This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Iran has been under intense scrutiny following the tragic death of a young football fan who set herself ablaze after being arrested for trying to defy a ban on women in stadiums.
Sahar Khodayari, 30, was reportedly arrested early last year when she tried to enter a stadium in Tehran dressed as a man to watch her favourite team, Esteghlal FC.
Her father, Heidar Ali Khodayari, revealed that his daughter had a neurological disorder and that her actions were influenced by friends.
"My daughter had a neurological disorder and that day she became very angry, insulting and fought with law enforcement officers," he said, quoted by Mehr news agency.
Iran has barred Iranian women spectators from football and other stadiums since 1981, with clerics arguing they must be protected from the masculine atmosphere and sight of semi-clad men.
However, the ban has been widely criticized, with many calling for it to be lifted. FIFA has also come under pressure to take action, with a deadline of August 31 given to Iran to allow women to attend qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.
Despite this, the Iranian government has only recently agreed to allow women to attend sports events, with a government spokesman saying that women can take part in all national games.
