The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Afghan women’s refugee team has announced its first-ever squad ahead of a historic series of friendly matches later this month, FIFA said Thursday.
Following three multi-day identification camps held across
two continents, 23 players have been selected to represent the team. The group
will travel to the United Arab Emirates for a four-nation tournament, marking
the Afghan women’s first international action in nearly four years.
“This announcement is a truly special and symbolic moment —
not only for these 23 remarkable players, but also for women’s football as a
whole,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement. “This initiative
underlines the power of our sport to bring hope, opportunity and unity.”
The launch of the refugee squad was approved in May by the
FIFA Council as part of the organization’s “Strategy for Action for Afghan
Women’s Football.” FIFA said it has provided extensive support for the project,
including financial resources, training facilities and a professional network
of staff.
The players were identified during three FIFA-organized
camps — one in Sydney, Australia, and two at England’s St. George’s Park
National Football Centre. About 70 players based in Australia and Europe were
evaluated by head coach Pauline Hamill, a former Scotland international, with
support from more than 20 female-centered professionals.
The final roster includes 13 players based in Australia,
five from the United Kingdom, three from Portugal and two from Italy. FIFA said
the squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and younger players eager to make
their mark.
Hamill called the squad announcement “an exciting moment”
and praised the progress made throughout the identification process.
FIFA said the refugee team builds on its involvement in the
2021 evacuation of more than 160 members of Afghanistan’s football and sporting
community, an effort it described as unmatched by any other sports body.
The 23 selected players said they see the UAE tournament as
both a symbolic return to the international stage and the beginning of a new
chapter for Afghan women’s football.
