London League ‘bans’ Muslim player over clothing

The U.K.’s football governing body has said women playing the sport across its competitions are allowed to wear clothing that follows their religious beliefs. 

The statement came after former Somali captain Iqra Ismail was prevented from playing a match for not wearing shorts.

Ismail revealed in an Instagram video that she was not allowed to come on as a substitute for the team United Dragons during Sunday’s game in the Greater London Women’s Football League because she was wearing tracksuit bottoms.

The Football Association said on Wednesday it was aware of the matter.

The 24-year-old Muslim player, who is also a coach, said she had been playing in the league for five years wearing similar clothing.

The London-based player said the referee for the game told her he had been asked “strictly” not to allow such clothing.

Ismail, who is an advocate for Muslim women in sport, said such actions make it difficult for women like her to participate.

She added the incident moved her to tears, leaving her feeling frustrated and isolated.

The league said in a statement it was their understanding that players were required to wear shorts on top of clothing that covered their legs.

But in a statement on X on Tuesday, the organization posted “that we have since been made aware that shorts on top of tracksuits or tights are not required… we will be providing this updated guidance to all our match officials and members.”