By leaving the issue until the last minute, and undermining earlier agreements, Fifa is failing to live up to its stated values
It matters little to the game of football how players are attired, but the standardisation and attention to detail in regulating even this aspect of the game is tight. Sleeves have to be of the right length and sponsors' logos of the correct dimensions. Is it any surprise, then, that Fifa has taken issue with the Iranian FA's interpretation of a suitable kit for women's teams?
The Iranian national women's team was banned from a qualifying matchfor the 2012 London Olympics against Jordan because of the Islamic clothing worn by the players. In Iran, the decision has been criticised by everyone from the head of women's affairs at the Iranian Football Federation to President Ahmadinejad himself.
Discussion around Islamic clothing in international competitions is a recurring issue. In 2010, the Iranian women's youth team was refused participation in the Youth Olympics in Singapore because of the headscarf. Negotiations between the Iranian Football Federation and Fifa followed, and a compromise was reached where the team was allowed to wear headgear that did not cover the neck, allowing Iran to return to the field.
The Iranian team that came out to play in Jordan this year wore the same headgear previously given the green light by Fifa. Ali Kafashian, the head of the Iranian Football Federation, wrote in a letter to Sepp Blatter that Iran had received only one document from Fifa relating to the kit since the 2010 Youth Olympics. That document, received on March 7 2011 (before the game against Jordan) confirmed the agreement between the two parties from the year before. The only addition to the team's outfit was in fact their shirts, which now covered their necks.
It is understandable that some media reports quote "health and safety" as the basis of Fifa's discontent, while others state that the controversy is because of the prohibition of "religious messages" in the outfits of the players.
When it comes to the Islamic headscarf, Fifa is rarely clear on the specifics. Often it cites law four of the laws of the game, which specifies the basic compulsory equipment of players. This law bans dangerous items (such as jewellery) and any equipment that has "political, religious or personal slogans or statements".
Let us ignore for a moment that the law specifies "slogans or statements", and include in that category (for the sake of argument) any item that has some religious significance. It should be mentioned that covering the body, in this case with the shirt, is as important a tradition (and a more commonly shared one) in the Islamic world than the headscarf; the scarf does not have "more" religious significance than the shirt.
Nevertheless, the acceptance by Fifa of the adapted head covering of the women's youth team in Singapore shows one of two things: either Fifa, perhaps with religious experts, accepted that new head cover was not "Islamic" and therefore did not come under the ban on religious clothing, or the "renegotiated" kit satisfied Fifa's concerns about health and safety.
If the adapted headcover was thought to be safe, all we have left is the shirt. Kafashian writes: "It says nowhere in law four that our shirts are unsafe or dangerous" and adds "Many of the [other] teams use similar shirts". Indeed, it would be difficult for Fifa to argue that the reason behind the referees' decision in Jordan was safety concerns over the high-neck collar – remember the recent ban on snoods hadn't come into effect. In the eyes of the Iranians, the high collars satisfied all the conditions for law four.
For many in the Iranian press, the Bahraini nationality of the referees was crucial to the matter, considering the Iranian government's hostility to that country's violent repression of recent pro-democracy protests against the Gulf-backed monarchy.
Whatever the reasons for the referees' decision and Fifa's discontent, by leaving the issue until the last minute, and undermining earlier agreements between the Iranian Football Federation and Fifa, the organisation is responsible for denying a team the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic games and must take responsibility for an error that once again undermines its very existence.
Fifa states that its role is to promote friendly relations between members, to stand against discrimination of any kind and to promote the game of football globally – surely this was the perfect opportunity to live up to those principles? But instead we have to ask ourselves, if it indeed matters what footballers wear, who has the right to decide? Is it Blatter, who thinks "female players are pretty" and should therefore wear tighter shorts when playing football, or his "council of wisdom", still awaiting its first female member?
The Women's World Cup 2015 is to be held in Canada, a country whose football federation banned 11-year-old Asmahan Mansour from playing in her headscarf in 2007. Considering Fifa's latest move, they might as well state it clearly now: hijabis need not apply.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
Salaam,
Muslims should not participate in these sports. We should remain fit and healthy to serve Allah, not to entertain the public.
I was looking at myself talking to myself and I realized this conversation...I was having with myself looking at myself was a conversation with myself that I needed to have with myself.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by missy
Fifa is partial….they seem to have no problem at all with Kaka wearing the "I belong to Jesus" tee.
Watching him play in the world cup was awesome. Just hearing the announcers screaming his name... "AND KAKA HAS THE BALL! THERE GOES KAKA! LOOK AT KAKA GO!"... I know it's slightly immature, but hey... It made us laugh.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
Women should be able to play any sport that men play. Who cares how they look? We should look at their skills.
