Taliban bans table soccer due to “idolatry”: figures ordered to break off heads
29 May 17:43
In Daikundi province, Afghanistan, representatives of the Taliban regime have banned the game of foosball, arguing that the players’ figures resemble idols, which, in their opinion, contradicts Islamic principles, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to Afghanistan International, the Taliban ordered the club owners to either cut off the heads of the figures or stop the game completely. Failure to comply will result in a complete ban on the game.
This is yet another restriction on leisure activities imposed by the Taliban government. Over the past four years, various forms of entertainment have been gradually abolished or banned in Afghanistan. In particular, the Taliban had previously liquidated the Chess Federation, recognizing chess as “haram” – a prohibited activity for religious reasons.
As of May 2025, the situation in Afghanistan remains complex and multifaceted, encompassing humanitarian, economic, social and geopolitical aspects.
Humanitarian crisis
About 23.7 million Afghans are in need of humanitarian assistance, and almost half of the population faces acute food shortages. According to UN forecasts, by October 2025, approximately 12.4 million people may be on the verge of starvation. Children are particularly vulnerable: 6.4 million of them are in a nutrition crisis or emergency.
Rights of women and minorities
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have severely restricted the rights of women and girls: they are banned from attending schools, universities, working, and appearing in most public places. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where education for girls over the age of 11 is prohibited. These measures qualify as gender apartheid.
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Economic situation
Afghanistan’s economy is in deep crisis. After the Taliban seized power, the country lost access to international financial assistance and reserves. Drought, famine and unemployment are forcing thousands of people to leave rural areas and seek refuge in cities.
International relations and geopolitics
The Taliban government is trying to establish economic ties with Russia and China, negotiating trade in local currencies to reduce dependence on the US dollar. In addition, China is mediating between Afghanistan and Pakistan, seeking to ensure stability in the region for its infrastructure projects.
Infrastructure projects
The Taliban are actively promoting the construction of the Kosh-Tepa Canal, which is 285 km long and aims to irrigate 550,000 hectares of desert land in northern Afghanistan. This project is a priority for the government.
Natural Disasters
The country is regularly affected by natural disasters. Afghanistan recently suffered its fifth earthquake in nine days with a magnitude of 4.2. In addition, climate change is leading to droughts, floods, and melting glaciers, which is worsening the food situation and causing internal displacement.
Migration and Refugees
About 6.4 million Afghans have become refugees, mostly in Iran and Pakistan. Internally, there are 3.2 million internally displaced persons. In the United States, more than 14,000 Afghan refugees are at risk of deportation after the revocation of temporary protection, which is a cause for concern among veterans and human rights activists.
Position of the international community
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a dialogue with the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a center of terrorism and avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. The European Union has also stated its readiness to cooperate with the Taliban to solve humanitarian problems, emphasizing that this does not mean official recognition of their government.
