Afghan women’s refugee football team set for international debut in UAE
Dubai to host FIFA’s first women’s friendly series in October
DUBAI – FIFA has announced that Dubai will stage the “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” from 23 to 29 October, marking a historic milestone in women’s football.
The four-team friendly competition will bring together the UAE, Chad, Libya and the Afghan women’s refugee team, whose debut represents a landmark for the sport.
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A new round-robin competition – FIFA Unites: Women's Series – will give the Afghan women’s refugee team their first taste of match action when they face Chad, Libya and United Arab Emirates later this year.
Afghan refugee team’s debut
The refugee team’s creation followed the Taliban’s 2021 ban on women’s sports in Afghanistan, which forced players to flee the country. Before the ban, 25 women were under contract, most of whom now reside in Australia. FIFA has since organised global talent identification camps to select a 23-player squad for international competition.
Progress and purpose
UAE’s team, led by Dutch coach Vera Pauw, will look to continue their development, while Chad and Libya pursue their first entries in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised the UAE Football Association for hosting and underscored the wider mission, stating the matches symbolise both opportunity and progress for women worldwide.