Iranian women have been banned from entering Tehran’s Azadi stadium for over four decades. This was because clerics argued that “they must be shielded from the masculine atmosphere” and also the sight of “semi-clad men” On Thursday, Iran played Cambodia to qualify for the World Cup. For the first time since 1981, the women of Iran were able to go watch a soccer game alongside their male colleagues, but it wasn’t easy reaching this success.

  According to the New York Times, a passionate advocate for women’s rights in Iran, Sahar Khodayari, was arrested last month after trying to enter the stadium disguised as a man. Khodayari publicly protested, which also cost her life. This caused the world to turn their attention to Iran and its segregation towards women. 

  “Women need to be allowed to enter football matches freely,” FIFA said, directing towards the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI). 

  Although Iran has finally allowed for the attendance of women into their soccer games, limitations are still put upon the women. Having to park separately from the main parking lot, going through their own gate, and only being allowed to sit in a specific section of the Azadi stadium are only some of these restrictions that were placed.

  Even with these limitations, Iranian women had high spirits, as 3,500 tickets available for them immediately sold out for the Iran versus Cambodia game on Oct. 10. Dressed in the Iranian flag colors—green, white, and red—the women were crowding the stadium by the minute!

  When inside, the women of Iran inevitably took their chance to shout demands for more freedom, but they were quickly put down by the stadium guards. The government of Iran tried to claim credits for this momentous occasion in their history saying it was all internal efforts, but the people of Iran were quick to refute their statement worldwide.

  Nonetheless, women were dominating the spirit aspect during the game. Some, for the first time, cheered for their nation’s soccer team. Many were seen crying of joy of just seeing the stadium in person and taking countless pictures to forever cherish the moment.

  Iran ended up winning 14-0 to Cambodia that game. It can be said that this positive step forward for Iranian women was ultimately good luck for their team as well!

Panja, Tariq. “Iranian Women Allowed to Attend Soccer Game for First Time Since 1981.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 Oct. 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/10/sports/soccer/iran-women.html.

France-Presse, Agence. “Iranian Women Allowed to Watch Football at Stadium for First Time in Decades.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/oct/09/iranian-women-allowed-to-watch-football-at-stadium-for-first-time-in-decades.