A group of sports federations from Muslim-majority countries said on Monday that France鈥檚 move to bar its Olympic athletes from wearing the hijab would 鈥渟end a message of exclusion.鈥� 

The 57-member Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF), based in the Saudi capital Riyadh, voiced 鈥減rofound concern鈥� over the French decision, which was taken in line with the country鈥檚 strict rules on secularism. 

French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said last month the French government was opposed to any display of religious symbols during sporting events. 

鈥淲hat does that mean? That means a ban on any type of proselytising. That means absolute neutrality in public services,鈥� she told France 3 television. 

鈥淭he France team will not wear the headscarf.鈥� 

The ISSF said in its statement on Monday that the hijab was 鈥渁n aspect of many Muslim women鈥檚 identity and should be respected,鈥� adding that the French ban could prevent some French Muslim athletes from competing. 

鈥淭he Olympics have historically celebrated diversity, unity and athletic excellence,鈥� the statement said. 

鈥淏y implementing a hijab ban for their athletes, a host would send a message of exclusion, intolerance and discrimination that goes against the Olympic spirit.鈥� 

The statement urged French authorities 鈥渢o reconsider this ban鈥� and called for 鈥渕eaningful engagement with the Muslim sports community in France.鈥� 

The ISSF was founded in 1985 to serve members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, based in the Saudi city of Jeddah, 鈥渋n all aspects of sports activities,鈥� according to its website. 

It has organized five editions of the Islamic Solidarity Games, most recently last year in Turkiye. 

The UN human rights office has not addressed France鈥檚 hijab ban for its athletes directly, but a spokeswoman said last week that 鈥渘o-one should impose on a woman what she needs to wear or not wear.鈥