FIFA has sanctioned the establishment of an Afghanistan women’s refugee team which will be able to participate in matches overseen by world football’s governing body.
Such a move would see the creation of an officially-recognised team of evacuated female players of Afghan nationality who obtained refugee-status abroad.
FIFA says the refugee team would be initially on a one-year pilot phase, which it adds will help evaluation over its long-term viability and which could create the possibility other nationalities attaining similar status.
The establishment of a team must first be approved by the FIFA Council, which would allow them to participate in both recognised friendly matches and tournaments overseen by FIFA, which says it will provide an environment which would prioritise player safety and well-being.