Officials From Soccer Are Attempting To Evacuate Players From Afghanistan

LONDON — The international players’ association said Friday that soccer authorities are working with nations to attempt to evacuate players from Afghanistan after the Taliban took power.

Concerns have been expressed regarding the safety of female players who have spoken out against the Taliban and for women’s rights.

“As a champion of activism, we are deeply worried about those athletes who have been prominent champions for greater human rights in the nation for many years,” FIFPRO, the world players’ organization, wrote on Twitter. “FIFPRO has been working with governments over the last few days to develop an evacuation strategy for athletes in danger. The desire to save as many people as possible is at the heart of this rescue effort.”

The Afghan government collapsed considerably faster than the US had predicted, allowing the Taliban to retake control of Kabul after 20 years on Sunday.

Hundreds of Afghan citizens eager to flee the country mobbed a C-17 cargo jet as it attempted to take off from Kabul airport on Monday, killing many people. Human remains were discovered in the plane’s wheel well after it landed at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to the US Air Force.

According to a verified Facebook page maintained by Afghanistan’s sports organization, a teenage male footballer was among the victims. Tributes have become more widely paid.

In a statement, FIFA said, “FIFA has been horrified and saddened by the terrible death of Zaki Anwari, a former under-17 Afghanistan national junior team player.” “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Zaki’s family and friends.”

FIFA said it was in contact with the Afghanistan Football Federation and was getting information from players, describing the situation as “unstable and highly concerning.”

“FIFA stated, “We are supporting them through this trying moment.”