FIFA welcomed female fans at a Hazfi Cup match in Mashhad, signaling a significant development for women’s access to sports in Iran. The presence of female fans marked a positive step following years of restrictions on women attending soccer events in the country. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the event as encouraging, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in football worldwide.
Women in Iran have faced long-standing bans from attending sporting events, with few exceptions since the 1979 revolution. The attendance of female fans at the Mashhad match showed gradual change, aligning with FIFA’s push for universal access to football. Infantino highlighted that allowing women into stadiums represents progress in opening the sport to all.
The Hazfi Cup game featured lower-league teams Nassaji Mazandaran and Shahid Ghandi Yazd. Only a limited number of female fans attended, reflecting ongoing restrictions, but the development drew international attention. Human rights organizations had previously reported that women were forcibly prevented from watching major World Cup qualifiers, underscoring the significance of this event.
Infantino has consistently pursued engagement with Iran’s football authorities and national leadership. He cited previous milestones, including top-flight matches in Isfahan and Tehran, where thousands of women attended. These measures demonstrate FIFA’s strategy of dialogue and incremental change rather than sanctions.
Experts note that these steps carry both social and political implications. Expanding women’s access to football can foster broader gender equality while improving Iran’s international image. Furthermore, integrating female fans into major sporting events strengthens football’s global mission of inclusivity.
FIFA remains committed to expanding access in Iran and other regions where attendance restrictions persist. Infantino expressed hope for continued progress, stressing that football should be available to everyone. Iran’s qualification for the upcoming World Cup in North America adds urgency to ensuring that fans, including women, can fully participate in the sport.
Observers expect that incremental improvements may continue, with more female fans gaining entry to stadiums in the near future. FIFA’s focus on engagement and oversight suggests ongoing support for these developments. The organization maintains that inclusive football benefits players, fans, and the wider sporting community globally.