Iran were barred from the August 12-25, 2010 tournament because of a FIFA directive with regard to players’ equipment. As a result, Thailand were nominated to replace Iran.
FIFA decreed that the wearing of Islamic hijab was not in accordance with the laws of the game.
In a letter to the Iran Football Federation, FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke wrote: “…taking into consideration the clear position stated by the NOC of IR Iran, the FIFA Executive Committee had no choice but to take the decision that the IR Iran Football Federation will not be able to participate in the inaugural Youth Olympic Football Tournaments in Singapore.”
About 3,600 athletes aged between 14 and 18 will compete in 26 sports and cultural events during the Games.
