Afghan Women's Soccer Team Recognized by FIFA

0:00On April 29, FIFA just greenlit the Afghan women's national soccer team to hit the international stage again, marking their first shot since, December 2018. This comes after the Taliban crackdown on women's rights in 2021, banning female sports and scattering players worldwide. Now, under new rules, FIFA can recognize diaspora teams in tough spots like this. The big change happened at a FIFA council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday, letting them approve teams in exceptional cases beyond players control. It means Afghan women can rep their country officially, no more roadblocks from the local federation. Former captain Khalida Popol calls it a game changer, saying the squad's always been activists, but now they can flex skills, build youth talent, abroad, and voice hope for sisters back home. She's pumped, seeing them as symbols of straight up resilience amid the struggle. This builds on Afghan women united, a refugee squad, FIFA backed for a one-year pilot starting May 2025.

1:00They've already notched a win against Libya in November, with selection camps kicking off in England and Australia, then training in New Zealand, come. June. FIFA president Gianni Infantinos, all in, proud of the journey and eyeing more support for sideline teams. Afghan women could chase 2028 Olympics qualifiers soon, keeping that fire alive for over 80 players grinding from Australia to the Middle East, resilience and motion, y'all. From around the world, powered by AI, this is Global News Today.