Soccer's lawmakers back decision to ban hijab

MANCHESTER, England, Mar 3 (Reuters) The International Football Association Board, the game's ultimate decision-making body, has backed a controversial decision to prevent an 11-year-old Muslim girl from taking part in a match while wearing a headscarf.

The girl was banned from the competition in Laval, Quebec, by a Muslim referee after she refused to remove the hijab.

The International Board gave their backing to the referee today and said that Law 4 regarding the equipment players are allowed to wear in matches was clear on the issue.

It restricts a player's kit to the use of shirt or jersey, shorts, socks and footwear.

Brian Barwick, the chief executive of the English FA and a board member, said at a news conference after the board's annual meeting: ''It's absolutely right to be sensitive to people's thoughts and philosophies but equally there has to be a set of laws that are adhered to, and we favour Law 4 being adhered to.

''It was discussed and it was discussed seriously, and from my own association's viewpoint this is not an issue we have much knowledge or experience of. We believe our football is inclusive.'' FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi added: ''The laws of the game must be applied when you play organised association football. You can do what you like to play an unofficial game, but an organised game has to adhere to the laws.'' The Quebec Soccer Association said last week that it would allow Muslim women to wear head scarfs on the pitch if the Canadian Soccer Association clarified its rules.

However, the Canadian authorities have to follow the laws as laid down by FIFA and are unlikely to ignore the stance taken by the IFAB today.

The young girl's team forfeited the game in protest after she was sent off.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest, in the middle of an election campaign ahead of a March 26 vote, told reporters on Monday the referee had applied the rules of the province's soccer federation and that the decision was appropriate.

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