CHELSEA’S Norwegian defender Maren Mjelde is among a group of players involved in a fundraising effort to support more than 75 female footballers evacuated from Afghanistan last month.

The players fled their homes fearing for their safety after the Taliban seized power following the US withdrawal from the country.

World players’ union Fifpro is co-ordinating the fundraising campaign to support the players.

Mjelde said: “My heart goes out to these women and those who have been left behind in Afghanistan.

“It’s important that the international community helps all of them. For those who were evacuated, let’s give them a hand as they start their lives again.”

Taliban officials have been quoted in media reports stating that sport for women is “not necessary.”

Girls have also been barred from secondary education in the country.

Afghan internationals who were based outside the country prior to August, such as Shabnam Mobarez, are also supporting the campaign to resettle the evacuated players.

“My team-mates and I will do everything we can to help out,” Mobarez said.

“These girls and young women were frightened and extended their hands to us asking for our support and we must do all we can so they have a permanent safe and secure place to stay.”

Fifpro said many of the evacuated players are currently in Australia after its government helped them escape immediate danger.

The union has pledged to match the first €25,000 (£21,400) raised.