FFF: ban on hijabs during matches deemed "appropriate and proportionate" by the Conseil d'État

"The Conseil d'État rules that in order to guarantee the smooth running of football matches and avoid any confrontation or confrontation, the Fédération Française de Football had the right to enact the disputed ban (on the wearing of the hijab). It considers that this ban is appropriate and proportionate," announced the highest administrative court in France on 29/06/2023.

The Conseil d'État published its decision (document available to download) in the context of the appeal brought by the "Hijabeuses" collective (who are demanding the right to play veiled in official competitions) against the FFF and Article 1 of its articles of association insofar as it prohibits "the wearing of any sign or clothing ostensibly expressing a political, philosophical, religious or trade union affiliation" as well as "any act of proselytising or propaganda manoeuvre" during competitions or events organised by the FFF.

"The Conseil d'Etat points out that the principle of public service neutrality applies to sports federations, which are in charge of a public service. Their staff and, more generally, all…