Iran: Women finally allowed to enter football stadium after decades

It was a historic moment in Iran's history as Iranian women were finally allowed to enter the Azadi stadium in Tehran. After years of conservative rules and suppression, women bought tickets to a football match that saw their national team beat Cambodia with a 14-0 scoreline in a world cup qualifying match. 

A historic moment

The incident witnessed women cheering on Iran by waving their national flags, shouting in support from a section specially reserved for women in the stadium.

 

The match also saw the women chanting "blue girl" to honour the girl who died protesting for her rights as a woman. 

In the events that preceded the historic moment, women were forbidden to enter football stadiums and watch men play since the 1979 Islamic revolution but a "message" from FIFA and human rights activists, concerned authorities relented and provided for a clear passage for their women to enter football stadiums. 

Read: FIFA Organises Iran Visit To 'assess Preparations' For Female Fans

FIFA's move against conservative culture

In order to tackle the ban, world governing body, FIFA, had sent its representatives to analyze the progress with reference to the preparations that were being made to allow women to watch Iran's match against Cambodia. The organisation had wanted to avoid another incident such as the one where a girl immolated herself in front of a court in protest against Iranian authorities to let women inside stadiums. 

Read: Iran Women Can Now Watch Football In Stadiums

"Blue girl"

Sahar Khodayari had feared for her life as she was scared that a jail term was imminent for her by the Iranian court after she was caught entering a football stadium dressed as a man. Sahar was given the title of the "blue girl" because of her favourite club, Esteghal.

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A sparse attendance

According to reports, while the Azadi stadium has a seating capacity of around 80,000 people, only an estimated 4000 women watched the match. Although, there were a few women who were allowed to enter without tickets provided that they maintained the set 'decorum'.

A short term decision?

While human rights activists have acknowledged Iran's decision, they are still unsure if such a historic moment will continue in the near future or not. In addition to this, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, asked the concerned authorities in Iran to allow their women to watch every match instead of making it a rare occurrence in a football-loving country. 

Read: FIFA Shares Throwback Video Of David Beckham's Epic 2001 Free Kick

(With inputs from agencies)