For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – Today, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) confirmed that it has informed the Canadian Soccer Association that players are permitted to wear turbans while playing soccer.
In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, issued the following statement:
“We commend FIFA for confirming the acceptability of religious head coverings on the soccer pitch. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs was among a number of organizations that called on FIFA to intervene in this matter, for the purpose of ensuring that no child has to choose between playing soccer and observing their faith. We are hopeful that this announcement will enable the return of Sikh players to Quebec’s soccer pitches and their full participation in this wonderful sport.”
To read a letter sent by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs to FIFA (June 6, 2013), click here.
To read FIFA’s full statement, click here.
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is a non-partisan organization that serves as the advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Martin Sampson
Director, Communications and Marketing
613-219-3500
msampson@cija.ca