FIFA says it will allow the Iranian girls football team to compete at the Youth Olympics as long as its players swap their traditional head scarves for a cap that covers their hair.

The compromise comes after FIFA initially barred the team from participating last month over its insistence on wearing head scarves.

FIFA barred hijab scarves - which protect the modesty of Islamic girls and women - in 2007 for safety reasons and to prevent political or religious statements on the field.

Iran will compete in a six-nation tournament for girls at the games being held August 12-25 in Singapore.

Around 3,600 athletes aged 14-18 will compete in 26 sports at the inaugural Youth Summer Games.

AP