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Afghan women’s refugee team allowed to play in FIFA tournaments
- On Tuesday, the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver approved a rule change allowing Afghan Women United to compete in official international matches, providing exiled players a path back to football.
- Forced to flee following the Taliban's 2021 return to power, which banned women's sports in Afghanistan, many athletes abandoned competition; FIFA previously helped evacuate more than 160 at-risk players and defenders.
- Regional selection camps in England and Australia are underway, with support packages provided to nearly 90 players; coach Pauline Hamill prepares the squad for exhibition matches during June's international window.
- The initiative aims to enable participation for associations unable to register national teams, with President Gianni Infantino stating, "We are proud of the beautiful journey initiated by Afghan Women United."
- While the refugee team cannot qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, it remains eligible for qualification regarding the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, marking a significant pathway forward.
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Football: Afghan women's team recognized in blow to Taliban
Banned from playing football and sent into exile, Afghanistan's women's team has had to fight to regain international status. That newly awarded recognition is a "hard slap to the face" of the Taliban, a player told DW.
·Bonn, Germany
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The new amendment, in coordination with the AFC, opens the door for Afghan Women United players to represent Afghanistan in international tournaments
·Los Angeles, United States
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Without international matches since the Taliban returned to power, Afghan refugee players will now be able to wear the colours of their country.
·Paris, France
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Total News Sources51
Leaning Left17Leaning Right8Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 26%
R 24%
Factuality
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