New Delhi: The ongoing struggle for women in Iran to attend sporting events has been at large since 1981, after the Iranian Revolution. Restrictive principles and ideas have been a focal concern for the development of football in the country, even though Iran is one of the strongest footballing sides in the Middle East. Female fans have campaigned and protested against the ban for over four decades, and the issue is looking to finally attain a progressing resolution. 3,000 female fans attended a football match between Persepolis and Esteghlal in December 2023, indicating a developing culture that includes women.
TEHRAN, IRAN – OCTOBER 10: Iranian Women’s fans react during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Iran and Cambodia at Azadi Stadium on October 10, 2019 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Amin M. Jamali/Getty Images)
Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lifted the ban in 2006, claiming it would “promote chastity.” However, the nation’s supreme leader reversed the decision within a month. Though not a written law, the ban is enforced by Iran’s ‘morality police’ under Sharia law.
In 2018, Gianni Infantino watched from the stands as 35 women were detained outside Azadi Stadium for attempting to enter. According to Seyed Salman Samani, a spokesman for the Iranian interior ministry, the women were not arrested but taken to a “proper place” by police. Campaigners criticised Infantino for attending the match without addressing the issue publicly. Former FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, had called on Iranian officials to end the ban in 2015, declaring, “This cannot continue. Therefore, my appeal to the Iranian authorities, open the nation’s football stadiums to women.”
A group of 22 Iranian women played football in Westminster yesterday in a protest against the human rights abuses of the Islamic Republic regime ahead of the #WorldCup
There have been widespread protests in Iran since the murder of #MahsaAmini on 16 September#Iran pic.twitter.com/2xcAe7C7Iu
— London Live (@LondonLive) November 20, 2022
In a recent development, FIFA has stated that the football governing body has witnessed a significant wave of progress regarding the issue in Iran. FIFA spokesperson stated to The Atheltic, “This progress has been gradual, with international matches, then domestic league matches in Tehran, and finally more and more domestic league matches across Iran now seeing women in attendance,”. The statement was issued by FIFA due to a rise of claims that Iran is still condemning and stopping female fans from entering stadiums and watching matches.
According to FIFA, the Iranian Football Association has recently worked diligently to add sections for female fans to witness and watch matches from inside the stadium. FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted on Instagram following the Tehran derby, noting that progress is being made on the issue due to ongoing discussions between FIFA and the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (FFIRI). He shared his gratitude to the FFIRI for helping FIFA realise the dream. “Thanks to the ongoing dialogue between FIFA and the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), progress is being made.”, said the FIFA President.
In a recent development, FIFA has stated that the football governing body has witnessed a significant wave of progress regarding the issue in Iran. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
