Iran to ease ban on women attending sports matches
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 4 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran to ease ban on women attending sports matches, 4 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9dca15.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 04, 2015
Spectators hold up a banner during an international friendly soccer match between Sweden and Iran in Stockholm on March 31.
Iranian authorities say they will partially lift a ban on women attending men's sports matches.
The official IRNA news agency quoted Deputy Sports Minister Abdolhamid Ahmadi as saying on April 4 that Iran's State Security Council had approved a plan by his ministry to allow women and families to attend some sports events.
Ahmadi added that women won't be allowed to attend all "types of sport," without elaborating.
He also said the new policy will come into effect during this Iranian year, which ends in March 2016.
In March, FIFA President Sepp Blatter urged Iran to end the "intolerable" ban on women watching soccer games in stadiums.
Women in Iran were banned from attending sports events after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but some exceptions have since been made.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
