Saudi Arabia sent their first two female Olympians to the London 2012 Olympics, expecting them to be allowed to adhere to their Islamic beliefs which include wearing a headscarf.

However, the International Judo Federation recently stated the Saudi judoka, Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani, would not be allowed to wear a headscarf due to safety concerns.

This has raised concern with the Saudi officials and they have threatened to withdraw their female competitors from the Olympics if the rule is not overturned.