I read about this right after it happened and my heart broke for these poor women. Can you imagine working so hard and then not being able to play because of these people? I hope that the world figures itself out soon because I'm sick of women being punished for wearing hijabs.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow
Salaam,
Muslims should not participate in these sports. We should remain fit and healthy to serve Allah, not to entertain the public.
That is just an opinion, but on the other hand, we should participate to get accept. Whoever put that FIFA ban will be happy with this view for all the wrong reasons.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by King of Nines
So is playing a sport like football (soccer to Americans) or basketball haraam?
No. Playing sports is fine. I think Muslims should avoid participating in these sports. One of the main reasons is nationalism.
format_quote Originally Posted by FS123
That is just an opinion, but on the other hand, we should participate to get accept.
Why?
I was looking at myself talking to myself and I realized this conversation...I was having with myself looking at myself was a conversation with myself that I needed to have with myself.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
Whether people think women should or shouldn't play these sports won't matter. It is going to happen.
I think the issue that needs attention is that they were not allowed to play because of hijab and their shirts. This is simply one more step the world is taken to oppress women based on their CHOICE to wear a hijab. Ironic isn't it? Most of the people banning it claim that these women are "oppressed" into wearing it. By forbidding it they themselves are taking away the choice women have and these banners become monsters themselves.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by Starrynight
Whether people think women should or shouldn't play these sports won't matter. It is going to happen.
This is about both Muslim men and women participating in these sports.
format_quote Originally Posted by FS123
Why do you think women team that wears Islamic attire was banned from FIFA? To fight for our rights thats why.
It is pointless. Why should Muslims waste their time and energy to get accepted by these non-Muslim organisations? FIFA can get lost. Muslims should focus on more serious issues. There is an element of nationalism in these sports which can lead to divisions within the Muslim community.
I was looking at myself talking to myself and I realized this conversation...I was having with myself looking at myself was a conversation with myself that I needed to have with myself.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow
No. Playing sports is fine. I think Muslims should avoid participating in these sports. One of the main reasons is nationalism.
Uhh.... What? If playing sports is fine (Which as you said, it is), then Muslims shouldn't have to avoid participating in them. And this fear of 'nationalism' isn't really based on anything... Really hardcore nationalism is one thing, but telling people not to play a sport is no way to fight it. Just because a person plays for his country doesn't really mean anything. People are allowed to have pride in their countries, and to represent them.
format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow
It is pointless. Why should Muslims waste their time and energy to get accepted by these non-Muslim organisations? FIFA can get lost. Muslims should focus on more serious issues. There is an element of nationalism in these sports which can lead to divisions within the Muslim community.
Why do you waste time and energy on ANYTHING that you enjoy? Come on.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by Tyrion
Uhh.... What? If playing sports is fine (Which as you said, it is), then Muslims shouldn't have to avoid participating in them.
Salaam,
Let me make myself clear. People should participate in sports to keep fit and have fun. There is nothing wrong with this.
These sports, organised by FIFA are about countries competing against each other. For example, Iranian football team vs Jordan football team. I'm personally against this.
And this fear of 'nationalism' isn't really based on anything...
Last edited by GuestFellow; 07-02-2011 at 06:03 PM.
I was looking at myself talking to myself and I realized this conversation...I was having with myself looking at myself was a conversation with myself that I needed to have with myself.
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
format_quote Originally Posted by Tyrion
Watching him play in the world cup was awesome. Just hearing the announcers screaming his name... "AND KAKA HAS THE BALL! THERE GOES KAKA! LOOK AT KAKA GO!"... I know it's slightly immature, but hey... It made us laugh.
lol…I love the soccer craze at the time of world cups! Just witnessed two since I actually started liking soccer…haha
sad Brazil couldn't make it to the Finals.
format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow
It is pointless. Why should Muslims waste their time and energy to get accepted by these non-Muslim organisations? FIFA can get lost. Muslims should focus on more serious issues. There is an element of nationalism in these sports which can lead to divisions within the Muslim community.
format_quote Originally Posted by Guestfellow
These sports, organised by FIFA are about countries competing against each other. For example, Iranian football team vs Jordan football team. I'm personally against this.
I kinda agree with this.
We should just sit back and enjoy the games
Re: Fifa's ruling on women's Islamic strip sends out the wrong message
I think this is a big issue. Maybe sports aren't important to some people (including me) but I don't like seeing people being prejudice. If a worldwide organization is now attacking the hijab (and not just certain countries like France) it shows that the problem is growing.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." --Martin Luther King Jr.
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