The Sport and Rights Alliance (SRA) has announced that the decision by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to allow the Afghan women’s national football team in exile to participate in international competitions under its supervision presents a historic opportunity to strengthen gender equality and human rights in sport.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, that these changes make it possible to recognize the Afghan women’s national team in exile.
According to the report, in the past, despite resistance and ongoing efforts, these players were excluded from official competitions because FIFA regulations required approval from the Afghanistan Football Federation, which has been under Taliban control.
The organization added that FIFA’s latest decision ensures that members of the Afghan women’s national team can once again represent their country in official FIFA competitions.
This change removes an obstacle that, over recent years, due to the control of the Afghanistan Football Federation by the Taliban, had prevented the Afghan women’s national team from participating in international competitions.
Following the ban on women’s sports in 2021, members of the Afghan women’s national football team in exile have taken refuge in countries such as Albania, Australia, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where they continue their training.
