Muslim Women Laud FIFA Over Scarf Approval

Many Muslim women in the FCT have commended world football governing body, FIFA, for approving head scarf for Muslim women in football games.

FIFA on July 5, granted approval for Muslim women to cover their heads when featuring in FIFA-organised competitions.

A staff of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Hajiya Fatima Abubakar said that the development would encourage Muslim women to show active interest in football.

“I am happy that the approval has been given as it has taken into consideration what our religion encourages for women.

“Very soon, more women will join football teams and be fully involved, now that the barrier has been removed.

She said that before now, some parents disallowed their girls from taking part in sporting activities, including football as the Muslim religion did not allow women opening their hair.

Also speaking, a student in Abuja, Jamila Awal, said she was happy with the news as she was a football fan.

“I like football, I love to watch women play but before now not too many women Muslims are involved.

“But now that there is an approval to cover their hair, more Muslim women, will be involved as supporters and players, ”she said.

In his reaction, Alhaji Abdul Abubakar, commended FIFA for the approval, saying that the large Muslim women community had before now, been excluded from the round leather game.

He said the approval would encourage young Muslim women to develop their talents in football.