Morocco Footballer Nohaila Benzina during the Women’s World Cup hijab She became the first player to wear it when she debuted in Australia on Sunday Women’s World Soccer World Cup During the South Korea played wearing a hijab in the match against Morocco won this match 1-0.
In the match played in the Australian city of Adelaide, Nohaila Benzina has also created a new history as the first player from an Arab or North African country.
According to the French news agency AFP, on July 24, Noheila Benzina was unable to play despite joining the Moroccan team in the match against Germany. Morocco lost that match by 0.6.
FIFA, the world football governing body, lifted the ban on female footballers wearing the hijab almost a decade ago after earlier concerns about the players’ safety.
Earlier, in a Voice of America article praising Raheela Benzina, Asma Hilal, co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, wrote: ‘Girls will look at Benzina (and think) that could be me. Also policy makers, decision makers, administrators will say, we need to do more to make it acceptable for women and girls to participate in sports in our country.’
Benzina plays professional club football. Her team is the eight-time defending champion in Morocco’s top women’s league. He is also quite popular on social media Instagram But he has more than 47 thousand followers.
She played for the U20 national team for the first time in 2017.
Benzina has not been available to speak to the press since the start of the Women’s World Cup, although she has shared other people’s social media posts about the historic nature of her World Cup appearance in recent weeks. .
Morocco captain Ghazlin Chebak said: ‘We have the honor of being the first Arab country to participate in the Women’s World Cup and we feel that we have a great responsibility to present a good image. .’
Nohila Benzina of Morocco during training (Nohila Benzina Instagram)
A choice
If Morocco had qualified for the Women’s World Cup a decade ago, a player who wanted to wear a hijab during the game could have been forced to choose between wearing the hijab and representing her country. But now things have changed.
In 2007, a referee stopped an 11-year-old Canadian girl from wearing a hijab during a club match. When the matter reached FIFA, the sport’s world governing body banned head coverings except for the hijab, which leaves the neck open, in its sanctioned competitions.
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FIFA cited potential ‘health and safety’ concerns such as possible suffocation. According to the rules: ‘Equipment that is dangerous to yourself or another player is prohibited.’
Hilal, Australia-based operations manager for ‘Creating Chances’ and Football United, said: ‘This decision really sent a strong message to Muslim women, particularly those who wear the hijab, that they don’t belong with us.’
Hilal was among social activists, Muslim athletes and government and football officials who campaigned for the ban to be lifted.
In 2012, FIFA gave the Asian Football Confederation a two-year trial period, during which players were allowed to wear head coverings in international competitions. No senior-level World Cups, men’s or women’s, were scheduled during the trial period.
In 2014, FIFA lifted the ban on head coverings. Two years later, the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan marked the first time Muslim players wore headscarves during an international FIFA event.
Nohila Benzina and South Korea forward (No. 11) Cho Yoo-ri Nohila tries to get the ball during Sunday’s match (Brenton Edwards/AFP)
part of the identity
Melbourne resident Marian Hagihashi, who attended Morocco’s public practice session last week, said she supported tournament co-hosts Australia. She said that she appreciates the efforts made by the Moroccan team and Benzina.
Hagi Hashi said, “There are a number of (Muslim) women who wear the hijab and many who don’t wear the hijab.” I think the world has realized that there is diversity.’
Since the ban was lifted, there has been an increase in Muslim girls and women playing football, coaching and leading football clubs, Hilal said.
“I think it’s important to understand that the hijab is an essential part of a Muslim woman, if she wants to wear it,” Hilal said. It’s actually part of our identity.’
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#Soccer #World #Cup #Moroccos #Benzina #history #wearing #hijab
**Interview with Asma Hilal, Co-Founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Asma. What does Nouhaila Benzina’s historic debut in the Women’s World Cup mean for Muslim female athletes worldwide?
**Asma Hilal:** Thank you for having me. Nouhaila’s debut is monumental. It symbolizes progress not only in sports but also in societal acceptance. For many young Muslim girls, seeing Benzina represent her country while wearing a hijab sends a powerful message: they can pursue athletics without sacrificing their identity or beliefs.
**Interviewer:** How significant is it that she is the first player from an Arab or North African nation to wear a hijab in the Women’s World Cup?
**Asma Hilal:** It’s incredibly significant. It opens doors for more Muslim women in sports, particularly in regions where cultural and religious identities may clash with athletics. It encourages policymakers and leaders in the sports industry to make more inclusive decisions.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of inclusivity, can you tell us about the journey towards lifting the hijab ban in FIFA?
**Asma Hilal:** Absolutely. The ban’s history is long and complicated. Until 2014, players were forced to choose between their faith and their sporting dreams. The push to lift this ban involved tireless advocacy from many athletes and activists worldwide. Benny’s participation is a testament to that struggle’s success.
**Interviewer:** With Benzina now in the spotlight, what do you hope to see for the future of women in sports, especially those who wear hijabs?
**Asma Hilal:** I hope this moment inspires more support for Muslim female athletes. We need to ensure that women and girls have equal opportunities to participate in sports at all levels, especially in regions that may historically suppress their involvement. Benzina’s presence is just the beginning.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you think Benzina’s journey sends to sports organizations regarding their policies?
**Asma Hilal:** It underscores the need for inclusivity and representation. Sports organizations can no longer afford to overlook the diversity within their athletes. Recognizing and respecting religious practices is not just a policy change; it’s about valuing the athletes as individuals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Asma. It’s inspiring to hear how this moment can ignite change for many.
**Asma Hilal:** Thank you! I’m excited to see what more is to come.