FIFA officials decided to uphold a Canadian referee's interpretation of Law 4 following last week's ejection of Asmahan Mansour, 11, for refusing to remove her headscarf. The International Football Association Board held its annual meeting just weeks after the incident in Quebec exploded into an international controversy that sparked claims that the rule violated human rights. The IFAB did not ban the hijab or allow it but instead left the decision up to the discretion of each referee.
Extended interview with Edina Lekovic, communiations director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Lekovic explains why FIFA should alter the regulation and explains how the controversy is just the most recent attempt to deny civil rights to Muslims in North America. Lekovic also puts the significance of the Muslim hijab into context by explaining its origins as well as its importance within the Muslim culture.
Our senior FIFA correspondent breaks down the the organization's Laws of the Game published July 2006 in Zurich, Switzerland. Law 4 outlines the equipment allowed by FIFA in official gameplay. Last month, a Canadian referee ejected an 11-year-old Muslim girl in Quebec for violating the rule. The International Football Association Board supported the referee's decision and said the rules of the game are clear and must be followed.
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Muslim Public Affairs Council Reacts to FIFA decision
FIFA explains Law 4 concerning player equipment