VARYING RULES
Rights groups say that fits a pattern of discrimination against Muslim athletes at all levels. “If France wants to show they’re inclusive, then the very easy human rights-compliant way forward is to end these types of bans,” said Anna Blus, gender justice researcher at Amnesty International.
French sports authorities and Sylla settled on the cap after discussions also involving Games sponsor and luxury goods firm LVMH’s Berluti brand, which designed the French athletes’ opening ceremony outfits.
The Ministry of Sport declined to comment and Berluti representatives were not immediately available for comment on how the compromise was brokered.
Beyond the Olympics, French sports federations set their own rules: football, basketball and judo ban headcovers for competitions while rugby, handball and athletics allow it.
For Souad Noubli, who dropped out of her sports teaching degree because she would not be able to wear a headscarf in the profession, asking Sylla to wear a cap was unfair.
“Let’s stop saying it’s a favour for her. Her choice and her rights were not respected,” said the 42-year-old youth animator from Nanterre, for whom the principle of secularism should protect the practice of all religions.
