Iraninan Women Forfeit Chance to Qualify For Olympics!

Football is considered by many as a religion. Here's a case where religion beats football out.

The women's football team of Iran has been forced by FIFA to forfeit a qualifying match for the 2012 Olympics because of their headwear.

The women came on to the pitch wearing hajibs, head scarves that cover the head and neck, which were previously banned by FIFA for posing threats to the players' safety. Hajibs and scarves can lead to chking injuries on the field.



Iran plans to file an appeal but it is doubtful that FIFA will reverse itself. Jordan, Iran's opponent, was awarded a 3-0 win.

More on this story here.

MY TAKE: While I respect the decision of the women to adhere to their religious beliefs, FIFA, as the football body, ultimately looks after everyone's benefit. Besides, Jordan was able to adjust to the rule, using only female players who were willing to play without the hajibs (3 Jordanian players were stricken off the list because of their insistence on playing with the hajib).