How to keep a soccer team alive in exile

Farkhunda Muhtaj, a 28-year-old Afghan-Canadian, has dedicated years to preserving the existence of the Afghanistan women's national soccer team amid the Taliban's ban on female sports participation since their return to power in 2021. Her efforts culminated in a major breakthrough this year when FIFA officially recognized the team during its congress in Vancouver. Muhtaj, who plays as a midfielder for the Calgary Wild in the Northern Super League, played a pivotal role in evacuating Afghan soccer players from the country after the Taliban takeover. She continues to advocate for the team, ensuring that Afghan players remain trained and prepared to compete despite ongoing challenges. The Taliban imposed a strict ban on women's sports activities shortly after regaining control of Afghanistan, effectively dismantling the structure of the national women's football federation. This policy rendered the Afghanistan Football Federation unable to provide support or recognition to the women's team, leading to its dissolution. In response, Muhtaj spearheaded the creation of an unofficial team in exile, initially based in Portugal, where she evacuated several young female athletes. The initiative aimed to maintain continuity in training and competition, even in the absence of financial backing from FIFA or the federation. Muhtaj's work began in earnest after the U.S. military withdrawal in August 2021, which saw the Taliban swiftly seize control of the country. With the new regime enforcing stringent restrictions on women's rights, including the prohibition of participation in sports, the future of Afghan women's football seemed bleak. However, Muhtaj remained undeterred, organizing a team in exile and working tirelessly to secure international recognition for the cause. Her persistence paid off when FIFA, under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino, formally acknowledged the team during the recent congress in Vancouver. The establishment of the official Afghan women's national team marks a significant shift in the organization's approach to inclusivity and representation. FIFA's decision to recognize the team came after a prolonged effort by Muhtaj and others to demonstrate the viability of continuing the sport outside of Afghanistan. The move reflects a broader acknowledgment of the importance of maintaining sporting traditions even in politically unstable environments. While the team currently operates without direct financial support from FIFA or the Football Federation, the recognition provides a crucial foundation for building a more sustainable program. Despite the progress made, challenges persist. The team must navigate logistical hurdles, such as finding consistent training facilities and securing travel arrangements for international matches. Additionally, the political climate in Afghanistan remains volatile, making long-term planning difficult. Nevertheless, Muhtaj remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and incremental steps toward achieving greater stability and visibility for the team. Looking ahead, the focus will be on developing a structured and self-sustaining program for the team. This includes establishing regular training schedules, identifying potential sponsors, and exploring opportunities for competitive play abroad. The ultimate goal is to enable Afghan women to participate in international tournaments, thereby restoring pride in their nation's sporting heritage. As Muhtaj continues her advocacy, the story of the Afghanistan women's national soccer team stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of sport to transcend political barriers.