FIFA makes rarest exception to let Afghan women’s refugee team play as official national side without Taliban approval
FIFA has approved a landmark rule change allowing the Afghan women’s team, now competing as Afghan Women United, to return to international football despite being in exile since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
The decision removes the need for approval from Afghanistan’s ruling federation, restoring their pathway to competition and marking a major step for displaced athletes in global sport.
FIFA announces World Cup rules
- Players who cover mouths could face red card at World Cup RTE —
- Red cards can be given to players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents Associated Press —
- FIFA to award $871 million in prize money for 2026 World Cup, increasing figure by a further 15% CBS Sports —
- FIFA boosts World Cup money distributed to 48 participating teams USA Today —
- Players who cover mouths in confrontations to be sent off at World Cup Sky News —