Iran’s women soccer team banned from Olympics, because of headscarves

Not participating in the 2012 London Olympics is a nightmare for every serious athlete, but for Iran’s women soccer team, the defeat was extra bitter.

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June 3, 2011

Members of the Iranian women's national soccer team walk to the field before withdrawing from their qualifying match against Jordan for the 2012 London Olympic Games in Amman. The Iranian team was banned from the match on Friday in the second round of qualifiers in protest against guidelines on their veil.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

June 3, 2011

A player for the Iranian women's national soccer team is comforted by a teammate after withdrawing from the qualifying match against Jordan for the 2012 London Olympic Games The FIFA woman's association requires that any covering used does not cover the neck and ears. In Iran, all women are required to cover their hair in public to conform to the Islamic dress code.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

June 3, 2011

Players of the Iranian women's national soccer team react after withdrawing from their qualifying match.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

June 3, 2011

Iranian women's national soccer team poses before withdrawing. “This ruling means that women soccer in Iran is over,” said Shahrzad Mozafar, the team’s former head coach.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

June 3, 2011

The Iranian women's national soccer team line up before their qualifying match. In April 2010, FIFA announced that it was planning to ban headscarves and other religious outings during the 2012 Olympics. Following the ruling, Iran’s team designed special headscarves that players wrapped tightly around their heads and necks.

Ali Jarkji / Reuters

June 3, 2011

The Iranian women's national soccer team react. The Iranian football organization, which is lead by allies of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is planning to protest the ruling.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

The Iranian women's national soccer team pray after withdrawing from their qualifying match. Iranian women athletes have excelled during international events in sports such as karate and volleyball, but are notably absent from sports such as swimming and gymnastics.

Ali Jarekji / Reuters

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