Hijab in sport: the milestones that changed the game
Rule changes, Olympic firsts and a Moroccan World Cup moment: how far women in hijab have come, and what is still left to do.
Not long ago, a woman who wore a hijab could be told she was not allowed to play. Over the last decade and a half, athletes, campaigners and governing bodies have changed that, one rule and one first at a time. These are some of the moments that made sport more open.
Football opens the door
For years, football's rule-makers did not permit head coverings in official matches. After a trial period, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) formally allowed head covers in 2014, opening the way for women in hijab to play at every level of the game.
Basketball follows
Basketball's governing body, FIBA, long had a rule against headgear that kept some players off the court. After campaigning by players, FIBA approved a rule change in 2017 that allows head coverings in international competition.
An Olympic podium
At the Rio 2016 Olympics, American fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad became the first athlete to represent the United States at the Games while wearing a hijab, and left with a team bronze medal in sabre. Her visibility inspired a generation of young athletes.
A Moroccan first at the World Cup
In 2023, Morocco's women's team made their first appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup and reached the knockout rounds. Along the way, defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab in a match at a senior Women's World Cup. For girls across Morocco, it was proof that the biggest stage is open to them too.
The work is not finished
Barriers still exist. Some federations and countries continue to restrict head coverings for their athletes, and many women still struggle to find sportswear that meets their needs. Every rule change started with someone who refused to accept that she had to choose.
Why this matters to us
YALA exists for the same reason: no woman should have to choose between her values and her sport. If you have a story of your own, we would love to hear it. Read how YALA started.
