Iqra Ismail said that he will return to play football in a uniform.
The Muslim footballer said earlier this week that he was not allowed to attend a United Dragons match because he refused to wear shorts, which went against his religious beliefs.
He posted on X on Thursday evening to thank people for their support, adding that he had spoken to senior members of the FA and Middlesex County FC who are “really supportive and actively working to make sure this doesn’t happen again”. : .
“And I’m pleased, so to speak, that from this weekend I’ll be back on the field playing football in my kit. The journey doesn’t end here. I will continue to do my best by moving forward to protect other women like: “I just want a safe place to play football,” he added.
The Football Association apologized to Ismail on Tuesday shortly after a referee in a Greater London Women’s Football League match told her she would not be allowed on the pitch unless she wore shorts.
Ismail, 24, who was included in the 2019 Football Blacklist and is also a coach, was due to come on for United Dragons as a half-time substitute against Tower Hamlets FC.
After the game, the referee said he was told at the start of the season that referees were not allowed to play anyone unless they were wearing shorts.
“It’s not something I’ve ever been through before and it’s not something I’d want anyone to go through again. It wasn’t real,” he said. Sky Sports News this week.
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Miriam Walker-Khan updates after the Football Association apologized to Muslim women’s footballer Iqra Ismail after she was “banned from playing” for not wearing shorts.
“I’m the type of person that when I get frustrated, when I get angry, it really brings me to tears because I felt so isolated and worried.
“I’ve been playing in this league for almost five years now, wearing a jersey, and every year they make it harder and harder for women like me to play.”
Ismail complained to the FA about the issue earlier in the year and the FA actively wrote to all county FAs and match officials confirming that women and girls should be allowed to wear clothing that ensures their faith or religious beliefs are not compromised. :
Ismail said the support he has received from the FA throughout the year has been positive.
