CSA red cards Quebec Federation for not allowing wearing of turbans/patkas/keski by players
By The Nelson Daily Sports
It’s a red card and it’s going to the Quebec Soccer Federation for their non-compliance to the directive of allowing the wearing of turbans/patkas/keski by soccer players.
In a bold, but surprising move, the Canadian Soccer Association Board of Directors on Monday 10 June 2013 moved to immediately suspend the Quebec Soccer Federation for its decision to not allow the wearing of turbans/patkas/keski by soccer players.
“The Canadian Soccer Association has requested on June 6 that the Quebec Soccer Federation reverse its position on turbans/patkas/keski with no resolution,” said Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association, following the Board of Directors meeting.
“The Quebec Soccer Federation’s inaction has forced us to take measures in order to ensure soccer remains accessible to the largest number of Canadians.”
The suspension will be removed once the CSA receives demonstration that the Quebec Federation has lifted the ban and applies satisfactorily the Canadian Soccer Association’s policy in the matter.
How the suspension impacts Quebec players is yet to be determined. However, according to Canadian Soccer News, the impact could be felt in a variety of ways unless the situation is resolved soon.
The website said it could result in Quebec all-star teams being banned from playing outside the province, and even the cancellation of games within Quebec that involve a nationally certified referee.
The Quebec Federation said the reason for its decision is due to safety.
The Federation said its concerned about safety and points out that the rules of the world governing body, FIFA, don’t specifically allow turbans.
Critics of the Quebec decision point out that FIFA’s rules don’t explicitly ban turbans, either.
