Ladies football uproar

Islamists slam Kuwaiti women's football team... Discuss this article

Islamist MPs in Kuwait have demanded the minister of social affairs and labour launch a full-scale investigation into the participation of the Kuwait women's football team in a tournament in Abu Dhabi.

The team, which was participating in an Asian championship in the UAE capital, lost 0-17 to the Palestinian team. However, according to the Kuwait Times, hardline MPs stand against any outdoor sports activity for women.

"The participation of the women's team in a tournament outside the country defies the teachings of Islam and is against the nature and physique of women," one Islamist lawmaker said.

The 3rd West Asian Women Soccer Tournament marks the first time that the Kuwaiti women's team has featured in a tournament. The team's other opponents in Group B are UAE, with the top two teams from each group moving on to the second round. However, Islamists in the Gulf state are demanding the team withdraw.

"The minister should investigate and punish officials responsible for the participation of the women's team," Islamist MP Mohammed Hayef said after the match, according to the newspaper.