FIFA has announced that the upcoming women’s football tournament featuring the Afghanistan team has been relocated from the United Arab Emirates to Morocco, as part of its “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series.” The four-team friendly competition is scheduled to kick off this Sunday.

The tournament will feature:

• Afghan Women United (formerly the Afghan Women’s Refugee team)
• United Arab Emirates women’s national team
• Chad women’s national team
• Libya women’s national team

Afghan Women’s Team: From Refugees to “United”

The Afghanistan women’s team was initially formed after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, which resulted in a ban on women’s sports across the country. Many players fled Afghanistan fearing persecution, leading to the establishment of a team composed of Afghan women living abroad.

FIFA confirmed that the team has officially changed its name to “Afghan Women United”, dropping the “refugee” label. This move reflects the players’ resilience and unity despite displacement and aims to empower Afghan women in sports globally.

Najma Arefi, a key player for Afghan Women United, was seen in action during a selection camp in August, demonstrating the team’s determination to continue competing at an international level despite the challenges they face.

Morocco Steps In to Host the Tournament

FIFA expressed gratitude to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) for hosting the tournament on short notice. Officials emphasized that Morocco’s support ensures the players can compete in a safe and welcoming environment, highlighting FIFA’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity in football.

Afghanistan Women’s Football Post-Taliban

Before the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan had 25 contracted female players, most of whom now reside in Australia. The Afghan men’s national team continues to operate as usual within the country. The Afghan Women United team represents a symbol of hope and perseverance, allowing female athletes to continue their careers on the international stage despite political and social challenges at home.

The relocation to Morocco is expected to facilitate better logistics, safety, and international exposure, enabling the team to compete against other national sides in a professional and secure environment.