Ban on Women Footballers Wearing Hijab to be Lifted

International Football Association Board (IFAB)
11/04/2012 15:10

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), consisting of FIFA and four British Home Associations, has agreed to lift the ban on headscarves being worn by female Islamic footballers, pending health and safety checks.  

Muslim women will be clear to wear the headscarf in international football from July, 2012.  

FIFA´s Executive Committee member Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan was one of the most active supporters of women being allowed to wear a hijab. "I am deeply grateful that the proposal to allow women to wear a headscarf in football was unanimously endorsed by all members of IFAB," the Prince commented afterwards.  

Tansin Benn, President of the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women (IAPESGW) congratulated FIFA and IFAB on the decision and added, “It will open opportunities for many more women to become involved in the game without compromising cultural preferences. IAPESGW has joined international lobbying groups for this result. We are happy to see such a positive outcome which provides evidence of greater inclusivity and hope for the future of football internationally.”