ZURICH (AP) — Iran’s girls football team has been kicked out of the Youth Olympic Games because FIFA rules prevent players wearing an Islamic head scarf.
Thailand was nominated on Monday to replace the barred Iranians, the Asian Football Confederation said on its Web site.
The Asian governing body said the hijab scarf — worn to observe Islamic dress code — was not allowed under FIFA rules relating to on-field equipment.
Iran was scheduled to compete in a six-nation tournament for girls at the games being held Aug. 12-25 in Singapore.
Around 3,600 athletes aged 14-18 will compete in 26 sports at the inaugural Youth Summer Games.
