Football Queensland is aware of the circumstances surrounding a match on Sunday, 29 August involving a player wearing a piece of religious jewellery, and has subsequently undertaken necessary investigations with the referee, participant and club into the matter.
Football remains the most welcoming and inclusive sport in Queensland, respectful and embracing of all cultures and religions and Football Queensland after liaising with Football Australia has determined the best course of action to ensure compliance with the IFAB Laws of the Game and the safety of all football participants across the state.
Law 4 is explicit in its intent and Football Queensland reaffirms that no items of jewellery of any kind are permitted to be worn while participating in affiliated matches and must be removed prior to participation in a match.
The safety of all participants remains paramount to Football Queensland and the application of Law 4 across Football Queensland competitions is vital to this.
Part of Law 4 states: A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous. All items of jewellery (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, leather bands, rubber bands, etc.) are forbidden and must be removed. Using tape to cover jewellery is not permitted.
We ask that club officials, team managers and coaches assist referees by ensuring every participant is meeting the requirements of Law 4 prior to entering the field of play.
In line with the IFAB Laws of the Game, Football Queensland referees have the authority to ask any player to remove any form of jewellery or other pieces of equipment that are deemed to be dangerous. The circumstances of Sunday, 29 August fall into this category.
Football Queensland is continuing to work with the player, club and referee involved in the recent incident to ensure they are supported moving forward.