Prince Ali Bin Hussein of Jordan, 35, the youngest member of FIFA’s executive committee and the Asian vice-president, has made a presentation on allowing women to wear headscarfs in official football matches to committee members at their meeting in Tokyo on Saturday. He was given the go-ahead to present the case when the law-making International Football Association Board (IFAB) meets in Bagshot, England, in March.
In a statement, Prince Ali said he wanted IFAB to sanction a safe, velcro-opening headscarf for players and officials and asked them to re-consider the law when they meet 3 March. “I look forward to presenting the case at the IFAB meeting,” he said.
“This issue impacts on millions of women worldwide and it is crucial to address it in the best possible way, one that ensures the safety of the players, respects culture and promotes football for all women without discrimination.”
He added: “This is a crucial step forward. Our goal at the end of the day is to ensure that all women are able to play football at all levels without any barriers.”
FIFA’s Law 4 regarding kit states that a player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or another player, including any kind of jewellery.
It lists the “basic equipment” as a jersey, shorts, socks, shin-guards and footwear.
IFAB, formed in 1886, is soccer’s ultimate law-making body comprising four members from FIFA and four from British football associations.
Any recommendation needs a three-quarters majority to be passed.
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