Taliban Ban Under-17 Futsal Players From Speaking to Media.
Local sources say that the Taliban have prohibited Afghanistan’s under-17 futsal players from speaking to any media outlet and have imposed new restrictions on them. According to these sources, on Monday, 17 November 2025, the Taliban warned the players and coaching staff that all media interviews are strictly forbidden.
Sources add that the order was issued following increased media attention on the team’s recent achievements, with the Taliban seeking to maintain full control over the players and the narrative surrounding their success. They say the Taliban aim to control how the team’s accomplishments are portrayed and to prevent any independent public statements by the players.
It has also been reported that the Taliban have tightened monitoring and restrictions on youth sports activities in recent weeks and have severely limited outside contact with the under-17 futsal team. This comes after the Afghan youth futsal team recently defeated Iran to become champions of the 2025 Asian Championship.
