FIFA Chief Hails Presence of Women Fans at Iranian Cup Match as a Positive Step

Zurich, November 4, 2025 FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised the participation of women and girls at a recent Hazfi Cup football match in Iran as a positive and encouraging sign for the future of the sport in the country. The match, held in the city of Mashhad on Sunday, marked a rare occasion where female fans were permitted to attend, signaling a potential step forward in a nation where women’s access to stadiums has long been restricted. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian women have largely been barred from attending men’s sports events, with only a few exceptions over the decades. The issue has drawn global attention and criticism, with human rights groups and football fans worldwide urging FIFA to take stronger action against the ban. At one point, there were even calls for Iran’s men’s national team to be excluded from the 2022 World Cup due to the restrictions on female spectators. Infantino, however, has consistently chosen a path of dialogue and engagement with Iranian authorities, believing that steady, diplomatic efforts can lead to long-term change. In his statement, he welcomed the sight of women and girls in the stands at Imam Reza Stadium, describing it as a meaningful step in the right direction. “I was very pleased to learn about the attendance of women and girls at an Iranian Hazfi Cup game between Nassaji Mazandaran and Padideh Mashhad,” Infantino said. “This development is encouraging and shows that progress, even if gradual, is possible when we work together with respect and understanding.” He added that FIFA remains committed to ensuring equal access to football for everyone, regardless of gender, and will continue to support efforts that promote inclusivity and fairness in the sport across all member nations. The attendance of women at the Mashhad match follows several earlier instances in which Iranian authorities have allowed limited female participation at major football events, often after international pressure. While restrictions still exist and attendance is usually capped or subject to specific permissions, Sunday’s event represents another instance of incremental progress. FIFA officials have maintained ongoing discussions with the Iranian Football Federation to expand women’s access to stadiums more regularly. The organization has emphasized that football must be a game for all, and every fan — man or woman — should have the right to enjoy it freely. Observers see this latest move as part of a slow but hopeful shift in Iranian society, where many women have long campaigned for the right to attend sporting events. While challenges remain, Infantino’s acknowledgment of the occasion reflects FIFA’s continued encouragement of change through constructive engagement rather than punitive measures. For many Iranian football fans, the sight of women cheering in the stands at the Hazfi Cup game symbolized more than just a match — it represented the growing hope for equality and inclusion in sports and beyond. FIFA Chief Applauds Women Fans at Iranian Football Match FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised the presence of women and girls at a Hazfi Cup match in Mashhad, Iran, calling it an “encouraging development” for football and gender equality in the country. The game, held at the Imam Reza Stadium, marked a rare and important moment where female fans were allowed to attend, breaking decades of restrictions that have kept most women out of sports arenas since the 1979 revolution. Infantino said he was pleased to see this progress, highlighting FIFA’s ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion and equal access to football worldwide. He added that dialogue and cooperation with Iranian authorities remain key to creating lasting change. Women’s attendance at matches in Iran has long been a sensitive issue, drawing international attention and pressure for reform. While participation is still limited, the recent event represents another step forward for Iranian women and for the global push toward equality in sports. For many fans, the sight of women celebrating in the stands was more than symbolic—it was a glimpse of hope for a more open and inclusive future in Iranian football.