Quebec soccer federation upholds ban; invites Canadian body to ‘dialogue’

MONTREAL – The Quebec Soccer Federation will uphold a ban on turbans in soccer in the province.

The board of directors met on Tuesday night to discuss the issue after the federation was suspended by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) on Monday.

In a statement released Wednesday morning, the federation noted that it would like to open up a dialogue with the CSA to further discuss the issue.

The national organization suspended Quebec until it reverses the ban, which has drawn international news coverage and condemnation from several federal politicians.

The Quebec federation has cited safety concerns as the reason for banning turbans. It said it is only following FIFA rules, the world governing body for soccer does not allow turbans.

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Listen: QSF spokesperson Brigitte Frot on Quebec’s ban on turbans in soccer

The CSA reports directly to FIFA and is responsible for granting or revoking the membership of provincial federations.

Quebec’s premier has offered her support to the soccer federation, noting that the provincial soccer body is an independent organization and has a right to establish its own rules.

Quebec Soccer Federation press release

– With files from The Canadian Press