Previous rules had banned any headgear and hair accessories in basketball, in what FIBA said was a safety issue. “The new rule comes as a result of the fact that traditional dress codes in some countries - which called for the head and/or entire body being covered - were incompatible with FIBA's previous headgear rule," FIBA said in a statement. FIBA’s decision follows a trend by international governing bodies to allow professional athletes to practice their religious beliefs while pursuing their athletic careers. Last week, US boxing officials announced religious wear would be exempt from their rules on headgear. FIFA allowed religious headwear in 2014.

Source: Egypt Independent May 07, 2017 12:45 UTC