Between a rock, and a hard place

I almost feel sorry for the Iranian womens football team. Almost.

We are in the throes of the qualifying competitions round the world for entry into the Football competition at the Olympics in London, in 2012. Britain is already there (mostly made up by England players), and we are now looking for the rest of the competitors to join them.

Of course, in the mens side, you look at the likes of Japan from Asia, the US, France, and etc. 

In the ladies side, Japan, Germany, and US will be three teams to look for. However, Iran also wanted to qualify. 

But cant. 

Problem is that they fell foul of a FIFA ruling in 2007, which banned the hijab. The head covering that many Muslim women use to cover their heads. Unfortunately, FIFA has strict rules on religious representation and uniforms. They have made concessions on this, with ladies teams from Islamic nations being allowed to use tracksuits to keep their bodies covered, rather than the standard shirt and shorts.

FIFA banned the hijab on safety grounds. Not on any kind of anti-muslim basis (though I am sure that allegation will be flung at them) so this is ONE time I will agree with FIFA. FIFA banned it because there was the possibility that a lady wearing a hijab would end up choking. The hijab as designed as a loose cover over the head, and neck. In a footy game, it would be so easy to accidentally catch it, and drag a girl back, whilst throttling her.

Indeed, because of FIFA's stance on things around the neck, you cant wear a necklace (no crucifixes for Christians then!) and you are not allowed to wear a Snood. Something I really, really hate.

And it is not as though there is a substitution. Back in 2010, at the youth Olympics in Singapore, the Iranian team wore a specifically designed cap which covered a lot of the head, but there was not possibility of choking.

The Iranians refused to let their girls play in the cap, instead preferring to make them wear in the hijab. FIFA, not surprisingly, FIFA awarded the game to Jordan. Following, Iran had to forfeit the games against Vietnam and Thailand. And it looks likely they will have to forfeit the final game, too. Which means that there is no hope of the Iranian girls going to London.

Iran has said they will complain to FIFA about this, but they frankly, have no hope in hell (bit like all their other complaints about London!) Before all this, FIFA restated their position on the hijab. Iran knew this. There IS a suitable alternative. But they still insisted. And fell foul.

I am with FIFA on this. The Olympics is all about sport. Not religion. Religion is a personal belief. Personal to me, to you, to anyone. The Olympics is about coming together in peace, harmony, and SPORT. Not in a church, mosque, temple or shrine. I know in Islam women should be covered. FIFA has a responsibility to players of the game from ALL religions. So we cant really have one rule for one, and another for everyone else. Also, FIFA has to keep players safe. Its why jewellry is not allowed. If you have a cut, you have to get off, etc. If there is a safety issue, real or percieved, FIFA has to look at it.

I feel for the Iranian ladies for not getting the opportunity to shine, but unfortunately, they are stuck between the rock (FIFA) and the hard place. And the rock won.