Salimata Sylla, a Muslim basketball player from France, has been barred from competing under the French basketball federation’s jurisdiction for over two years due to her headscarf.
In 2022, Sylla was informed she could not play in a match against rival club Escaudain in the National 3 league because of her headscarf. She refused to remove it, citing personal conviction and the fact that her sports hijab was officially approved and deemed suitable for competitive use. Sylla had played eight games with Escaudain at the start of that season before her ban. "I’m sorry, here are the rules," she said after being informed of her exclusion.
The French federation has not provided an explanation for the ban on hijabs in competitions since January 2022. This decision followed a ruling by France’s highest administrative court in a lawsuit filed by Muslim players who were barred from competing due to soccer uniforms featuring Islamic insignias or other religious or national significances. France became one of two countries, alongside Belgium, to take a stance against hijabs in women’s soccer matches.
A contentious bill backed by right-wing politicians that would ban headscarves in all sporting competitions has cleared its first legislative hurdle in the Senate. The proposed law would formalize what has until now been decided by individual sporting federations.
"We know that sport is a vehicle for emancipation," Sylla said. She questioned why wearing a headscarf should be seen as oppressive when Muslims choose to wear it as part of their faith. Sylla continues to host games outside of the federation’s jurisdiction and includes everyone who wants to play, regardless of whether they wear a headscarf. "You don’t want to include us? So we’re going to include everyone," she stated.
The proposed law has sparked debate among athletes and politicians alike. Some argue that it unfairly targets Muslims, while others see it as necessary for promoting secularism. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has expressed full support for those who argue that wearing a hijab raises radical questions about equality between men and women. "Secularism is not just about separating church and state but also about ensuring equal rights between men and women," he wrote on Twitter last month. However, many have criticized Retailleau’s comments as Islamophobic.
"This bill is an attack on our freedom," said Nadia El Fani, president-elect at the European Women Football Association (UEFA). "It discriminates against people based on their religion." El Fani argued that there are more pressing issues facing football than whether players wear headscarves. "We have bigger problems than this one issue."
Others have expressed concern about how such laws could be enforced. "How do you control something like this?" asked former professional footballer Amara Traore. "If someone wears something else under their jersey, then what?" Traore believes such laws can only lead to division within society, stating, "It creates more problems than solutions."
Meanwhile, Sylla remains committed to continuing her basketball career despite being banned by the French federation. She emphasizes her determination to host games outside of the federation’s jurisdiction and to include everyone who wants to play, regardless of whether they wear a hijab or not. "You don’t want to include us? So we’re going to include everyone," she reiterated. Sylla’s determination has not gone unnoticed by fans, who have been supporting her throughout this difficult time. "She is a powerful symbol of resistance against discrimination," said fan Mehdi Benmessaoud. "She will continue playing basketball no matter what."
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