Amnesty International slams French hijab sports ban ahead of Olympics

Amnesty International slams French hijab sports ban ahead of Olympics
France is the only European country to enforce a ban on headscarves in sport. Above, a hijab shop on April 11, 2011 in Paris. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 16 July 2024
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Amnesty International slams French hijab sports ban ahead of Olympics

Amnesty International slams French hijab sports ban ahead of Olympics
  • Human rights group accuses host country of breaching international law
  • Amnesty criticizes International Olympic Committee for failing to challenge ban

LONDON: Amnesty International has accused France of breaking international human rights law by enforcing a ban on women competing at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris wearing headscarves.

In a report on the ban published on Tuesday, Amnesty also accused the International Olympic Committee of weakness by not challenging France’s “discriminatory” law.

Anna Blus, Amnesty’s women’s rights researcher in Europe, said: “Banning French athletes from competing with sports hijabs at the Olympic and Paralympic Games makes a mockery of claims that Paris 2024 is the first ‘Gender Equal Olympics’ and lays bare the racist gender discrimination that underpins access to sport in France.”

She added: “Discriminatory rules policing what women wear are a violation of Muslim women’s and girls’ human rights and have a devastating impact on their participation in sport, blocking efforts to make sports more inclusive and more accessible.”

The report details how bans on wearing headscarves in multiple sports in France, justified domestically on grounds of secularism but which is not accepted in international law, have created a situation where the Olympic host is in breach of the IOC’s own human rights rules as well as numerous human rights obligations and treaties to which France is a party.

The IOC has failed to call on France to overturn bans on headscarves at the Olympics and in other sports, claiming in a letter earlier this year that French law was outside the committee’s remit, and that “freedom of religion is interpreted in many different ways by different states.”

France is the only European country to enforce a ban on headscarves in sport, which also contradicts the rules of international sports bodies such as FIFA, the International Basketball Federation and the International Volleyball Federation.

Basketball player Helene Ba told Amnesty that the French ban “is a clear violation of the Olympic charter, values and provisions, and an infringement on our fundamental rights and freedoms … I think it’s going to be a shameful moment for France.”

She added: “Mentally it is also hard because you really feel excluded … especially if you go to the bench and the referee tells you to go to the ladders (stands). Everyone sees you … It’s a walk of shame.”

Another female athlete told Amnesty anonymously: “It is sad. It’s even shameful to be at this point in 2024, to block dreams just because of a piece of fabric.”

In a press release, Amnesty said: “For several years, French authorities have been weaponizing these concepts (of secularism) to justify the enactment of laws and policies that disproportionately impact Muslim women and girls.

“And all of this is occurring against a backdrop relentless, twenty-year campaign of harmful lawmaking and regulation of Muslim women’s and girls’ clothing in France, fueled by prejudice, racism and gendered Islamophobia.”

Foune Diawara, co-president of the football collective Hijabeuses, told Amnesty: “Our fight is not political or religious but centered on our human right to participate in sports.”

Blus said: “No policymaker should dictate what a woman can or cannot wear and no woman should be forced to choose between the sport she loves and her faith, cultural identity, or beliefs.

“It is not too late for the French authorities, sports federations and the IOC to do the right thing and to overturn all bans on athletes wearing the hijab in French sport, both at the summer Olympics and in all sport, at all levels.”


Europe skipper Donald in talks with Garcia over Ryder Cup return

Europe skipper Donald in talks with Garcia over Ryder Cup return
Updated 22 sec ago
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Europe skipper Donald in talks with Garcia over Ryder Cup return

Europe skipper Donald in talks with Garcia over Ryder Cup return
  • Garcia, the all-time leading Ryder Cup scorer with 28.5 points in 10 appearances, missed last year’s tournament in Rome after opting to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit
  • Donald said existing regulations meant other LIV players could also be available as captain’s picks
  • US officials have already given the green light for LIV players to play on the American team, as they did in 2023

NEW YORK: Europe Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald revealed on Tuesday he has been in talks with LIV Golf player Sergio Garcia about making a possible return to the team for next year’s clash with the USA.

Speaking at an event in New York to mark the countdown to next year’s Europe-USA Ryder Cup showdown at Bethpage, Donald confirmed he had spoken to Garcia about his availability.

Garcia, the all-time leading Ryder Cup scorer with 28.5 points in 10 appearances, missed last year’s tournament in Rome after opting to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

However, Donald said on Tuesday that Garcia was now considering applying to rejoin the DP World Tour in a push to be eligible for selection.

“Obviously he resigned his membership a couple years ago,” Donald said of Garcia.

“But we have had some chats. He’s considering rejoining. He’d have to follow all the rules and regulations like everyone else, and if he does that, again, he will be eligible to partake in the Ryder Cup.

“We chatted on phone a couple weeks ago. He’s certainly very interested in doing that. He understands everything that’s involved, and again, the decision has to go to him, whether he’s prepared to do all that.

