The debate on wearing the veil continues to inflame the sports sphere. It’s worth noting that seeing Mahyar Monshipour, former world boxing champion, verbally challenge Teddy Riner, the XXL judo champion, is enough to provoke some nervous laughter. Thus, locker rooms buzz with anecdotes more outlandish than an amateur boxing match.
Teddy Riner, the giant at the heart of the dojo
In an interview given during the Bartoli Time show on RMC, Teddy Riner demonstrated his legendary calm. He stated: "I believe that in France, we waste our time on things, and above all, we use certain things to shine a light where it shouldn’t be." Furthermore, he added: "Let’s think more about equality than focusing on a single religion." Some saw it as a call to relax. Others heard a verbal "Osaekomi," holding the debate on the ground.
Mahyar Monshipour, audacity in gloves
In response to these remarks, Mahyar Monshipour countered as if he were in the ring. He declared: “Today, I tell those who don’t know to shut up, it’s very clear. Teddy, you don’t know the subject, don’t get involved.” His verbal uppercut left no one indifferent. One wonders if the courage to challenge a colossus deserves a medal. Or at least a performance bonus.
Monshipour insists: according to him, the veil is a symbol of a religious ideology limiting women’s freedom. Thus, allowing this sign in sports would be like letting an opponent enter the ring with a hook already armed. It’s clear that tensions are rising.
Laws, secularism, and grumpy referees
France, with its strict secularism, is wary of confusions between the republican ring and religion. Since 2004, a law has banned conspicuous religious symbols in public schools. Recently, a text aiming to ban the veil from sports competitions passed through the Senate. Some see it as an opportunity to uphold neutrality. Others denounce it as an unfair penalty. The referee, often represented by the Constitutional Council, has yet to deliver its verdict. We await the gong.
Les Hijabeuses, a collective determined not to throw in the towel
In this fierce match, the collective Les Hijabeuses steps onto the field. Founded in 2020, this group of female football players advocates for the right to wear the veil in competition. They believe that the ban imposed by the French Football Federation (FFF) excludes them without valid reason. Thus, they wield legal arguments like right hooks. Their desire for inclusion ruffles some defenders of strict secularism. Yet, their popularity grows like a chant from passionate supporters.
Politicians always ready to step into the media ring
On the political side, the differences resemble an intensive training session. Édouard Philippe, former Prime Minister, believes that a total ban would be contrary to secularism in France. He reminds that state neutrality does not imply absolute surveillance of locker rooms. Conversely, Bruno Retailleau, president of the Les Républicains group in the Senate, supports the ban. He sees the veil as a symbol of submission incompatible with republican values. Thus, each sends the other back to their corner, ready to return for the next round.
A survey that sets the mood
According to figures published in March 2025, 73% of French people would approve of banning the veil in sports. However, the younger generation sees things differently. Those aged 18-24 consider the idea somewhat outdated. Thus, it’s a bit like choosing between a straight punch and a roundhouse kick: everyone has their style.
Some historical roots to spice things up
Since the 1905 law, France has not taken lightly the separation between the state and religions. However, seeing religious symbols on a football field or tatami sparks increasingly epic debates. The country evolves, society diversifies. Some speak of inclusion, others of sacred neutrality. The public, meanwhile, hesitates between applauding or calling foul.
Towards a KO or a draw?
The veil, in this controversy, serves as a pretext for a verbal joust as passionate as a boxing match. In the middle are athletes seeking above all to score points and inspire their supporters. The purists of secularism observe, gloves clenched, ready to block any religious trip-up. The proponents of openness, on the other hand, play the feint of evasion. As a result, everyone awaits the final judge.
A recurring controversy
The debate on the sports veil seems set for a few more rounds. It pits Teddy Riner, tatami colossus, against Mahyar Monshipour, courageous boxer, not to mention the collective Les Hijabeuses. Each brandishes their convictions as if fighting for a world title of secularism or freedom.
Thus, France, with its legislative punching bag, attempts to reconcile its long secular tradition with its desire for inclusion. We await the moment when the final gong will sound. Until then, it’s best to adjust your mouthguard and prepare for yet another twist. After all, sports are full of dramatic turns. Here, it’s the law attempting the final uppercut. If the public wants links to sources, they just have to look for the official texts. At the next match, Paris-Bercy or elsewhere, we might see a new champion ready to reignite the fight.
