In an unprecedented move, an Iranian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports official announced recently that women and their families would be allowed to attend football stadiums in the future.
Iran’s ban on women in public stadiums, first instated after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, decreed that mixed crowds enjoying games was deemed un-Islamic by religious scholars, but recently has come under recent criticism from international sporting federations including FIFA.
Sepp Blatter, the president of FIFA, called the situation “intolerable” and as a consequence this may be one of the reasons why Iran’s bid to host the 2019 AFC Asian Cup was not been permitted.
“Nothing has happened, a collective stadium ban still applies to women in Iran. This cannot continue. Hence my appeal to the Iranian authorities: Open the nation’s football stadiums to women,” Blatter said.
As a result of the ban, football federations around the world threatened to boycott Iranian teams from their tournaments and friendly matches, a decision that would have far-reaching effects on the development of football in the country.
The decision to lift the ban, however, must be confirmed by the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, which is responsible for Iran’s cultural policies and may limit women to a segregated area, but even this would be a timely move forward for President Hassan Rouhani, who has been trying to adjust outdated laws.
Ranked number one in Asia, Team Melli attracted the attention of the world’s media when players were reprimanded from home after having pictures taken with Iranian-born Australian citizens at the 2015 Asian Cup.
A more relaxed football fan philosophy may ensue after the Iranian Deputy Sports Minister reported a more family orientated sporting culture, especially for those sports where the athlete’s bodies are appropriately covered with uniforms or playing attire.
Iran is one of the few countries in the world where women are barred from attending sporting events and a number of women’s rights activists have fought for equal access, even being prepared to go to jail for their beliefs.
With this ban lifted, it is possible that Iran will be permitted to host future football international tournaments, much to the appreciation of Team Melli fans who for so long have been denied.
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