This is something that is near to our hearts here at HB & HB, as many of our watishistas are hijabis. We’ve talked about it before and expressed our dismay at this discriminatory policy. So I was delighted to read this morning that the 2007 ban on headscarves is being reversed.
IFAB Gives Green Light to Islamic Female Footballers to Wear Hijab
Tehran, March 5 (Bernama) – The eight-man International Football Association Board (IFAB)
has given the green light to Islamic female footballers that wish to wear the hijab, or headscarf, during matches, according to Mehr News Agency on Monday.
The IFAB agreed in principle in Bagshot, south of London, on Saturday to overturn the decision they took in 2007.
The hijab decision, taken after a presentation to the Board by FIFA executive committee member Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, was agreed by all eight members and will also be subject to further evaluation with a final decision to be taken on July 2.
Jordan’s women’s team was handed a 3-0 win in the Olympic 2012 qualifiers in June, despite no game taking place after the Iranian team was banned from playing for wearing Islamic scarves.
“I am deeply grateful that the proposal to allow women to wear the headscarf was unanimously endorsed by all members of IFAB,” Prince Ali said.
Here’s another article that may be of interest on this issue. I think this is a wonderful step forward for the women’s game.
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
Finally!
I am so happy that this finally came about. It’s about time!! The ban was ridiculous and made absolutely no sense at all.
Well I’m glad of course. Watching those girls cry on the pitch was beyond awful.
Next step: forcing the Iranian federation to allow women to NOT wear a hijab for away games in countries where there is no enforced dress-code.
Next step: forcing the Iranian federation to allow women to NOT wear a hijab for away games in countries where there is no enforced dress-code.
Unless, of course, the women want aka make a choice to wear them.
That’s why I used the word “allow” – it was precisely what I meant.
I’ve lived in the Middle East – as a child and again as a teenager. Many women like wearing a hijab and choose it, others are forced into it by their parents, their familial obligations or their governments (Saudi Arabia, Iran). Some are ambivalent but put up with it.
I am 100% choice in all things.
Well, then I apologize for misunderstanding what you were trying to say – it came off a bit differently but that’s the problem with the written word – no inflections. Thanks for clarifying what you meant.
🙂
That’s why emoticons were invented 😛
But where you are concerned, this one is always most appropriate: ❤
I may not be a hijabi, but I am glad for all hihabis everywhere. Fundamental rights are just that. You should be able to wear them if you feel it is necessary, no matter what you are doing. Do it because you want to. It’s a great day for those women. 😉
My heart goes out to those still being demeaned and subjugated. Justice will someday be served, and their pain is not in vain.
Ah what happy news! It made me smile thinking of how happy hijabi footballers must feel about the reversal of the ban. Let the girls play!! This is great. Go ninjas! 😉
For a woman who also use hijab,I’m happy for the decision.
Isn’t it awesome? 🙂
yeah…! hey,I’m happy to know this page! u did a great job! regard from malaysia! (hope REal Madrid will come here soon!…of course Ozil too!) 😉
🙂 Any fan of Ozil is a friend of mine. 🙂 I’m so glad you found our blog. Welcome!
Great step forward!
For the rest, I’m with Jenny – let’s hope that someday women all over the world are free to choose what they want to wear, do, think…
Forward Sisters!
❤