London Women’s Football League Under Fire for Excluding Somali Muslim Player

Iqra Ismail, a former captain of the Somalia women’s national football team, was barred from playing in the Greater London Women’s Football League (GLWFL) for wearing tracksuit bottoms instead of shorts, Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

The incident occurred during a match on October 29, where Ismail was not allowed to substitute for her team, United Dragons.

Ismail, an advocate for Muslim women in sports, expressed her frustration, stating that the league’s regulations make it increasingly difficult for women like her to participate. She highlighted that she has played in similar attire for five years without issue. The Football Association (FA) has since stated that women should be permitted to wear clothing that aligns with their religious beliefs.

In response to the incident, the GLWFL acknowledged a misunderstanding regarding clothing requirements and committed to updating guidance for match officials. Ismail emphasized the need for inclusivity in sports, noting that such restrictions hinder diversity in football.