FA Champions Faith-Friendly Football Attire

The Football Association (FA) has affirmed that women players can wear attire that aligns with their religious beliefs during matches. This clarification follows an incident where ex-Somalia captain Iqra Ismail was barred from playing for not wearing shorts. The FA is working with Middlesex FA to resolve the issue.

The Football Association (FA) has announced that women players across its leagues are allowed to wear clothing that aligns with their religious beliefs, following a recent incident involving former Somalia captain Iqra Ismail. Ismail, also a coach, shared on social media that she was denied participation in a match for United Dragons because she wore tracksuit bottoms instead of shorts, which she had been wearing for five years in the Greater London Women's Football League.

Ismail, a practicing Muslim, recounted the incident, stating, "The Middlesex FA referee for yesterday's game said that the league had strictly instructed him not to allow women like me to wear tracksuit bottoms... regardless of whether it matched our kit or not. If we do not wear shorts, we cannot play. That is what I was told yesterday."

The FA acknowledged awareness of the situation and is engaged with the Middlesex FA to ensure a prompt resolution. A spokesperson revealed that they had communicated proactively with all county FAs and officials earlier in the year, affirming that women and girls should be permitted to wear clothing that respects their faith or religious principles. The Greater London Women's Football League also clarified its stance, noting the updated guidance will be shared with its members.

(With inputs from agencies.)