April 29 – FIFA is to allow Afghan women players to represent their country in official international matches, even in the absence of a functioning national team structure.
The rules amendment, passed by the FIFA Council in Vancouver yesterday, gives the organisation authority – working alongside the relevant confederation, in this case the Asian Football Confederation – to establish and recognise a national or representative side under exceptional circumstances.
At the centre of the decision are members of the FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad, many of whom have been based outside Afghanistan but all of whom are now playing outside the country.
The regulatory shift means they can now compete in FIFA competitions with full sporting recognition.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “The FIFA Council today approved a momentous amendment to the FIFA Governance Regulations, which enables Afghan female players – including members of the FIFA-funded and FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad – 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.
“This is a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport. FIFA has listened to these players as part of its responsibility to protect the right of every girl and woman to play football and to represent who they are. By enabling Afghan women to compete for their country in official matches, we are turning principles into action. FIFA is proud to lead this historic initiative and to stand alongside these courageous players on and off the pitch.”
The reform, which builds on FIFA’s Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football introduced last year, shows a willingness from the world governing body to adapt its governance structures in response to unravelling geopolitical realities.
Nadia Nadim, who plays for Danish A-Liga club HB Køge, and has previously represented Denmark, said: “This decision recognises Afghan women footballers not as victims of circumstance, but as elite players with the right to compete, be seen and be respected. It shows what is possible when sport is guided by values and leadership.”
Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal added: “For 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.”
FIFA is working on overseeing the practical rollout, including team registration and operational structures, while continuing to fund and support the players during a transition period. The next step for Afghan Women United is a training camp is scheduled for June in New Zealand, where the squad is expected to face the Cook Islands.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]
