Alleged sexual abuse destroyed World Cup dreams of Afghanistan women's soccer team, says former captain
Khalida Popal began her soccer career under Taliban rule
Update June 10, 2019: Keramuudin Karim, former president of the Afghanistan Football Federation, has been banned for life from all soccer-related activities and fined $1.3 million Cdn after FIFA's investigation found he "abused his position and sexually abused various female players." Afghan officials have also issued a warrant for his arrest, according to the Washington Post.
Original story below:
Khalida Popal was concerned when young female players would suddenly stop coming to training for Afghanistan's national women's soccer team.
When she started to ask questions, Popal said players alleged physical and sexual abuse and harassment by members of the Afghanistan Football Federation, all the way to the man at the top of the federation, President Keramuudin Karim.
Popal said it was heartbreaking when a fellow player "told me how she was sexually abused, and raped by the president of football federation himself, in his office."
Last month FIFA suspended Karim, pending an investigation. He denies the allegations, which have not been proven.
The Current tried to contact Karim but did not hear back. He previously told the news agency AFP that the allegations are a conspiracy and that the players accusing him are trying to build claims for asylum.
The statement continued: "The matter is currently being addressed in a 'do no harm way' towards the victims, with reputable entities with which FIFA has formed a strong working relationship on human rights related issues in recent years."
"Once the facts are established, whatever remedial measures needed will be taken," the statement said.
The Asian Football Confederation has issued a statement saying it — "vigorously rejects the false accusations made with regard to the AFF's women's national team," and that it has a "zero-tolerance policy towards any such type of behaviour."
We were so happy and hopeful, and all of a sudden this happened, and once again they tried to destroy the dreams that we had.- Khalida Popal
Living under Taliban rule, Popal had to play football in hiding in the early days of her career, fearing attacks from groups of men. But she went on to make history as the captain of the country's first female soccer team.
"In 2018 we came with huge and big dreams and hope to play in World Cup and represent our country," she said.
"We were so happy and hopeful, and all of a sudden this happened, and once again they tried to destroy the dreams that we had."
To discuss the allegations, Tremonti spoke with:
- Khalida Popal, former captain of Afghanistan women's soccer team
- Shireen Ahmed, a sports writer who has started a petition for FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to do more to support the team
Click 'listen' near the top of this page to hear the full conversation.
Produced by Sarah-Joyce Battersby and Allie Jaynes.