RIYADH: The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), representing 57-member nations, has expressed deep concern and criticized France’s decision to prohibit its Olympic athletes from wearing the hijab during sporting events. The move, in accordance with France’s strict secularism policies, has been denounced by the ISSF as an act that “sends a message of exclusion,” going against the fundamental spirit of the Olympics.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera had announced last month that the government was firmly opposed to the display of religious symbols, emphasizing the need for absolute neutrality in public services, including sports events. As a consequence, she declared that the French national team would not wear the headscarf.
ISSF Concern Over Hijab Ban on Athletes
In response, the ISSF released a statement, emphasizing that the hijab holds significant cultural and religious importance for many Muslim women and should be respected. The federation argued that the ban could prevent some French Muslim athletes from participating in the Olympics, contradicting the principles of diversity and unity that the Games stand for.
“The Olympics have historically celebrated diversity, unity, and athletic excellence,” the statement declared. “By implementing a hijab ban for their athletes, a host would send a message of exclusion, intolerance, and discrimination that goes against the Olympic spirit.”
The ISSF called upon French authorities to reconsider the ban and engage meaningfully with the Muslim sports community in France. Founded in 1985 to serve the members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the ISSF has been instrumental in promoting sports activities within Muslim-majority countries. It has organized multiple editions of the Islamic Solidarity Games, the most recent being held last year in Turkey.
While the United Nations human rights office did not directly address France’s hijab ban for its athletes, a spokeswoman emphasized the importance of respecting a woman’s right to choose what she wears, underlining that no one should impose clothing choices on women.
