Canadian Soccer Association suspends Quebec federation over turban ban

MONTREAL – The Canadian Soccer Association says it has suspended a provincial association over its refusal to let turban-wearing children play.

The organization said Monday it had to intervene because the Quebec Soccer Federation showed no sign of overturning its decision to restrict turban-wearing Sikhs from the pitch.

The national organization said last week it expected the Quebec association to reverse the ban, which has drawn international coverage and condemnation from several federal politicians.

Quebec's federation says it's concerned about safety and points out that the rules of the world governing body, FIFA, don't specifically allow turbans.

Critics of the Quebec decision point out that FIFA's rules don't explicitly ban turbans, either.

The Canadian association says it will lift the suspension once it has proof the Quebec federation has revoked the ban.