Iranian women allowed to watch World Cup after sit-in protest

Interior minister orders police to allow female fans into Azadi Stadium, despite 40-year ban

Iran women football fans
(Image credit: Stringer/AFP/Getty)

Iran played Spain in the World Cup last night, and excitement was high in Tehran, where the game was to be broadcast live in the capital’s Azadi Stadium.

For 40 years, women have been unable to watch the national side in person, due to a ban on female spectators at male sporting events.

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