UN Special Rapporteur Calls on FIFA to Support Afghan Women Footballers

On Wednesday (26 March), Mr. Bennett urged the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to break its silence in the face of the Taliban’s gender oppression and to create opportunities for Afghan women footballers to participate in global competitions.

This appeal comes after the Sports and Rights Union previously requested FIFA to facilitate the participation of Afghan women footballers living in exile in international tournaments. However, FIFA has not yet responded to these demands.

It is noteworthy that following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghan women footballers were forced to leave the country and are now barred from participating in international competitions. The Taliban have banned all women's sports activities in Afghanistan.