Exiled Afghan Women's Soccer Team Calls for Global Athletic Solidarity

The Afghanistan Women's National Team, forced into exile post-Taliban takeover, urges global athletes to support their fight for competitive inclusion. Banned by the Afghan Football Federation, the team seeks to unite efforts for gender equality in sports through collaboration and solidarity from athletes worldwide.

The Afghanistan Women's National Team (AWNT) finds itself in exile, urging global solidarity among athletes as they seek the right to compete. The team has been sidelined from World Cup qualifiers since the Taliban's rise to power in 2021.

Fear of persecution led many players to flee Afghanistan when the Taliban seized control. Under Taliban rule, the Afghan Football Federation banned women's sports, blocking international competition, as FIFA requires national federation recognition.

At a Sports & Rights Alliance press briefing, AWNT captain Mursal Sadat called for worldwide unity in the struggle for gender equality in sports. She emphasized the power of athletes' voices in supporting the Afghan women's plight. AWNT founder Khalida Popal added that collaboration is sought, not just with FIFA but globally, to prevent similar injustices elsewhere.

(With inputs from agencies.)