The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to make a crucial decision tomorrow in Zurich regarding the contentious issue of permitting or prohibiting the wearing of veils or turbans in football.
After a rigorous testing period spanning 20 months, there seems to be no compelling reason for the board to oppose this change.
It will be revealed tomorrow whether IFAB will endorse an amendment allowing players to wear headgear, provided it is not affixed to the jersey and poses no risk of harm to the wearer or others, such as through a secure closing mechanism.
This amendment is primarily aimed at benefiting women’s football.
It’s worth recalling that until 2012, football governing bodies prohibited the wearing of hijabs due to concerns over potential neck or head injuries to players.
However, the ban was temporarily lifted by the Board for a two-year trial period, in response to a request from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Notably, the French Federation has prohibited its members from wearing such headgear, citing the need to uphold the principles of secularism enshrined in France’s constitution and legislation.
The outcome of tomorrow’s decision will be eagerly awaited, as the debate continues.
