The Taliban have ordered a ban on smartphone use for government officials, citing concerns over productivity and leaks. The directive, issued by military courts, mandates phone destruction and legal punishment for violators. Analysts suggest this could foreshadow broader restrictions on the general population.
FIFA has approved an amendment allowing Afghan women's national team to return to international competition under exceptional circumstances. The decision, made at a FIFA council meeting in Vancouver, enables exiled Afghan players to represent their country despite the Taliban's ban on women's sports since 2021. Over 80 Afghan female footballers have sought asylum overseas, with regional selection camps underway in England and Australia ahead of a training camp in New Zealand in June.
FIFA has approved Afghan women's return to international competition after amending its governance regulations to recognize national teams under exceptional circumstances. The decision, made at a FIFA council meeting in Vancouver, allows Afghan female footballers - many of whom fled abroad after the Taliban's 2021 takeover - to represent their country with full recognition. Afghanistan has not played competitive internationals since December 2018, and the Taliban ban on women's sports forced many players to seek asylum. Regional selection camps are underway in England and Australia, with a training camp scheduled in New Zealand in June.
FIFA has approved Afghan women's return to international football after the Taliban banned women's sports in 2021. The amendment to FIFA's governance regulations, passed at a council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday, allows national team registration under exceptional circumstances. Afghan Women United, a refugee team formed in May 2025, will now be recognized as the official national team, with matches expected in June and potential qualification for the 2028 Olympics.
