FIFA relocates Afghan women's refugee team tournament to Morocco

Thursday 23 October 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

FIFA relocates Afghan women's refugee team tournament to Morocco

A FIFA-organized tournament featuring the Afghan women's refugee team, originally slated to take place in the United Arab Emirates, has been relocated to Morocco. The four-team friendly competition, part of the "FIFA Unites: Women's Series," is set to begin on Sunday and will include the national women’s teams of the UAE, Chad, and Libya.

The tournament was initially scheduled for October 23–29 in Dubai, but FIFA announced the change of venue, expressing gratitude to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for hosting the event and promising collaboration to ensure its success.

This sudden relocation highlights Morocco's growing prominence on the global stage as a hub for international sports and humanitarian efforts. The competition, now set to take place in Casablanca, underscores the country's ability to host events that promote inclusivity and diversity, aligning with FIFA’s vision of unity through sport.

The Afghan women's refugee team, now officially named "Afghan Women United," was formed following the Taliban's 2021 ban on women’s sports. Many players fled Afghanistan under fear of persecution, leaving behind a national program that had previously contracted 25 players. Most of these athletes now reside in Australia, while Afghanistan's men's team continues to compete without interruption.

The tournament reflects FIFA's commitment to supporting displaced athletes and fostering inclusivity in global football, with Morocco playing a central role in this humanitarian and sporting initiative.