The Afghan Women United football squad has reunited in New Zealand for a training camp and to play two unofficial friendly games against the Cook Islands. This marks the first time the 23-player squad, selected from Afghan players living abroad, has been together since FIFA's April ruling.
The football governing body's decision allows them to represent their country in official matches in the future. Previously, approval from the Afghanistan Football Federation was required, which was not possible under the Taliban, who returned to power in August 2021 and imposed wide-ranging restrictions on women and girls, including banning them from organised sport.
The country's national women's team, formed in 2007, could no longer play, and its members were evacuated and resettled in various countries. Years of campaigning led to the creation of a refugee team, which became Afghan Women United. Thanks to FIFA's ruling, the team can now attempt to qualify for international competitions such as the Olympics and World Cup.
Midfielder Fatima Haidari encouraged her teammates, saying, "Be strong as always because we are representing Afghan women." Manozh Noori, who now lives in Australia, recalled her past experiences playing football in Kabul despite family disapproval and the risks involved. Defender Najma Arefi, now living in Doncaster, England, spoke of the freedom she now has, contrasting it with the challenges faced by women back home.