FIFA OKs creation of Afghanistan women’s refugee team

FIELD LEVEL MEDIA: FIFA has approved the creation of an Afghanistan women’s refugee team that will compete in matches overseen by the world governing body.

According to FIFA, the team — composed of female players of Afghan nationality who obtained refugee status abroad — would first operate under a one-year pilot phase, which will help the organisation determine the long-term viability of the programme.

Read more: Women’s World Cup to expand to 48 teams: FIFA

The FIFA Council must approve the team’s establishment. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, called the approval a “landmark” moment, adding that “FIFA is committed to giving every girl the possibility to play football.”

FIFA regulations require teams to receive recognition by a national federation in order to compete, while the Afghan Football Federation, however, has not acknowledged its women’s teams, in fact banning all women’s sports in Afghanistan.

Read more: Afghan women players call for global support as they seek FIFA recognition

Afghanistan has not had a women’s team compete in an official match since 2018.