World basketball body lifts ‘hijab ban’ during games

4 May 2017, 2:10 pm

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Basketball chiefs reverse a controversial ban on professional players wearing headgear after fierce criticism that the rule undermined diversity by disallowing religious coverings like the Muslim hijab.

The decision by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) means religious headwear can now be worn on court.

“The new rule comes as a result of the fact that traditional dress codes in some countries, which called for the head and/or entire body being covered, were incompatible with FIBA’s previous headgear rule,” it says in a statement.

In this undated image provided by Nike, figure skater Zahra Lari models Nike's new hijab for Muslim female athletes. (Nike via AP) — In this undated image provided by Nike, figure skater Zahra Lari models Nike’s new hijab for Muslim female athletes. (Nike via AP)

A furious Qatar withdrew its women’s basketball team from the Asian Games in 2014 because FIBA said they were not allowed to wear headscarves on safety grounds, calling the ban an “insult.”

— AFP