Rule change will allow headgear during basketball games

Members of basketball's governing body had a chance to see players wearing the hijab, which could be allowed permanently if a rule to permit religious headgear is approved during FIBA's midterm congress on Thursday or Friday.

Under Iran's strict Islamic norms, male fans are barred from attending women's sporting events, but many are pushing to change that practice.

[...] FIBA's congress will vote to approve eliminating a longstanding ban on religious headgear in competition, clearing the way for athletes to wear hijabs, turbans and yarmulkes on the court starting in October.

According to FIBA, headgear was banned for safety reasons two decades ago out of fear it could fall off, causing a player to slip or become entangled.