A football coach and refugee advocate was prevented from playing because she wears tracksuit bottoms rather than shorts, which she says compromises her religious beliefs.
Iqra Ismail, who captained Somalia in 2019 and established Hilltop FC, told BBC London the issue arose when she signed for Regent's Park grassroots team United Dragons FC.
The 24-year-old from west London was expected to play her first game on Sunday against an east London team.
"I was warmed up, I was ready to go," she said.
"I came on at half time and the referee told me that I wouldn't be able to play unless I was wearing shorts.
"I have been playing the same league for nearly five years wearing the same tracksuit bottoms and I've never worn shorts playing competitively.
"I told him that I wasn't comfortable wearing shorts in any capacity.
"It was a shock to me that the referee took such a strong stance of it.
"I was very visibly upset as the game was going on, my teammates and the manager were very supportive. Everyone has been devastated."
Ms Ismail, who has played football since she was eight, said she has always worn a long sleeve top, the team's shirt, a sports hijab and tracksuit bottoms as well as shin pads and other necessary equipment.
