Prince Ali urges Fifa to review hijab ban rule

Fifa vice-president Prince Ali Al Hussein will propose that football’s governing body agrees on “general principles” for the use of Islamic headscarfs in the game at the meeting of the Executive Committee in December.

Fifa banned the Islamic scarf covering a women’s neck in 2007 claiming safety concerns.

The proposals will ensure “the safe use of hijab in the game,” satisfy “cultural customs” of female teams from Islamic countries and meet Fifa rules of inclusion, a statement from the Asian Football Confederation said on Tuesday.
 
Leaders and sports officials in Islamic countries have criticised the ban, saying it discourages women from football.

In June, Iran’s team forfeited a 2012 Olympic qualifier against Jordan because it wouldn’t play without the hijabs.
 

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