Muslim girls in Alberta will be allowed to wear hijabs while playing soccer, ending the latest battle over religious clothing in sports.

Controversy erupted last month after 14-year-old Safaa Menhem wasn't allowed to finish a game with her under-16 team in Calgary because a referee said her hijab was unsafe.

The hijab is a head scarf worn by some Muslim women in keeping with the Qur'anic directive that they dress modestly.

While soccer officials insisted the decision wasn't about religion, Muslim groups quickly expressed concerns about discrimination.

The Alberta Soccer Association issued a temporary ban on hijabs while it looked at the issue.

Under a ruling announced Tuesday, the association said players will be allowed on the soccer pitch if they're wearing a sports-friendly hijab approved by the game's referee. [Link]