Since 1979, Iran has maintained a ban on women from attending sports stadiums. Thanks to FIFA’S president, Gianni Infantino, that may soon be changing.
Iran’s ban is “unacceptable” and must be alleviated, Infantino said, according to CNN.
This is no light news. Iranian women may soon be able to step into football stadiums and have their first, massive, live sporting experience. A privilege women and men all over the world have been entitled to their whole life.
Infantino said in a statement that FIFA’s position is “clear and firm.” He certainly hasn’t beaten around the bush with his word choice.
Sure, FIFA has had some pretty big problems over their own over the years. But this is a big step forward for the game, the fans, and women’s rights.
It hasn’t just been Infantino advocating for the ban to be lifted – Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch were the ones to call on FIFA, and for good reason.
Before these governing bodies were advocating for Iranian women’s’ rights, an Iranian woman, Esteghlal Khodayari, was protesting. A few weeks ago, Khodayari set herself on fire and took her own life after her court case was adjourned. She was facing charges for “openly committing a sinful act” by “appearing in public without a hijab” and trying to enter a stadium “dressed as a man” in March, according to Amnesty International.
Khodayari’s suicide, while coming across as a protest, was apparently also related to a mental illness, her father told Fars News agency.
The Iranian Football Federation and Iran’s government are yet to comment but there’s no doubt they’re feeling the pressure. It’ll be hard to justify a ban like this now that the world’s watching closely.
Infantino said he’s expecting “positive developments” to begin in time for Iran’s next home match on October 10.
