The world football governing body, FIFA, has officially authorised the use of head covers for religious reasons during football matches.
The ruling, which will apply to both male and female players, was made following a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Zurich.
The secretary general of FIFA, Jarome Valcke said: “It was decided that female players can cover their heads to play. Male players can play with head covers too. It will be a basic head cover and the colour should be the same as the team jersey.”
The rule change, which will come into effect from June 1, 2014 amends Law 4 of the game, which relates to players’ equipment.
Iran’s women team protested not being allowed to wear headscarves in 2011, and withdrew from an Olympic qualification match against Jordan in protest at not being allowed to wear headscarves.
Canada has also asked for the ban on the wearing of turbans to be lifted.
FIFA had claimed the “wearing of head covers while playing competitive football posed too great a risk of injury to the head or neck.”
However, following a request from the Asian Football Confederation, the IFAB allowed for their safety to be tested during the trial.
The two-year trial which started in 2012 has proved successful.
