13 January 2012

Exclusive: "FIFA has to give same opportunities to everyone" says Prince Ali in hijab row

FIFA's newest vice-president, Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan (pictured), has fiercely defended his controversial proposal to allow female Muslim footballers to wear the hijab during matches, claiming he has the support of many European experts.

Prince Ali plans to put the proposal, endorsed by FIFA's Executive Committee last month, to the March meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game's lawmakers, despite strong opposition from European women's rights groups who have protested to FIFA President Sepp Blatter. [Inside the Games] Read more [via Islamophobia Watch]