“But certainly, we’ve had that discussion, yes.”

Donald said existing regulations meant other LIV players could also be available as captain’s picks.

“The DP World Tour’s policies have been very consistent. There’s been a lot of clarity around that,” Donald said.

“It’s really the same as it was in Rome. You have to be a Member of The European Tour and born in Europe. If you fulfill the regulations and the rules that the DP World Tour set, then you’re eligible. There’s a bunch of LIV guys that play on LIV that they are eligible now; so I can pick them at will.”

US officials have already given the green light for LIV players to play on the American team, as they did in 2023 when Brooks Koepka was given a captain’s pick to join the team.

US captain Keegan Bradley said Tuesday he planned to select “the 12 best players.”

“So if we feel like there’s a few guys there, one guy, two guys, whatever it is, then we’re going to do that,” Bradley said.

“But we’re too far out to figure out how this is all going to play out. But we’re definitely going to take the 12 best players however that shakes out.”

The 2025 Ryder Cup takes place at Bethpage Black in New York from Sept. 26-28. Defending champions Europe are chasing their first victory in the tournament on US soil since the famous “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012.


Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire

Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire
Updated 14 min 23 sec ago
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Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire

Former US coach Gregg Berhalter hired as coach of the Chicago Fire
  • Berhalter was dismissed as US coach in July, shortly after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America
  • He replaces current Fire coach Frank Klopas, who will step down after the team’s final regular-season game on Oct. 19

CHICAGO: The Chicago Fire have hired former US national team coach Gregg Berhalter to be the club’s new head coach and director of football.

Berhalter was dismissed as US coach in July, shortly after the team was eliminated in the group stage of the Copa America. It was his second stint with the national team.

He replaces current Fire coach Frank Klopas, who will step down after the team’s final regular-season game on Oct. 19 to assume a new role as the team’s vice president of football.

Berhalter becomes the 10th head coach in the Fire’s history. He will oversee Chicago’s sporting operations, including the senior team, Fire FC II, and the Chicago Fire Academy.

“Chicago is an incredible city, built on communities of hard-working and passionate people who truly love soccer. I look forward to working alongside our staff and players to transform the Fire into a world-class organization that all our fans and the city can be proud of and will support,” he said in a statement.

Berhalter, 51, was the first American to coach the national team after playing for the team at a World Cup. He was originally hired to coach the US in December 2018 after stints with Sweden’s Hammarby (2011-13) and the Columbus Crew (2013-18).

“I’m confident that under his guidance, we will build on the foundation that has been laid over the past five years and be an organization that Chicago will be proud of and reflects the values of our city. I expect that Gregg will create a competitive culture and return our club to its winning ways,” Fire owner Joe Mansueto said in a statement.

Berhalter led the US to a 44-17-13 record during his tenure, taking the team to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His contract expired following the World Cup but he was rehired in June 2023.

Earlier that year, US Soccer investigated a decades-old domestic violence allegation that was brought to the USSF’s attention by the Reyna family, upset that Berhalter limited Gio Reyna’s playing time at the World Cup. A law firm retained by the USSF said there was no legal obstacle to bringing Berhalter back.

With the Crew from 2013-18, Berhalter led the club to the playoffs in four of his five seasons, including an appearance in the 2015 MLS Cup final.

As a player, Berhalter appeared in a pair of World Cups for the US. When he made his international debut against Saudi Arabia on Oct. 15, 1994, Klopas scored on the young center back.

Berhalter, a New Jersey native who lives in the Chicago area, played professionally for 18 season with stops in Europe and a stint with the LA Galaxy.

The Fire (7-9-17) have already been eliminated from postseason play with one game remaining in the regular season. Chicago have not been to the playoffs since 2017.

It is the seventh coaching change so far this season in MLS. Austin FC’s Josh Wolff was fired on Sunday, joining Nashville’s Gary Smith (May 16), Atlanta’s Gonzalo Pineda (June 3), Dallas’ Nico Estévez (June 9), San Jose’s Luchi Gonzalez (June 24) and St. Louis’ Bradley Carnell (July 1).


Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup
Updated 09 October 2024
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Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup

Australia post dominant 60-run win over New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup
  • Australia scored the tournament’s second-highest total — 148-8 in 20 overs — thanks to Beth Mooney’s 40 off 32 balls
  • It was New Zealand’s third-highest margin of defeat in women’s T20s

SHARJAH, UAE: Megan Schutt took three wickets for just three runs off 20 deliveries as Australia secured a rampant 60-run win over New Zealand in their Group A clash at the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Schutt’s return was the most economical three-wicket spell in tournament history, surpassing England’s Danielle Hazell’s 3-4 against Bangladesh in 2014.

This was after Australia scored the tournament’s second-highest total — 148-8 in 20 overs — thanks to Beth Mooney’s 40 off 32 balls.

In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 88 runs in 19.2 overs with medium pace pairing Schutt and Annabel Sutherland sharing six wickets.

