'There’s nothing in this world that I love more than soccer. Please let me play.' via AP
In this Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019 photo, Sudanese al-Difaa, in yellow, and al-Sumood women teams play in Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city, Sudan. The women's soccer league has become a field of contention as Sudan grapples with the transition from three decades of authoritarian rule that espoused a strict interpretation of Islamic Shariah law.
Transitional authorities have taken some steps to roll back the legacy of ousted President Omar al-Bashir. In November, they overturned a notorious “public order” law that the prime minister said had been used as a “tool of exploitation, humiliation,” resulting in “atrocities” against women and youth. Rights defenders call it a step in the right direction, but say the fight is far from over.
He also denounced the youth and sports minister, a woman, saying she “doesn’t believe in what we believe in” and is a follower of “an apostate” — comments that sparked a legal battle between him and the minister. Yousif and his supporters “tend to occupy the most uncompromising end of the religious spectrum in Sudan.”
Preparations for the league began more than a year ago in line with the objectives of the international soccer federation FIFA, said Mervat Hussein, head of the women’s soccer committee at the Sudan Football Association. The efforts accelerated after al-Bashir’s removal, she said. FIFA, which sets criteria for developing women’s soccer, says member associations have objectives to meet to obtain funding.
Al-Difaa player Fatima Gadal said in the past players sometimes used their own money to buy balls and gear. At times, she skipped buying food to afford bus fare to go play. “We were very much so on the margins.” On the field, most players wear leggings under their shorts, but otherwise are in regular soccer kit, and many don’t cover their hair.
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