This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Iran's female soccer fans have been making headlines in recent weeks due to their determination to watch men's soccer matches, despite being banned from stadiums since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
On match days, Iranian women can be found in Tehran's shopping centers and cafes, cheering on their national team alongside male fans on giant television screens.
According to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's chief of staff, Mahmoud Vaezi, women will be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence are curbed.
"We don't see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable," Vaezi told state television on [September 11, 2019].
Government spokesman Ali Rabiei also stated that women would be present at Iran's game with Cambodia, with their presence expected to increase step by step.
The move is seen as a first step towards opening national games to women, with FIFA officials expected to visit Iran on Wednesday as part of preparations for Iran's World Cup qualifying games.
Iran is under pressure from soccer's governing body FIFA to change its stance on women's exclusion from men's soccer matches.
