Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala Yousafzai alongside over 100 UK lawmakers has called upon FIFA, the international governing body for football, to officially recognize the exiled Afghan women’s football team.
Moreover, Malala Yousafzai, through her official Twitter account on Wednesday highlighted the Afghan women’s football team as a powerful symbol of courage and resistance for their country.
This unified effort aims to support Afghan women’s football as a symbol of courage and resistance in the face of the Taliban’s oppression.
The parliamentarians’ plea to FIFA echoes the sentiments shared by Malala and Khalida Popal, the founder of Afghanistan’s women’s national team, urging the organization to push back against restrictions and grant Afghan women the freedom to participate in football.
Malala, along with Khalida Popal and parliamentarians from various countries, including the UK, Australia, Portugal, and Italy, have jointly penned a letter to FIFA, appealing for their support in enabling Afghan women to play football without constraints.
A Growing Consensus
The recent letter sent to FIFA by Malala, Popal, and the parliamentarians signifies a widespread consensus regarding the urgent need for action.
It amplifies a call made earlier this year and has garnered support from 76 UK members of parliament, as well as parliamentarians from Australia, Portugal, and Italy.
The unified voice of these lawmakers emphasizes the importance of FIFA’s commitment to equality and the organization’s responsibility to assist Afghan women in reclaiming their rightful place on the international stage.
Preserving the Right to Play
Julie Elliott, the MP for Sunderland Central and co-author of the letter, asserts that the fundamental right to play football and compete should be safeguarded.
FIFA, as the governing body of the sport, holds the responsibility to uphold their commitments to equality and provide robust support to Afghan women in their quest to regain their position on the global football landscape.
The broad support garnered by the letter serves as a testament to the international community’s backing of Afghan women, both those in exile and those still living in the country, and their right to choose how they live their lives.
The Journey of the Afghan Women’s National Team
During the 2021 withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan, the senior women’s national team was successfully evacuated to
Australia, which will co-host the 2023 Women’s World Cup alongside New Zealand. Although operating at the seventh tier as Melbourne Victory FC AWT and receiving support from Melbourne Victory, the team has managed to maintain its unity and continue competing.
However, without formal recognition from FIFA and the ability to participate in international competitions, their progress is hindered.
FIFA’s Role and the Need for Action
FIFA has previously stated that the selection of players and teams representing a member association is considered an internal affair.
Furthermore, given the extraordinary circumstances faced by the Afghan women’s national team, FIFA has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
The unified efforts of Malala Yousafzai, Khalida Popal, and parliamentarians from multiple nations reflect a global call to action.
FIFA’s recognition and support for the exiled Afghan women’s football team can serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for Afghan women, providing them with the freedom to participate in the sport they love.
Moreover, the recognition of the Afghan women’s football team by FIFA would not only provide them with the opportunity to compete on the international stage but also serve as a powerful symbol of defiance against the oppressive regime.
The power of sports to transcend cultural, political, and social barriers should not be underestimated.
It has the potential to foster unity, promote dialogue, and challenge societal norms.
The Afghan women’s football team represents the resilience, determination, and courage of Afghan women as they defy oppressive forces and fight for their rights.
In the face of adversity, the international community must stand together and support the cause of the Afghan women’s football team.
As we witness the brave struggle of Afghan women athletes, it is crucial to recognize that their fight extends beyond the football pitch.
Read more: Pakistani Footballers to Play in India for First Time Since 2014
It encompasses the broader fight for gender equality, human rights, and freedom of choice.
Therefore, the UK Parliament’s backing of Malala Yousafzai’s call urging FIFA to support the Afghan women’s football team is a significant step towards ensuring that these courageous athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
