Iranian women allowed to watch football at stadium for first time in decades
(The Guardian Iran)

Women free to watch World Cup qualifier after ban liftsThose attending in Tehran will be segregated from menIranian women will be able to enter a football stadium on Thursday for the first time in decades, after Fifa threatened to suspend the Islamic republic over its controversial male-only policy. Iran has barred female spectators from football and other stadiums for around 40 years, with clerics arguing they must be shielded from the masculine atmosphere and sight of semi-clad men.World football´s governing body last month ordered Iran to allow women access to stadiums without restrictions and in numbers determined by demand for tickets. The directive came after a fan dubbed `Blue Girl` died after setting herself on fire in fear of being jailed for dressing up as a boy in order to attend a match. Related: Grotesque tragedy unlikely to shame Fifa into action over Iran´s ban on female fans | Marina Hyde Related: Death of Blue Girl shines light on women`s rights in Iran | Samantha Lewis Continue reading...