In Afghanistan, there are allegations arising from the women’s soccer team about sexual abuse that was received from officials of the club and possibly even the head of the Afghan soccer federation. The players claim that they had received physical and sexual abuse from male coaches and officials and the government is currently investigating the allegations. FIFA, the world body regulating international soccer, is also conducting its own investigation on the allegations.
In addition to these allegations, the team’s principal sponsor, a Danish sportswear company by the name of “Hummel,” has withdrawn its support. A previous player and manager, Khalida Popal, said in an interview that Keramuddin Keram, the president of the Afghanistan Football Federation, had sexually harassed players in a bedroom in his office. The bedroom could only be opened from the inside by a fingerprint scanner designed for him, and he would trap players inside.
Popal had spoke with Keram previously about players being scared to complain about the abuse that was received from trainers and other members of the federations, and Keram had promised that he would follow the issue and punish those who were abusing the players, but instead those members were just moved to different positions ion the federation.
Personally, I feel that these accusations shouldn’t have been put off for as long as they have and should have been acted on long before. Mr.Keram and all the members including in the acts of sexual and physical abuse need to be tried with the evidence provided from every player that has experienced these treatments. I also feel that any other organizations that are partnered with the federation need to follow in Hummel’s steps and remove their partnerships with the federation. In addition, I feel that the fact that FIFA nor the Afghan officials have addressed any of the calls receined from Hummel or the players wishing for Keram to be suspended is unethical and he needs to face punishment for his actions.