Iran allowed entry football fans to the stadium for the match of the national team, a friendly match against Russia (1-1 draw), the first time in more than a year.
| Fountain: AFP
The bout was watched by hundreds of Iranian women who cheered for the national team, known as “Team Melli”, on Azadi stadium from the capital of Tehran.
| Fountain: AFP
“I came from the city of Neushabur (northeast) for the love of Team Melli. I have been on the road for twelve hours now,” said Fatemé, a 29-year-old student. “I am very happy that women can come and see our national team,” she added.
| Fountain: AFP
Last March, even though women were allowed to buy tickets for a qualifying match world Cup against Lebanon, were repulsed at the entrance to imam reza stadium, in the city of Mahdad (northwest), as some officials believed there had been “mismanagement”. However, in January 2022, for the first time in nearly three years, women were allowed to attend an international match, a World Cup qualifier against Iraq.
| Fountain: AFP
Thursday’s game took place amid protests following the September 16 death Mahsa AminiA 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman arrested three days earlier by police for violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code.
| Fountain: AFP
For more than 40 years, the Islamic Republic has banned female spectators from attending football matches altogether. football. Religion, which plays a big role in decision-making in the regime, believes that women should be protected from the male atmosphere and, therefore, from the opportunity to see players in sportswear with a visible part of the body.
| Fountain: AFP
The International Football Federation (FIFA) ordered Iran in September 2019 to allow women unrestricted access to stadiums following the death of a female fan who blew herself up for fear of being arrested for trying to attend a match.
| Fountain: AFP
Hundreds of people were killed, including dozens of members of the security forces, and thousands were arrested for taking part in demonstrations that authorities called “riots” provoked by USA and their allies.
| Fountain: AFP
Source: RPP
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