Ottawa, Canada (June 12, 2013): June 10, 2013 official release of Canadian Soccer Association suspending the Quebec Soccer Federation, that had banned turbaned Sikh players from playing soccer, reads as follows:

Canadian Soccer Association suspends Quebec Soccer Federation

10 June 2013

The Canadian Soccer Association Board of Directors on Monday 10 June 2013 moved to immediately suspend the Quebec Soccer Federation for their non-compliance to the directive of allowing the wearing of turbans/patkas/keski by soccer players.

“The Canadian Soccer Association has requested on 6 June that the Quebec Soccer Federation reverse its position on turbans/patkas/keski with no resolution,” said Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association, following the Board of Directors meeting. “The Quebec Soccer Federation’s inaction has forced us to take measures in order to ensure soccer remains accessible to the largest number of Canadians.”

The suspension will be lifted once the Canadian Soccer Association receives demonstration that the Quebec Soccer Federation has lifted the ban and applies satisfactorily the Canadian Soccer Association’s policy in the matter.