FIFA backs referee's decision to ban hijab

Montreal: The International Football Association Board (FIFA), the game's decision-making body, has backed a controversial decision to prevent a Canadian Muslim girl from taking part in a match while wearing a headscarf or hijab.

Asmahan "Azzy" Mansour, 11, was banned from the competition in Laval, Quebec, by a Muslim referee after she refused to remove the hijab.

The referee's decision was backed by the International board, pointing to a law in the rulebook that restricts a player's kit to the use of shirt or jersey, shorts, socks and footwear only.

"It's absolutely right to be sensitive to people's thoughts and philosophies but equally there has to be a set of laws that are adhered to,'' said Brian Barwick, the chief executive of the English FA and member of the international board.

"It was discussed and it was discussed seriously, and from my own association's viewpoint this is not an issue we have much knowledge or experience of. We believe our football is inclusive," Barwick added.

The FIFA general secretary, Urs Linsi said: "The laws of the game must be applied when you play organised association football. You can do what you like to play an unofficial game, but an organised game has to adhere to the laws."