Via Guardian:

Libya’s international woman’s football team, already under threat from religious extremists, has been banned from taking part in a major tournament next week by the country’s sporting authorities.

In a move likely to raise questions about its commitment to equal rights, Libya’s football association told the team it cannot fly to Germany on Saturday, citing concerns that it takes place within the holy month of Ramadan.

“The federation said you cannot play in Germany because of the need for fasting,” said midfielder Hadhoum el-Alabed. “We want to go but they say you cannot go.” […]

Threats from Islamist radicals have already forced the team to train in secret, constantly switching venues and deploying armed guards.

In June Ansar al-Sharia, the militia linked by some with the killing of the US ambassador, Chris Stevens, in Benghazi last September, issued a statement saying it “severely condemned” women’s football

“This is something we cannot have because it does not confirm with sharia law,” it said. “It invites women to show off and wear clothes that are inappropriate.”

Salim Jabar, one of Libya’s most popular television preachers, has demanded the women’s team disband, saying it was against the strictures of Islam.