ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – In a landmark move, FIFA has appointed former Scotland star Pauline Hamill as head coach of a newly formed Afghan women’s refugee football team, aiming to restore purpose and hope for players exiled under Taliban rule.
The initiative falls under FIFA’s Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, and kicks off with a one-year pilot phase involving talent identification camps across host countries. Players, many of whom fled Afghanistan following the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports, will receive professional training, mental health support, nutrition guidance, and safeguarding measures.
Hamill, who earned 141 caps for Scotland, said the role goes “beyond the realms of a normal coaching job” and called it a “privilege” to lead the project.
Though the squad won’t hold official national status, it will compete in international friendlies—giving Afghan women athletes a voice and platform on the world stage once more.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the program as a powerful statement of inclusion, resilience, and solidarity with those silenced by oppression.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.