FSQ Reverses Turban Ban

The Quebec Soccer Federation (QSF)/ Fédération de Soccer du Québec (FSQ) has reversed its ban against turbans, relieving tensions reverberating across the country.

The move only came though after a suspension by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) on June 10, and a statement by on Friday by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) that it allowed soccer players to wear the religious headgear. Sikhs in Quebec were dismayed over being excluded from the sport, and Canadians outside of Quebec questioned the approach of the organization.

The incident served as a flash point over the issues of integration, accommodation and even federalism. Premier Pauline Marois of the Parti Quebecois opposed the move by the CSA and was quoted as saying,

I believe the Quebec federation has the right to make its own rules, it’s autonomous, it’s not bound by the Canadian federation. In this regard, I support it in its orientations.

The FSQ though claimed its only interest was in ensuring safety. FSQ executive-director Brigitte Frot stated,

Our goal was always to have confirmation that the wearing of a turban was allowed by FIFA.

However, Frot has acknowledged that there has not been any data suggesting that the turban posed any safety risks to either those who wear them or others on the field. Frot was also quoted as saying,

They can play in their backyard. But not with official referees, not in the official rules of soccer. They have no choice.

Frot later claimed this quote was a mistranslation.

The incident may have highlighted tensions that many minorities in Quebec claimed they have faced for years. André Pratte of La Presse wrote in the National Post:

Many Quebecers sincerely believe that the best way to encourage harmonious relationships between different cultural and religious groups is to have identical rules for everyone. If you want to play soccer, you must abide by the rules of soccer, including not wearing things that might be dangerous, such as a necklace (even if it features a cross). So it should be for the turban.

What some in Quebec quickly forget is that the Canadian constitution was built on the principle of exceptionalism, creating different rights and obligations for the French language and culture in light of an English and Protestant majority. That same principle often fails to be extended towards other minorities existing within that minority population.

Many of these conflicts will unfortunately find themselves in the court room. Prior to the ban being lifted several Sikh organizations were preparing legal challenges. Requiring, or rather imposing, the same rules for everyone, regardless of circumstances, is certain to foster further tensions in Quebec in the years to come, unless the province finds better leadership, and soon.