June 26, (THEWILL) – A French women’s football collective, known as “the Hijabeuses”, achieved a significant breakthrough on Monday, in their ongoing legal fight to challenge the ban on players wearing the Islamic veil during matches.
The French Football Federation currently prohibits all players, including amateurs, from wearing “ostentatious” religious symbols under the pretext of upholding French secularism. The Hijabeuses launched their legal challenge in November 2021, contending that the ban discriminates against them and violates their freedom to practice their religion.
During the hearing at the French constitutional council on Monday, Clement Malverti, the public rapporteur, voiced his opposition to the federation’s rules and recommended a change in the regulations. Malverti argued that football players should not be subjected to the same neutrality requirements as public officials, such as teachers or civil servants. He highlighted that football is replete with religious symbols, such as the cross on the shirts of professional teams and players making religious gestures.
Malverti suggested that a ban on veils could be considered for national players who represent the country on a “public service mission.” The council is expected to deliver its decision in three weeks’ time. Marion Ogier, the lawyer representing the Hijabeuses, cautiously welcomed the rapporteur’s conclusions, stating that it was “too early to cry victory.” However, she acknowledged that the recommendations were in their favour.
Foune Diawara, the head of the collective, pointed out that their cause was solely about sports and not driven by politics or religion. Diawara highlighted the exclusion faced by veiled women who are barred from participating in football matches every weekend.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
