O FIFA 23the world’s leading electronic football game, announced last Wednesday, the 9th, the addition of hijab, traditional islamic veil which covers the head and neck, but reveals the face, to the customizable accessories of the digital avatars of the athletes present in the game.

The implementation of the part occurs due to the Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina, 25 years. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, she became the first player to wear the hijab in the history of the tournament.

Prior to the addition of the garment, the Benzina model was not available in the game mode which simulates the 2023 World Cup.

In addition to being historic, the law was also considered a significant step forward in the discussion of freedom and women’s clothing in sport. The use of hijab is controversial in sports. FIFA has banned the use of clothing such as hats, caps and hijab. The entity claimed that the ban was motivated by “reasons of health and safety” of the athletes.

The policy, which was created in 2007, was heavily criticized by players and athletes, who saw the ban as a prejudicial and intolerant attitude towards a different culture. After much pressure, FIFA abolished the rule in 2014.

The coin’s inclusion in the game was celebrated by gamers and netizens. Canadian Mariam Kourabi, who wears a hijab and maintains a Twitter profile dedicated to women’s football, celebrated the achievement by stressing the representative significance of the change.

“His impact on the big stages has already reached the biggest game in sport,” she said, posting a photo where she played with Morocco in FIFA 23. “And of course I played with the Moroccan national team and it is obvious that they scored a goal”.