A bipartisan coalition, including the co-chairs of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, is urging the President of FIFA to grant the Afghanistan Women’s Football team permission to represent their nation in global competitions. The team members fled Afghanistan following the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021 and have found refuge in Australia. However, FIFA currently views them as unofficial representatives of Afghanistan.
Lawmakers have penned a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stressing the team’s determination to play and their desire to empower the women and girls still oppressed by the Taliban regime. They believe that FIFA should establish a process that allows these exiled team members to participate in the organization’s activities, not only for the betterment of the sport but also to send an important message globally.
The bipartisan group of legislators calling for this change includes Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), as well as Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.).
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, women’s rights in the country have been severely curtailed. These restrictions include limited access to education beyond the sixth grade and constraints on their ability to freely travel.
It is important to note that the Associated Press has contributed to this report.
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