Faith or Football? Let All Women Play!

We, the undersigned, are calling for FIFA to allow women of the Islamic faith to compete in soccer tournaments while wearing a full head and neck covering.  According to Islamic beliefs, women have a specific dress code in which they must cover their entire bodies except their feet, hands, and face.  The FIFA ruling which restricts what women can wear does not allow for Muslim women to fully comply with their religious obligations.

We would like FIFA to review its rulings on the head and ear coverings.  The coverings neither pose a risk of injury to the players, nor do they make any religious or political statements.  These women should not be discriminated against or punished by covering in a way which is required by their religion or governments.    

With the recent banning of the Iranian women%u2019s soccer team from a qualifying match for the 2012 London Olympics, the women of the team and the people of Iran have their lost their dream of competing in the most elite and prestigious athletic competition.  Muslims believe that women cover out of modesty. These women, in accordance with Iranian law, are covering.  These women should not be forced to choose between obeying religious commandments and the laws of their country with competing in worldwide sporting events.  We also call attention to the Jordanian players who have decided to not play because they will not take off their hijabs. 

The sport of soccer, the Olympic games, and FIFA have all stood to unite people of all colors, ethnicities, status, and faiths.  We look to soccer, the Olympics, and FIFA to bring the whole world together in a way that transcends prejudice and discrimination.

We urge FIFA to reconsider and reevaluate its stance on the dress code restrictions it has placed so that all women can play.