Iran-Syria soccer game surrounded by major controversy
Iranian authorities stir controversy by allowing Syrian women to attend a soccer World Cup qualifier while refusing to let in Iranian women.
Iranian authorities’ move to stop Iranian women from entering the Tehran stadium where the Sept. 5 soccer match between Iran and Syria was held has stirred controversy as Syrian women were let in to enjoy the game.
On Sept. 2, when ticket sales began on a website for the Iran-Syria 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a new choice was available — women as well as men were allowed to buy tickets.
This caused a stir as women in Iran aren’t allowed to enter soccer stadiums to watch games; some officials say that cursing and a number of other possible “immoral” actions by male fans may offend women.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Soccer Federation said there was no plan for allowing women to enter the stadium. Despite this statement, many women had apparently bought tickets to watch their national team.
