The Times of India

FIFA makes rarest exception to let Afghan womens refugee team play as official national side without Taliban approval

FIFA has approved a landmark rule change allowing the Afghan womens team, now competing as Afghan Women United, to return to international football despite being in exile since the Taliban takeover in 2021. The decision removes the need for approval from Afghanistans ruling federation, restoring their pathway to competition and marking a major step for displaced athletes in global sport.

29 Apr 2026 4:40 pm