France’s top administrative court, the Council of State (Conseil d’Etat), has upheld the ban on the use of hijab by Muslim female football players during games. The case was brought forward by a collective of Muslim football players against the French Football Federation (FFF).
In a statement, the court declared that the ban imposed by the FFF is appropriate and proportionate, stating, “Sports federations, responsible for the proper functioning of the public service entrusted to them, may impose outfit neutrality obligations on their players during competitions.”
The lawyer representing the Muslim collective, known as the “Hijabeuses,” was not immediately available for comment. However, this decision has raised concerns among human rights groups and certain Muslim associations who argue that such laws are discriminatory and specifically target Muslims.
It is important to note that FIFA, the world governing body for soccer, lifted a similar ban on female footballers wearing the hijab over a decade ago. The ban in France, therefore, stands in contrast to the more inclusive stance embraced by the global football community.
France, with one of Europe’s largest Muslim minorities, has implemented laws aimed at protecting the country’s form of secularism, known as “laicité.” President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns over the perceived threat of Islamism to this secular system. However, some critics argue that these laws disproportionately target Muslims and violate their freedom of religious expression.
As this issue continues to spark debate and spark discussions around religious freedom and secularism, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Muslim female football players and their participation in the sport in France.
