the public rapporteur of the Council of State in favor of authorizing the wearing of the hijab in competitions

The Council of State examined, Monday, June 26, an appeal of the Hijabeuses against the French Football Federation. The collective is challenging in court Article 1 of the FFF regulations, which has prohibited since 2016 “any wearing of a symbol or outfit ostensibly manifesting a political, philosophical, religious or trade union affiliation” during competitions. During the hearing, the public rapporteur, whose opinion is generally followed, recommended the cancellation of this article, asking that the FFF modify its rules.

Clément Malverti felt that the question could arise for the players selected for the France team, where they represent “the nation” and perform “a public service mission”. But she is “otherwise more debatable” for other footballers licensed to the FFF. For the public rapporteur, there is thus neither “proselytizing” neither “provocation” in the only wearing of the hijab and no “requirement of neutrality” for these players.

Darmanin “very opposed” to an evolution of the regulations

With the current regulation, which has the “monopoly” on the organization of matches, players wearing the veil are de facto “excluded” and must “renounce all competition and all career”. He also noted that FIFA and “all international sports federations” authorized the wearing of the hijab in competition. The public rapporteur added that this subject was “important”warning against the “risk” that some subsequently try to“extend” banning the veil from other public spaces.

Tuesday morning, Gérald Darmanin said to himself “very opposite” the authorization for female footballers to wear the hijab in competition. “You don’t have to wear religious clothes when you play sports. (…) When you play football, you don’t have to know the religion of the person in front of you”judged the Minister of the Interior on RTL. The Council of State’s decision will be rendered within three weeks.