FIFA allows Iranian girls to play football, swapping scarves for caps

Dubai: FIFA says the Iranian girls football team can compete at the Youth Olympics as long as its players swap their traditional head scarves for a cap that covers their hair.

Monday's compromise comes after FIFA initially barred the team from participating last month over its insistence on wearing head scarves.

FIFA barred hijab scarves in 2007 for safety reasons and to prevent political or religious statements on the field.

Farideh Shojaei, deputy head of Iran's football federation, said the under-15 players were thrilled with the ruling and are excited to compete.

Iran will compete in a six-nation tournament for girls at the games being held Aug. 12-25 in Singapore.

Around 3,600 athletes aged 14-18 will compete in 26 sports at the inaugural Youth Summer Games.