(JTA) — The FIFA world soccer association will allow players to wear head coverings for religious reasons during official matches.
Under the ruling announced Saturday, a Muslim woman can cover her head with a hijab or her face with a veil, and a Jewish man can wear a kippah, among others.
The head covering must be the same color as the uniform, according to the FIFA board.
The decision followed a two-year trial period first requested by the Sikh community of Canada, the French news agency AFP reported.
Head coverings had not been allowed previously because FIFA believed them to be a safety risk.
Last month, Israel’s soccer association suspended its ban on wearing kippot for its minor leagues.
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