In a landmark decision on Tuesday, FIFA's Council in Toronto granted official recognition to Afghanistan's women's national football team, paving the way for the squad to compete in major tournaments including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, World Cups, and Asian Cups. The move comes after the Taliban-run football association refused to sanction a women's team, forcing players into exile and a years-long fight for their right to play.

Goalkeeper Elaha Safdari told DW: 'It's something really huge for us, to show the world that Afghan women and girls are capable of doing amazing things. It's a hard slap to the face of the Taliban and those people who were against us.' She emphasized the team's role in raising voices for those still in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the amendment as 'momentous,' stating it allows FIFA to 'approve the registration of a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances where a Member Association is unable to do so.' He called it 'a powerful and unprecedented step in world sport' and credited FIFA's 'Strategy for Action for Afghan Women's Football' approved last year.

Andrea Florence, Executive Director of the Sport and Rights Alliance, noted the precedent 'demonstrates that governing bodies can adapt their rules to protect human rights when extraordinary circumstances demand it.' This could open doors for other national teams, particularly women's teams, denied opportunities by their federations.

Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal, a figurehead for the new generation, was seated next to Infantino when the news broke. 'This is our moment, this is our time and football is our voice and our platform,' she said. The squad, composed largely of refugees living in Australia and Europe, previously competed in the 'FIFA Unites Women's Series' in Morocco last year.

The team is set to gather in New Zealand for a training camp and a match against the Cook Islands, followed by Olympic qualifiers later this year. Safdari expressed disbelief: 'It sounds really great... and I still cannot believe it that we are finally official and we can play qualifiers.'

Despite the victory, players remain aware of the ongoing repression of women in Afghanistan. Safdari reflected: 'First of all I thought of my parents, who are still back home. They've already heard the news and are just proud of how far that I came personally. It's really something for me to play for my country and make my people, my family and my parents proud.'

Source: www.dw.com