(FILES) Members of the Afghanistan's national women's football team playing under Melbourne Victory Afghan women's team banner carry the Afghanistan flag before their first match in a local league against ETA Buffalo SC in Melbourne on April 24, 2022. A FIFA rule change allowing Afghanistan's women footballers to compete in official matches is a "historical moment", former captain Khalida Popal told AFP on April 30, 2026. (Photo by William WEST / AFP via Getty Images) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO COMMERCIAL USE --