Malala Yousafzai urges FIFA to recognize Afghanistan women’s soccer team

“They want to give hope to women and girls living under the oppressive and patriarchal regime in Afghanistan. » Khalida Popal, founder and former coach of the Afghanistan women’s national soccer team, and Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize winner, co-authored a column published in the columns of The Guardian, this Thursday 5 January. The two women fight for the Afghan women’s soccer team which tirelessly seeks recognition from the International Football Federation (FIFA).

Players in exile

Following their return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, in particular, the Taliban has banned women and girls from playing sports. A national volleyball player was even beheaded. Faced with danger, the Afghan soccer team players and their coaches fled quickly. Most have found refuge in Australiabut their living conditions are complicated and the fact that the team can continue to exist is greatly compromised. “Without official recognition from Fifa, the team cannot represent their country, participate in professional matches or receive the necessary funds to support their players and staff”explain the authors of the forum.

Send a message to the Taliban

Afghan footballers have already submitted their requests to FIFA several times, but the organization has so far remained silent. In support of their claim, Malala Yousafzai and Khalida Popal say so scared “She must make the Taliban understand that women have their place in the workplace, in classrooms and on football fields. »

The next Women’s World Cup will take place from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Having missed the qualifying stages, Afghan women shouldn’t be able to competebut “the team hopes to continue to develop their skills and one day play again alongside the best players in the world”their defenders explain. Fifa must give hope. »

Cover photo credit: Joppe Spaa / Unsplash