European Radical Idealism

Last week, a young girl participating in a Quebec soccer tournament was given the choice by the referee of removing her hijab or not participating in the game. The family of the girl appealed that decision to FIFA, which judged that the referee had done the right thing. This obviously caused quite a debate among politicians, editorialists and bloggers, so I thought that I should add my voice.

So here’s my voice: The referee and especially FIFA are wrong.

You see, this whole decision was a classic example of staunch European idealism. FIFA cited security concerns as the reason for its hijab ban. Wearing a hijab would apparently increase the risk of a heat stroke or cardiovascular problem. Maybe in Palermo, but this is Quebec in February!! I actually think the hijab could have a positive effect by keeping the ears of the players from freezing solid.

But the problem is FIFA doesn’t understand how rules can be adapted to suit different countries and regions. As far as they are concerned, a rule is a rule and must therefore be interpreted the same way in Montreal and Lagos as in Paris.