VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — For former player and activist Khalida Popal, formal approval Soccer is not the only way the Afghan women’s refugee team can excel on the international stage.
During a meeting in Vancouver last week, the FIFA Council said: team It means they could one day qualify for the World Cup or Olympics after a long campaign by the Pope and his supporters. It was a moment of celebration for Popal after years of struggle.
“It’s always been about identity, it’s always been about a greater mission beyond soccer. We’re not without skill, we’re the most skilled team in the world, but if you look at our rankings and results, it’s never just about soccer,” Popal told The Associated Press. “Of course, soccer brings love and joy, and we will never forget that, but it was more about who we are as an Afghan woman identity.”
Popal was one of the founding members of the Afghanistan national team in 2007 and fought for inclusion on the team before the rise of the Taliban led to a ban on women’s sports. She later helped players flee the country when Kabul fell in 2021.
Mr. Popal, the fugitive players, and other team defenders subsequently campaigned for the national team to be reinstated as a refugee team competing for a spot in international tournaments.
The victory of the team, which plays under the name ‘Afghanistan Women United’, also paved the way for other teams who may face similar situations in the future.
“They not only took this great step to allow Afghan women to represent their country on the national team, but they also changed and adapted the picture that no team in a situation like the one we have faced will suffer the way we have suffered and sacrificed,” Popal said. “So this change is not only for the future of Afghanistan and Afghan women, but also for the future of world football.”
Currently, more than 80 Afghan refugee athletes are scattered across Australia, the United States and Europe. Two camps were recently held in England and Australia for women.
The team, led by Scottish coach Pauline Hamill, is expected to play two exhibitions during the upcoming June international break. The location and opponent of the match have not yet been determined.
“I think the message of this kind is that women can come together and that sport can really be a vehicle and a conduit for change,” said Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer. “I think that’s why we’re working so hard within FIFA to promote women’s football in countries, because we all recognize the benefits that strong, confident women bring to society. I think it just re-emphasizes that not only can sports really bring people together, but it can create change and create opportunities, and obviously that goes for people who don’t have sports or have been deprived of sports.”
Popard was the captain of the national team when it first started, but fearing for his life forced him to flee the country and settle in Denmark.
She stayed connected to the team and in 2018 helped expose sexual and physical abuse involving the women’s program. Kelamuddin Kellam Federation Chairman, He was banned for life from FIFA on suspicion of sexual abuse.
In 2021, Popal became a member of the international federation that includes the world football federation FIFPRO. Helped about 75 people involved with the women’s team flee the country. in dire circumstances.
The first move towards formal recognition of refugee teams came in October last year, when Afghan refugees competed in Morocco in a tournament involving Chad, Libya and Tunisia.
“This is not just about soccer, it’s about sending a message that no government should have the power to exclude women from public life,” said Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sports & Rights Alliance. “We are thrilled that FIFA has listened to Afghan women and addressed the gaps in their regulations. We look forward to supporting them for years to come.”
The team’s promotion was met with applause from the many representatives who attended the ceremony. fifa conference It was held in Vancouver ahead of this summer’s Men’s World Cup.
For Popal, whose life’s work has led to recognition for refugee teams, this is a moment of reflection and determination.
“I will continue to push and continue to support. I will continue to use my platform, my voice, to raise more awareness because this is a time when Afghan women are losing attention within Afghanistan and from the Western world,” Popal said. “So football is our platform. It’s our channel and we will continue to talk about their situation and continue to be their voice.”
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