A refugee soccer teacher and lawyer was prevented from attending a party because she wears sweatpants instead of shorts, which she says compromises her religious ideals.
Iqra Ismail, who captained Somalia in 2019 and founded Hilltop FC, said the problem arose when she signed for Regent’s Terrain’s grassroots team, United Dragons FC.
The 24-year-old from west London was expected to play her first game on Sunday against an east London team.
“I was warming up, I was ready to play. I came on at half-time and the referee told me I couldn’t play if I wasn’t wearing shorts,” she said.
“I’ve been playing in the same league for almost five years wearing the same sweatpants and I’ve never worn shorts playing competitively.
“I told him I wasn’t relaxed in shorts in any way.
“It was a shock to me that the referee took such a strong stance on it.
“I was visibly disappointed because the game was happening, my teammates and the boss were very supportive. Everyone was devastated.”
Ismail, who has played soccer since she was eight years old, said she has always worn a long-sleeved shirt, the team jersey, a sports hijab and sweatpants, as well as shin guards and other necessary equipment.
“I know a lot of girls [of the same faith and beliefs] who do not actively play in those leagues, although they are very capable of doing so, because they do not feel relaxed wearing shorts. “That’s the reason they don’t play.”
He said the problem was the sweatpants, not the long-sleeved shirt.
The Greater London Women’s Football League, of which United Dragons FC is a member, appears to contravene guidelines given by the Football Association (FA), which states that they are lenient on the issue, but official FA rules state that pants tracksuit only to be worn by the goalkeeper.
“The FA has told them that if players wear additional clothing because of their religious ideals, they should be allowed to play,” Ms Ismail said.
‘A guard camp’
A subsequent communication issued by the Greater London Women’s Football League confirmed that players should not wear tracksuit bottoms.
Ismail said that while working as a coach she attempted to provide guidance to the league on the issue, referencing the FA’s advice on leniency, but came across a reference to a specific clause in the kit rules.
“For some explanation of why they have decided not to give in.
“The tape or the jersey is the correct color; referees don’t criticize anyone for that.
“It’s been one step forward and two steps back with this factor.
“Over the last few years, I have been advocating for Muslim women to have a safe space in the game.”
“For example, we organized a women-only viewing of the FA Cup final, without alcohol, so that Muslim women felt comfortable and included.
“It’s been difficult to see the sunburned work that many people have installed begin to crumble through incidents like this.”
Ismail says he hopes to be back on the pitch soon and is working with the FA and the league to change the rules, with a longer-term plan to work with the International Football Association Board to change the rules internationally.
“Your religious rules and what you are relaxed about should take priority.
“People say when you’re on the field you’re a player, but I think you should be able to carry your culture and your identity with you, yes it’s a personal act of defiance, but it’s much bigger than just me.” “.
An FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of this matter and are in contact with Middlesex FA to ensure it is resolved quickly.
“We proactively wrote to all county FAs and grassroots women’s sport officials earlier this year to ensure that girls and women should be allowed to wear clothing that ensures their religion or religious ideals are not “We are deeply dedicated to ensuring that English football is an inclusive and attractive state for all.”
The FA said they have contacted Ms Ismail immediately to provide support and ensure they are working to get to the bottom of the matter.
