Email |  Print | RSS | Comment |  

 Email |  Print

Sat, Jan 22, 2011 | CNN | By Reza Sayah

Iranian women cheering on their women’s national soccer team in a match against Germany in 2006. Iranian women are banned to watch men's soccer matches in stadiums in Iran.

Iran Bans Women from Watching Live Broadcasts of Soccer Matches

The Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) reported that Iranian authorities have ordered a ban on women from watching live broadcasts of soccer matches at public movie theaters.

A state police agency that monitors Iranian businesses called for the ban because “the presence of women and families at movie theaters increases security risks and inappropriate behavior,” ILNA reported.

Iran’s national soccer team has advanced to the quarterfinals in this year’s Asian Cup by winning all of their group matches. Movie theaters in Iran’s major cities have broadcasted all the group matches and will also broadcast the most anticipated of the quarter-final matches, Iran – South Korea.

The final decision on the ban rests with a government office, according to an official with Iran’s movie theater industry.

“Movie theaters operate under the authority of the Ministry of Culture and Guidance, so we’re waiting for their decision in this matter,” Amir Hossein Alamalhoda was quoted as saying.

Women already are banned from attending men’s soccer matches at stadiums.

Hard-line government officials and clerics say the presence of women at men’s sporting events is not compatible with Islam.