Afghan Women’s Football Team to Compete Internationally for the First Time

REUTERS/John Sibley

The Afghan women’s refugee football team is set to participate in an international competition next month for the first time since the Taliban takeover.

According to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the friendly tournament, titled “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series,” will be held from October 23 to 29 in Dubai. The women’s national teams of the UAE, Chad, and Libya will also take part in the competition.

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, said in a statement: “Access to football for all women is a priority for FIFA. These matches are not only a competition but also a symbol of hope and progress for women around the world.”

FIFA confirmed that all games of the tournament will be broadcast live on the organization’s online platform.

This comes as, since the Taliban’s return to power, women’s sports in Afghanistan have been effectively banned, forcing many athletes to leave the country.