English Football Association Apologizes to Iqra Ismail

FA Sorry for Banning Muslim Player

“The Greater London Women's Football League stopped me from playing due to my religious...”

English Football Association apologizes to Iqra Ismail for banning her from match due to religious beliefs.

The English Football Association (FA) has issued an apology to Muslim footballer Iqra Ismail, who was barred from participating in a Greater London Women's Football League match on October 27. Ismail, a United Dragons player, was prepared to substitute during the game against Tower Hamlets but was halted by the referee due to her wearing tracksuit bottoms for religious reasons.

The English Football Association (FA) has apologized to Iqra Ismail, permitting her to wear tracksuit bottoms in future matches, respecting her religious practices.

Ismail expressed disappointment on social media: “The Greater London Women's Football League stopped me from playing due to my religious beliefs, as I refused to wear shorts with my playing kit.” She noted that she had worn tracksuit bottoms for nearly five years without issue.

“Every year they have made it more and more difficult for women like me to play.

“This year they have drawn the line and banned me from playing until I compromise my beliefs,” She added.

Iqra Ismail revealed that the Middlesex FA referee informed her he had received explicit instructions from the league forbidding tracksuit bottoms, regardless of matching team kits.

The FA responded promptly, with spokesperson Joanna Manning-Cooper stating: “We are aware of this matter and we are in contact with Middlesex FA to ensure that it is quickly resolved.”

“We proactively wrote to all county FAs and match officials across the women's grassroots game earlier this year to confirm that women and girls should be allowed to wear clothing that ensures their faith or religious beliefs are not compromised.

“We remain deeply committed to ensuring that English football is an inclusive and welcoming environment for everybody.”

Iqra Ismail, a prominent advocate for football diversity and inclusion, was:

Honors

1. Featured on the Football Black List (2019)

2. Guest speaker at the FA's “Your Game Your Way” event (Brentford FC).