The former Afghan soccer captain is fighting for the team’s opportunity to compete in the World Cup

Khaleda Boubal, the former leader of the National Women’s Team in Afghanistan, invites the Fédération International De Football (FIFA) to allow Afghan women to participate in the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

“It has been more than three years, I was sending emails with the support of various organizations, to get (A) in response to FIFA, to get FIFA, to cooperate with us,” said Popal As it happens Host Nil Köksal.

The World Football Ruling Authority requires the National Women’s Football Team in Afghanistan to obtain recognition from the Football Association in Afghanistan, which is controlled by Afghanistan to participate.

But under the Taliban repressive regime, this is not possible, says Popal, who established the team and is now working as a program and director of an event.

If FIFA does not review its regulations, the team will be equivalent to the Asian Women’s Cup qualifiers for 2026, which occurs on March 27, which feeds on a qualification for the next World Cup.

It will keep the second time that they are absent from the opportunity to join the World Cup qualifiers because the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

After the call by players and allies, Send FIFA message On March 21 to the Sports and Rights Alliance, the Human Rights Alliance defends the team’s recognition.

Popal says it derives some hope from FIFA’s speech because she mentioned a plan to provide football opportunities for Afghan women inside and outside the country.

But he did not specify whether FIFA intends to officially get to know the team or how the financing will be distributed.

Popal says another barrier they face for the women’s team to play in the Asian Cup qualifiers, which is FIFA that the games are played in the unsafe countries for Afghan women.

Popal, who stopped playing in 2011 to focus on coordinating the team as a director of the Football Association in Afghanistan, says she hopes they can qualify for the World Cup through a wild card that allows them exceptional access.

Densing from Afghanistan

After the Taliban seized Afghanistan, the regime imposed a decrees that strongly restricted the rights of women and girls.

Girls were banned over the age of 12 years of education, and women are prevented from participating in any sport.

Popal was forced to search for asylum in Denmark in 2016 after receiving threats to her life, and It also helped dozens of others In escape.

She says that there are now hundreds of Afghan football players of all ages who are dispersed all over the world after the escape of persecution.

Even while working to rebuild their lives in exile abroad, POPAL says they are ready and eager to allow Afghanistan’s opportunity to represent Afghanistan on the international stage.

More than football

Popal says that the presence of Afghan women competes in FIFA is more than just confirming their right to play football.

It is a way for Afghan women to ensure that the world does not forget the adversity they face.

“For us, football is our tool. It is our strength.”

She says she gives them the platform to share how “women erased society”.

Likewise, if they are able to play on the world stage, he will send a message of hope for Afghan women in Afghanistan.

“You are unforgettable. I have seen you and heard,” he said.

This stimulates Albal to continue her vocation.

“I don’t want to lose hope. I don’t want to be pessimistic about it. I still want to fight (even) at the last minute.”