Morocco Hosts Historic FIFA Tournament Featuring Afghan Women's Refugee Team

The FIFA Unites: Women's Series tournament, originally scheduled to run from October 23-29 in Dubai, has been relocated to Morocco, the world football governing body announced. The four-team friendly competition, featuring the Afghanistan women's refugee team, the national women's teams of the UAE, Chad, and Libya, is set to begin on Sunday. According to FIFA, the decision to relocate the tournament was made due to unforeseen circumstances, although the governing body did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind the change. The tournament is now scheduled to take place in Morocco, with the exact location yet to be disclosed. Najma Arefi, a key player on the Afghan Women United team, expressed her team's gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the tournament. "We are thrilled to be a part of this historic event, and we are grateful to FIFA for providing us with this platform to showcase our skills and determination," Arefi said in a statement. The creation of the Afghan Women United team stems from the Taliban's ban on women's sports following their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. The ban prompted many female players to flee the country, and the team was formed to provide them with a chance to continue playing the sport they love. The tournament is a significant development for women's football in the region, with many viewing it as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. "This tournament is a testament to the power of football to bring people together and to provide opportunities for women and girls to succeed," said a FIFA spokesperson. The tournament is expected to be a closely watched event, with many fans and supporters eager to see the Afghan Women United team in action. The team's participation in the tournament is a significant milestone, marking a major step forward for women's football in Afghanistan. The tournament is set to begin on Sunday, with the exact schedule and match details yet to be disclosed.