Iqra Ismail, a football coach and former captain of the Somalia national team, was barred from playing in a match for wearing tracksuit bottoms instead of shorts, a situation she says undermines her religious beliefs. The incident occurred while she was preparing to play for Regent’s Park grassroots team, United Dragons FC, in a game scheduled against an east London team.
The 24-year-old, who has played competitively in the same league for nearly five years, was ready to join the game when the referee informed her that club shorts were mandatory. “I have been warmed up, I was ready to go,” Ismail recounted. “When I came on at half time, the referee told me that I wouldn’t be able to play unless I was wearing shorts.”
Despite her attempts to explain that she is not comfortable in shorts, Ismail was not allowed to participate. She expressed her frustration, noting that her teammates and manager were supportive but also devastated by the decision.
Ismail has always played in a long-sleeve top, the team’s shirt, a sports hijab, and tracksuit bottoms, adhering to her personal beliefs. She highlighted a significant barrier faced by Muslim women in sports: “I know a lot of women of the same faith who don’t play actively because they don’t feel comfortable wearing shorts.”
The Greater London Women’s Football League, of which United Dragons FC is a member, has acknowledged the incident and stated it will update its guidance for match officials and teams. Initially, the league believed that players could wear tights or tracksuit bottoms, but they were misinformed about the need for shorts on top.
In a statement, the league expressed its commitment to accommodating players’ clothing preferences, ensuring that faith and religious beliefs are respected. They emphasized that match officials should now allow trousers to help players feel comfortable.
Before the league’s response, Ismail had attempted to communicate the FA’s guidance on leniency regarding clothing to ensure inclusivity in the sport. “It’s been one step forward and two steps back with this issue,” she remarked, underscoring her ongoing advocacy for Muslim women to have a safe space in football.
She has organized initiatives, such as women-only events, to foster inclusion. “Your religious principles and what you’re comfortable with have to take precedence,” Ismail stated. “It’s a personal act of defiance, but it’s so much bigger than just me.”
The Football Association (FA) reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, having reached out to county FAs and match officials to ensure women and girls can wear clothing that respects their faith and beliefs. They remain dedicated to making English football a welcoming environment for everyone.