Iran, Football and Human Rights

Crime: Men playing against Women

Women playing football in Iran

Last week in Tehran, Iran had its first mixed sex football match in over 30 years (since the Islamic Revolution). It was a friendly match of men against women. The game took place on January 20th between the Esteghlal soccer club’s male youth team and female youth team.

For many of us this does not strike us as being something unusual or worthy of punishment, however for Iran this was a serious crime.  Iran operate under strict Islamic rules which ban any physical contact between unrelated men and women, including physical contact that might occur on a football pitch. Iranian women are even banned from attending football (soccer) games when male teams play. I guess the fact that I played on a men’s team for over a year means that I have committed a very serious crime. Even worse I am a coach for a all male team of which many of the players are Iranian.

Punishment: Suspension and Fines

The Iranian Soccer Club reported that as punishment for this crime they had suspended three officials involved and handed out fines of up to $5,000.

Take time to read this article that was published online at Iran Sports Press and share your thoughts on what is happening.