( CNN ) -- A top Asian football official has urged the game 's top law-making body to overturn a controversial ban on headscarves . Zhang Jilong , acting president of the Asian Football Confederation ( AFC ) requested the International Football Association Board ( IFAB ) review its ruling at their upcoming meeting in London on March 3 . `` I would like to request the IFAB to favorably consider FIFA 's proposal and review the rule and allow women players to play wearing a safe headscarf that covers the neck , '' Jilong said in a statement on the AFC website . Jilong , who is also a member of FIFA 's executive committee member said the review , which will be presented to the IFAB members by FIFA vice-president HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein , has the full backing of the AFC . Many women footballers in Asia wear headscarves , Jilong says while pointing out that many new designs of headscarf make safety far less of an issue . Soccer officials defend hijab ban . `` I have personally seen the new designs with a Velcro joined at the neck , which releases if the headscarf is pulled , ensuring the player 's safety , '' Jilong said . IFAB is `` the guardian of the Laws of the Game and is responsible for studying , modifying and overseeing any changes to it '' according to FIFA , football 's world governing body . FIFA banned the wearing of a headscarf or hijab on the field of play in 2007 and extended the safety rule to include neck warmers or snoods in July 2011 . Jilong says a review of the ruling would be in the interests of women 's football worldwide .
Acting president of Asian football demands FIFA rules - making body lift ##er ban . Zhang Jilong says new designs now available which ensure safety of a player . Meeting of IFAB scheduled to take place in London in early March .