Ban on hijab stays for now

The Quebec Soccer Federation has taken a wait-and-see approach on whether to lift its ban on hijabs.

A spokesperson for the provincial group said it would look toward a decision by the Canadian Association of Soccer before making a move.

Both groups are waiting for final ratification of a decision by soccer’s international governing body to permit Islamic soccer players to wear head scarves on the playing field.

The International Football Association Board – with four members of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and four British associations – have agreed in principle to overturn a hijab ban it passed in 2007. The vote took place March 3. A final decision and possible ratification of the new directive is to be made July 2 when the IFAB meets in Kiev.

The Quebec Soccer Federation has used the example of the 2007 FIFA ruling to justify its ban on head scarves.

Michel Dugas, who handles communications for the provincial group, said it would wait and see what the larger organizations do before making a decision.

“For now, it’s the status quo with us,” Dugas wrote in an email.

The wearing of hijabs on the soccer pitch has sparked controversy in Quebec, fanned by the reasonable accommodation debate.

In 2007 an Ottawa team pulled out of a tournament in Laval after one of its players was asked to take off her scarf.

Last summer, a Pointe Claire referee for the Lac St. Louis Soccer Association was suspended after she refused to remove her head scarf.

The Alberta Soccer Association passed a resolution in 2007 allowing players to wear hijabs while playing. Players in Ontario also are allowed to wear the head covering.