AFDP launches global initiative to combat abuse in women’s football

AMMAN — Under the patronage of HRH Prince Ali, founder of the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP Global), the AFDP launched a new global campaign on Wednesday, titled: “Fearless Football” to combat sexual abuse and manipulation within women’s football. 

The campaign aims to send a clear message to all institutions within the world of football to ensure the presence of adequate laws that guarantee the right of women and girls to play safely, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

A number of international football players and notable figures signed a petition to reaffirm the campaign’s objectives, including Prince Ali, British footballer Eniola Aluko and Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation Dato Windsor John. 

“This campaign was launched after the meeting we held at the beginning of the year to look into the developments of the crisis that affected Afghanistan’s women’s football team,” Prince Ali said, adding that the meeting proved the need for united efforts among institutions to ensure the integrity and safety of women’s football. 

“The time of allowing coaches, administrators and crew members to abuse their authority in their treatment of girls and women is gone,” Prince Ali highlighted. 

He added that the launching of the campaign will mark a turning point in the history of the sport’s integrity. 

“We look forward to a brighter future where every girl can play football safely and with dignity,” the prince underlined.