Sutherland took 3-21 in four overs, as Australia moved to the top of Group A with two wins in as many games.

Australia opted to bat after winning the toss as Mooney put on 41 runs with Alyssa Healy, who scored 26 runs.

Mooney added another 45 off 48 balls with Ellyze Perry, who scored 30 off 24 balls, hitting three fours and a six.

Perry’s knock provided momentum for Australia, despite Mooney being caught by all-rounder Amelia Kerr.

Kerr finished with 4-26 in four overs, picking up a couple late wickets, but couldn’t prevent Australia from putting up a challenging total.

Chasing 149, New Zealand lost Georgia Plimmer early — bowled off Schutt for four.

Kerr contributed 29 off 31 balls, hitting three fours, and put on 47 runs for the second wicket. It raised visions of a Kiwi fightback, before left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux made a double breakthrough.

Molineux broke the partnership in the 11th over and New Zealand crashed to defeat within 42 deliveries, losing nine wickets for 27 runs.

Only Lea Tahuhu (11) managed to reach double figures thereafter, as Australia registered their 13th consecutive win in Women’s T20 World Cups.

It was also New Zealand’s third-highest margin of defeat in women’s T20s.


Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
Updated 09 October 2024
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Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
  • Eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray

PARIS: Chelsea began their hunt for Women’s Champions League glory with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday, while eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray.
Sjoeke Nuesken and Guro Reiten gave Chelsea the lead before Alba Redondo pulled one back for the visitors before half-time.
Mayra Ramirez struck in the second half to restore Chelsea’s two-goal advantage. A late Linda Caicedo tap-in set up a nervy finale at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea went into the lead in the second minute when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross struck the unfortunate Sheila Garcia, via the head of Nuesken, and trickled into the Madrid net.
The English champions doubled their lead shortly before the half-hour as the referee pointed to the spot after Maria Mendez caught Nuesken as the pair fought over a loose ball in the box.
Reiten slotted the spot-kick beyond the reach of Misa Rodriguez, who had correctly guessed which way to dive.
Madrid halved the deficit on 39 minutes. Fine wing play by Olga Carmona created the chance and after some pinball in the Chelsea box, Redondo showed composure to take a touch and finish from 10 yards.
Ramirez restored the hosts’ two-goal lead eight minutes into the second half with a header that looped over goalkeeper Misa.
Caicedo converted from close range in the 84th minute after Lucy Bronze had blocked a goal-bound effort on the line, however the Spaniards were unable to complete the comeback as Chelsea ground out the win.
Also in Group B, Dutch club Twente beat Celtic 2-0 in Glasgow thanks to a Kayleigh van Dooren brace either side of the interval.
Earlier, a trio of headers from Kadidiatou Diani, who scored twice, and Vanessa Gilles gave last year’s beaten finalists Lyon a 3-0 home victory over Galatasaray.
France attacker Diani opened the scoring when she stole in to nod home a Tabitha Chawinga cross with 34 minutes on the clock.
Chawinga then got her second assist of the match — and Lyon scored their second goal — right on the stroke of half-time as Gilles turned in her chipped cross from close range.
Gilles went close with another header early in the second period, but her towering effort from a corner rattled against the crossbar.
Diani did make it three in the 77th minute, her guided header crept inside the far post after Amel Majri had burst down the left flank and drilled in a cross.
“They had a lot of fight and it’s never easy to combat that, but that’s football and that’s the Champions League. We’re so happy to come away with the win,” said Lyon defender Gilles.
In the Italian capital, a 14th-minute penalty converted by new captain Manuela Giugliano was enough for Roma to upset two-time champions Wolfsburg 1-0.
The visitors struck the woodwork twice after the break but were left frustrated as Roma held on to take all three points and go second in Group A — behind Lyon on goal difference.
On Wednesday, Arsenal visit Bayern Munich and Champions League holders Barcelona start their title defense at Manchester City.


Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
Updated 08 October 2024
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Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
  • Three-season deal positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest leagues
  • La Liga President Tebas highlights strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga

RIYADH: Riyadh Season is to sponsor Spain’s La Liga for the next three seasons.

Riyadh Season, which was represented by Faisal Bafarat, the CEO of the General Entertainment Authority, signed the partnership agreement with Spanish football’s La Liga President Javier Tebas.

It marks a three-season deal that positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest football leagues.

Tebas highlighted the strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga, noting the immense passion that Saudi football fans have for the Spanish league.

He added that La Liga is committed to fostering the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in the Kingdom by supporting initiatives like Riyadh Season.

David Villa, La Liga’s ambassador, expressed confidence that the partnership with Saudi Arabia would open new avenues for collaboration.

He stressed that football in the Kingdom had experienced tremendous growth in recent years, making it an ideal partner.

The partnership, which reflects Riyadh Season’s global presence, aims to initiate promotional activities for both brands and implement joint initiatives targeting football fans and visitors to Riyadh Season.