Introduction to Afghan Women’s Football
Four years since they last played an official game, Afghanistan’s women are ready to play for their country again. The newly formed Afghan women’s refugee football team will play against Chad, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates from October 23rd to 29th in the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series. While the games are important, sending a message to the oppressive rulers of their homeland is even more important.
Representing the Silenced
"A lot of emotions come up, a mix of excitement and anticipation for the tournament, but at the same time, it’s also a big responsibility," defender Najma Arefi said. "It’s not just about wearing the Afghan women’s team jersey. It’s also about representing so many of the Afghan women who have been silenced and have no voice to share with the world. They have been denied every single human right."
Life Under Taliban Rule
Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, women and girls in the country have been almost completely deprived of their rights. They cannot leave the house without a close male chaperone or go beyond a primary education and are brutally punished for any number of everyday actions. The sport, which began to flourish for women and girls in the 20 years since the last Taliban regime, was also banned.
Personal Experience
Arefi, who was 17 at the time, lived under the Taliban regime for about a month. "As a girl, it was a nightmare. I also had three younger sisters in my family. One of the biggest problems back then was that the Taliban soldiers married young girls against their will. The news spread, and my parents were very, very worried about what to do with us," she said. "Sport made life riskier and more dangerous for us back then. I wasn’t even able to leave the house to go shopping or do anything else. I was like in a prison for two months."
Rebuilding the Team
The tournament represents a significant step towards re-joining FIFA, which was a priority for the escaped female footballers. Under the leadership of former captain Khalida Popal, many young footballers have worked tirelessly for the cause. A refugee team playing in the regional leagues in Melbourne, Australia, operated as the de facto Afghan team, but was not recognized by the game’s global governors.
A New Beginning
In May, FIFA announced a comprehensive strategy to support Afghan women to participate in football, regardless of whether they live in the country or are based outside the country. This strategy led to this month’s tournament and the announcement of the first official Afghanistan squad since 2021. Of the 23 players who will travel to Dubai, 13 are based in Australia, five in the UK, three in Portugal, and two in Italy.
Team Reunion
Many of the squad played together in their home country, and Arefi said the chance to play together again at a pre-tournament selection camp at the English Football Association headquarters was an emotional event. "The camp we had at St. George’s Park was a reunion. Some of the girls came from different countries, and it was like a warm hug for us to see each other again after such a long time. When we stepped onto the field, it didn’t feel like we had been apart for so long because football reunited us as a team and allowed us to show the resilience and sisterhood that we have."
Future Plans
Arefi balances her football with the education she was denied in Afghanistan. Her experiences led her to study criminal justice and social work, and she plans to go to university next year. "I want to become a human rights lawyer, advocate for the women and girls who can’t, and take advantage of the opportunities I have here." Their message to the Taliban is clear: "We are still here. We are still fighting for the voice you are taking away from us." The next step in this fight will be the match against Chad on October 23rd in Dubai.
