BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A Muslim college wrestler in New York who chose to sit on the sidelines rather than shave his beard has been granted a waiver that will allow him to compete with the facial hair.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations on Monday praised the NCAA’s decision in the case of University at Buffalo wrestler Muhamed McBryde.

NCAA rules say that wrestlers must be clean shaven. But McBryde says shaving his beard would compromise his faith. He missed nearly a whole season of competition because of the conflict.

In April, the NCAA Wrestling Rules Committee said McBryde could compete with a beard during the 2014-15 season, as long as he wears a face mask and chin strap to cover it.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.