VANCOUVER CANADA The International Refugee Sports Federation officially welcomes the landmark decision reached during the 76th FIFA Congress. This historic reform creates a vital pathway for Afghan female footballers to represent their country and community in official international competitions under exceptional circumstances.
Through persistent advocacy and close coordination with the Asian Football Confederation this breakthrough allows teams such as Afghan Women United to compete with full international recognition. The IRSF remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no athlete is ever sidelined by political or social factors beyond their personal control.
The IRSF leadership released a statement emphasizing that sports must remain a universal human right. The federation believes that this decision is a monumental victory for inclusion and gender equality. It sends a powerful message to the global athletic community that talent and perseverance will always find a way to the pitch regardless of the challenges faced by the athletes.
Beyond the policy change the International Refugee Sports Federation is committed to providing an extensive support package for these teams. This includes total operational assistance to manage logistics for international travel and training camps. Furthermore the IRSF will provide human and financial resources to ensure the players have access to professional coaching and medical staff.
This initiative represents a firm step toward justice within the world of sports. By removing barriers for Afghan women the IRSF and FIFA are rewriting the future of the game. The federation invites the global community to stand in solidarity with these brave players as they prepare to take their rightful place in the beautiful game.DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE SPORTS FEDERATION MAY 2026