A FIFA-organized tournament involving the Afghan female refugee team has been moved from the United Arab Emirates to Morocco, world football’s governing body said, as the four-team friendly competition kicks off on Sunday.
The “FIFA Unites: Women’s Series” tournament, originally scheduled to take place in Dubai from October 23 to 29, will also feature the women’s national teams of the UAE, Chad and Libya.
The creation of the Afghan women’s refugee team follows the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports following their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, which prompted players to flee the country for fear of persecution.
READ ALSO | Afghanistan Women’s Refugee Team Announces Selection for ‘FIFA Unites: Women’s Series’
“FIFA would like to thank the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) and looks forward to working together to organize a successful tournament,” FIFA said in a statement.
The governing body also confirmed that the Afghan female refugee team has chosen a new official name, ‘Afghan Women United’, after consultation with FIFA.
Before the Taliban takeover, Afghanistan had 25 female players under contract, most of whom now live in Australia. The Afghan men’s team continues as normal.
Published on October 23, 2025
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