The political situation that arose in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power has heightened the awareness of the world of football, which moved above all to the female players: Australia in the first place. The government has in fact evacuated a large number of Afghan footballers and athletes.
This is the FIFPro press release:
“We are grateful to the Australian government for the massive evacuation of female footballers and female athletes from Afghanistan. These young women, as players and activists, have been in danger and on behalf of their peers around the world, we thank the international community for coming to their aid.
We would like to commend the tireless 24-hour work of many people including Khaleda Popal, Kelly Lindsey, Nicky Dryden, Alison Pattison, Haley Carter and Craig Foster in helping them ensure safe passage out of Afghanistan.
There is still much work to be done to support and accommodate these young women, and we urge the international community to make sure they get all the help they need. There are still many athletes at risk in Afghanistan and every effort must be made to support them.
Khaleda BhopalThe former captain of the Afghan national team said: “The past few days have been very stressful, but today we scored an important victory. The footballers have been brave and strong in a time of crisis and we hope to lead a better life outside Afghanistan. But there is still a lot of work to be done. Women’s football is a family and we have to make sure everyone is safe.”
Jonas Baer-Hoffmann“We are relieved that this group of footballers and athletes were able to leave Afghanistan today. It was an incredibly complex process for all involved to ensure their evacuation. Our hearts are with all the others who are stuck in the country against their will,” said the FIFPro Secretary General.
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