Soccer-Afghan women's refugee team to make tournament debut in UAE

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• Soccer-Afghan women's refugee team to make tournament debut in UAE</p>

<p>September 24, 2025 at 5:54 AM</p>

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<p>FILE PHOTO: Afghan women refugees train in England to build 23-player soccer squad</p>

<p>(Reuters) -The Afghan women's refugee team will take the field for the first time in an international tournament when they compete in a four-team friendly competition in the United Arab Emirates next month, world governing body FIFA said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The team's creation stems from the Taliban's ban on women's sports following their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, prompting players to flee the country fearing persecution.</p>

<p>The "FIFA Unites: Women's Series" tournament will run from October 23-29 in Dubai and feature the nearly-formed Afghan refugee squad alongside the UAE, Chad and Libya's regular teams.</p>

<p>"Ensuring that all women have access to football is a priority for FIFA and a key element in shaping the future of our sport," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.</p>

<p>"We are aware of the potential the game has both on and off the pitch. These friendly matches represent more than just a competition; they are a symbol of hope and progress for women all over the world."</p>

<p>Prior to the Taliban's takeover, Afghanistan had 25 women players under contract, most of whom now live in Australia.</p>

<p>Afghanistan's men's team continues as normal.</p>

<p>FIFA has run several talent identification camps around the world to choose a 23-player women's squad.</p>

<p>(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)</p>

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