LONDON 2012: Iran to challenge Fifa over qualifying match ban

Posted: Monday 6th June 2011 | 10:28

FOOTBALL'S world governing body Fifa can expect another legal challenge after an official banned the Iranian women's football team from playing an Olympic qualifier against Jordan.

BANNED: Iranian players were prevented from playing Jordan in a London 2012 Olympic qualifier in a row over their headscarves and kit

Fifa cancelled Friday’s game in Amman and declared Jordan 3-0 winners after the Iranian authorities refused a request for their players to remove their headscarves and track suits.

Women in Iran are obliged to respect a strict Islamic dress code and must conceal body contours and hair in public, even when playing sport.

Iranian Football Federation head Ali Kafashian said: "I will file a complaint to the Fifa against the individual in charge of holding the match.

"We have already held talks with Sepp Blatter about Iranian women playing in the matches with a full Islamic veil.

"But unfortunately it is still unclear why the Bahraini official refused to let the Iranian team play."

However, Fifa rules require players' necks and ears to remain uncovered and it's not the first time Iranian officials have fallen foul of the regulations.

Their involvement in last year's Youth Olympic Games in Singapore remained in doubt until a compromise was reached which allowed players to wear a cap that covered their heads to the hairline but did not extend below the ears to cover the neck.

COMPROMISE: Iranian players wore caps - which Fifa allowed - during the Youth Olympics in Singapore (SPH)