Global players' union backs hijab proposal to FIFA

The global soccer players' union is backing a campaign to change FIFA's laws of the game to allow Islamic women to wear hijabs.

FIFPro spokeswoman Frederique Winia says "the current ban on wearing headscarves for religious reasons is discrimination."

Soccer's rules-making panel outlawed hijabs for safety reasons in 2007, and will consider lifting the ban at a March 3 meeting in England.

FIFPro is backing FIFA vice president Prince Ali of Jordan, who will show the panel a headscarf held in place by a Velcro fastener.

Since the ban, FIFA has allowed Islamic players to wear a cap, but some objected because it exposes their neck.

The dispute was highlighted when Iran's women team forfeited 2012 Olympics qualifying matches last year.