World football’s governing body has approved a landmark rule change allowing Afghanistan’s women footballers to represent their country in official international matches, a move described as unprecedented in global sport.
The decision by the FIFA Council enables female players from Afghanistan — including members of the FIFA-supported Afghan Women United team — to compete in international fixtures under FIFA competitions, despite the inability of the country’s football federation to field a women’s team.
The reform allows FIFA, in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation, to establish and approve a national or representative team under exceptional circumstances when a member association is unable to do so.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the move “a powerful and unprecedented step,” saying it reflects the organization’s commitment to ensuring that players are not excluded from international football due to circumstances beyond their control.
“By enabling Afghan women to compete for their country in official matches, we are turning principles into action,” Infantino said.
The decision follows years of restrictions on women’s sports in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, effectively barring female athletes from participating in organized football in the country.
FIFA said the reform is part of its broader strategy to support Afghan women’s football, including the creation of Afghan Women United, a team formed to provide playing opportunities for Afghan players living outside the country. Under the new rule, those players will, for the first time, be able to represent Afghanistan in officially recognized matches.
Members of an independent advisory group supporting the initiative welcomed the move.
Nadia Nadim, who has earned more than 100 international caps for Denmark, said the decision recognizes Afghan women players “as elite athletes with the right to compete.”
Former Afghanistan captain Khalida Popal said representing the country is about “identity, dignity and hope” for the players.
“This moment shows what is possible when sport is guided by values,” she said.
Andrea Florence said the reform sets a global precedent by demonstrating that governing bodies can adapt rules to address human rights concerns in extraordinary situations.
Although the amendment takes immediate effect, FIFA said it will now oversee administrative and logistical steps, including registering the team and establishing a competitive structure.
The organization will provide financial, technical and operational support to ensure what it described as a safe and sustainable pathway to competition. Support programs for Afghan Women United players are expected to continue for up to two years during the transition.
The team is scheduled to hold its next training camp in New Zealand from June 1 to 9, where it is expected to play a friendly match against the Cook Islands women’s national football team.
The decision marks a rare step in international sport, offering Afghan women footballers a pathway back to the global stage despite ongoing restrictions in their home country.
