The FIFA Council has approved an amendment to its Governance Regulations. The move allows Afghan female players to compete in official international matches in FIFA competitions. The Afghanistan women’s national football team has not played a competitive international match since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The decision aims to ensure players are not excluded due to circumstances beyond their control, in line with FIFA’s principles of inclusion and non-discrimination.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it a landmark step. He said Afghan female players, including those in the FIFA-supported Afghan Women United squad, can now represent their country in official matches in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation. The FIFA-backed team will hold its next training camp in New Zealand from June 1 to 9. The amendment takes immediate effect. FIFA will provide financial, technical and human support to ensure a safe and sustainable pathway to competition. Support packages for Afghan Women United players will continue for up to two years during the transition phase.