excluded from international football due to situations beyond their control, in line with FIFA\u2019s statutory principles of universality, inclusion and non-discrimination. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe FIFA Council today approved a momentous amendment to the FIFA Governance Regulations, which enables Afghan female players \u2013 including members of the FIFA-funded and FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad \u2013 to represent their country in official international matches as part of FIFA competitions in agreement with the relevant local confederation, in this case the Asian Football Confederation,\u201d said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The FIFA-funded and -supported team will hold their next training camp from 1 to 9 June in New Zealand, where they will also have the opportunity to face off against the Cook Islands.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although the amendment has immediate effect, FIFA will now lead the required administrative and preparatory steps, including team registration and the establishment of an operational and sporting structure. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"World football\u2019s governing body will provide all necessary resources \u2013 human, technical and financial \u2013 to ensure a safe, professional and sustainable pathway to official competition, FIFA said in a release. \"Support packages for Afghan Women United players will continue throughout the transition phase for up to two years, allowing the new structure to evolve while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, performance and well-being,\" it added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal welcomed the move as a transformative moment. \u201cFor these players, representing Afghanistan is about identity, dignity and hope. Thanks are due to the leadership of FIFA, which listened to their biggest request and delivered a solution that no other sport has ever achieved. This moment also shows that when we stand united, we can achieve more,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"World football\u2019s governing body will provide all necessary resources \u2013 human, technical and financial \u2013 to ensure a safe, professional and sustainable pathway to official competition, FIFA said in a release. \"Support packages for Afghan Women United players will continue throughout the transition phase for up to two years, allowing the new structure to evolve while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding, performance and well-being,\" it added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last year, the Council approved the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women\u2019s Football, which foresees the establishment of the Afghan women\u2019s refugee team (AWRT) and provides the FIFA administration with a mandate to organise and facilitate its operations to start its activities as soon as possible. <\/p>\r\n\r\n