Finland’s football association offers free sports hijab to players in an attempt to boost diversity

Finland's football association has begun offering a free "sports hijab" to any player who wants one, in a move designed to attract a greater diversity of players into the sport.

So far, the FA has distributed "dozens" of the headscarves, which are made out of technical, stretchy fabric, Heidi Pihlaja, head of development of women and girls' football, told a section of the media.

Two 13-year-olds Kamila Nuh (L) and Nasro Bahnaan Hulbade wear the sports hijab for thier football training session at the MUP Stadium in Vantaa, Finland.

The hijab has made the sport more accessible to so many girls, which was primarily what the association wanted.

Although the overall response of the association's decision has been praised and lauded by many, many others have criticised the move saying it is bringing religion into the sport.

Finland had previously removed the word 'women' from the tournaments name to show equality to men and women playing the sport.