Iran girls' soccer team may miss Singapore event

[July 08, 2010]  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) --  Iran may not send its girls' soccer team to the Youth Olympics in Singapore next month because of a dispute over the players' Islamic attire.

The deputy head of Iran's physical education department, Marzieh Akbarabadi, was quoted by Iranian media on Thursday as saying the newly designed dress was "inappropriate."

She said the outfit isn't what was agreed on and Iran doesn't "need to send its team to Singapore at any cost."

The outfit was supposed to be a compromise with football governing body FIFA, which has banned traditional hijab headscarves.

The outfit consists of a cap similar to what swimmers wear, long-sleeved thick tops, below-knee trousers and long stockings.

The new white dress has red-and-green details in Iranian flag colors and was created by Iranian designers. It was unveiled during a practice session on Wednesday, which Akbarabadi left in protest.

Iran is due to play in the six-nation football tournament in Singapore. About 3,600 athletes, ages 14-18, will compete Aug. 12-25 in 26 sports at the inaugural Youth Games.

[Associated Press]

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