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FIFA Shifts Afghan Women United Series to Morocco Following UAE Visa Denials

FIFA relocated the event following UAE visa denials, pledging safeguarding support for the exiled players.

Overview

  • The rescheduled FIFA Unites: Women’s Series begins Sunday in Morocco with Afghan Women United facing Chad, Tunisia and Libya.
  • UAE authorities rejected visa applications for several Afghan refugee players, prompting FIFA to move the tournament.
  • Players in Australia, the UK, Portugal and Italy were told to go to airports without confirmed visas, then were instructed not to board.
  • Several players reported feeling retraumatised by the process, and FIFA says it is providing safeguarding, mental-health support and trauma‑informed sessions.
  • The refugee squad, formed under FIFA’s Action for Afghan Women’s Football strategy, is limited to friendlies because the Afghan federation remains recognized.