Iran Bans Women from Watching World Cup in Public

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Iranian sports fan

Iran’s national soccer team lost to world power Argentina 1-0 today, as superstar Lionel Messi scored in stoppage time to break the hearts of the thousands of Iranian fans in the stands and millions at home.

Iran has one of the largest contingents of fans in Brazil for the tournament, and judging by how the ladies are dressed, one might understand — from the Iranian authorities point of view — why they don’t want the sexes mixing in public. Images of the hijab-less Iranian women went viral and authorities were none too pleased, despite going so far as sending a minder to make sure the tourists to Brazil acted in an Islamic fashion.

Although Iranian women were warned to not dress “immodestly” when they appear in public in Brazil, scores of football fans took to the streets to attend the match between Iran and Nigeria, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

According to Al-Arabiya news, conservative officials in Iran told citizens traveling to Brazil to avoid any actions which may be deemed “incompatible” with the Islamic Republic’s values. Furthermore, those who traveled had to sign an agreement stating they would agree to adhere to these values while abroad.

A committee also reportedly sent an official to oversee Iranian tourists’ behavior.

Despite the Islamic regime’s hardline stance on the matter, pictures posted on twitter and Facebook show Iranian fans enjoying the World Cup celebrations in the same way as those from other countries.
iranian sports fans kissing in brazil
While the game was broadcast on television, the authorities forbade cafes, cinemas, and other public places from airing the game. The reason? The mixing of sexes is “unislamic.”

Yet, this does not stop football-loving Iranians from wanting to watch their team. Many universities and schools even rescheduled exams so that students could cheer on Team Melli.

This makes the police restrictions, communicated directly to restaurant and cinema owners, all the more confusing.

“We told our members not to turn on their TVs when World Cup matches are being broadcast or to make sure TVs are set to a different channel,” said Eskandar Azmodeh, the head of Tehran’s Union of Cafe Owners.

“It is possible that owners could lose their licences if any problems arise in their cafes while showing the games.”

Iranian state media reported that police text messages to restaurant owners said they had to close by midnight as usual.

Cinemas were told they would not be allowed to screen matches to mixed-gender audiences.

Police would have let them hold separate screenings for men and women but “due to the security issue we have given up showing the 2014 games”, said the head of the Iranian Cinema Owners Association, Mohammad Ghasem Ashrafi.

Watching football in cinemas became popular during the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

“They make everything about boys and girls,” said Parvin, 56, a retired chemistry teacher. “I used to go to the cinema four years ago to watch the World Cup with my daughter and son. I saw so many other parents there too.”

The new restrictions mean most Iranians will have to watch the World Cup, shown free on state TV, at home. Viewing the matches outdoors in public parks was also popular, but this now appears to be out of favour as authorities have not set up any facilities for it this time.

Iran is one of the most literate countries in the world, and the people there are not stupid. Authorities may seek to keep the outside world from intruding on their little Islamic paradise, but it can’t be done. Iranian women watching their sisters behave so freely in Brazil must be wondering why things have to be so different at home.

As the Soviet Union discovered when they initiated the reform program known as perestroika, you can’t give people a little bit of freedom and expect them to be satisfied. The 2009 protests showed there is a deep unhappiness among Iranians of all political persuasions. President Hassan Rouhani was elected partially as a response to that unrest, but even if he was for basic reforms — a dubious proposition given his standing in the Iranian theocracy — his hands would be tied by the old guard of mullahs who run Iran like a 8th century caliphate. There can be no reform because Islam is perfect and nothing needs to change.

One wonders if those exuberant women in Brazil with painted faces and “unislamic” demonstrations of joy will suffer the consequences of disobeying the authorities when they get home. You also have to wonder if there will ever come a day when such demonstrations won’t be out of the ordinary.

PJ Media

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17 responses to “Iran Bans Women from Watching World Cup in Public”

  1. The real lebanese Avatar
    The real lebanese

    I dont think it was a good idea to post pictures of the women. They might disappear in the airport in Iran.

    1. wargame1 Avatar
      wargame1

      World cup Muta !! Iran is undisputed champion.

      1. I guess that would make you the world champion donkey. Well done.

    2. 5thDrawer Avatar
      5thDrawer

      Why would they go BACK ??

  2. Reasonableman Avatar
    Reasonableman

    Ok I can somewhat agree with this, after we seen how the england supporters beat up their wifes women and went raping girls after losing to italy.
    one even punched his pregnant wife in the stomache.
    Violence against woman is very common in the west and the majority happens at sporting events.

    1. arzatna1 Avatar
      arzatna1

      But here they are kissing.
      I guess this is also forbidden in Iran

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar
        5thDrawer

        They must have allowed it at one time … it’s the country with the most nose-jobs – so one could have gotten close enough. :-))
        But El Supremo (the guy who only takes Hezzy Girl Scouts sent on bus ‘pilgrimages’) contemplated kissing after he used them as he wished … and decided it wasn’t in the cards then. So … HADITH TIME. :-))

      2. nagy_michael2 Avatar
        nagy_michael2

        But they say they’re different from the Al Qaada beliefs. I don’t see the difference here between Iran and Al Qaada. No wander they got along for so long and still do..
        I think this kiss means up your ass Khomeini. but then don’t go to Iran because the Majoos are waiting in Ivan Prison to rape them.

    2. sweetvirgo Avatar
      sweetvirgo

      Maybe the men should be banned??

      1. Reasonableman Avatar
        Reasonableman

        Maybe some morality lessons.

      2. barabie Avatar

        Agreed.

  3. 5thDrawer Avatar
    5thDrawer

    “A committee also reportedly sent an official to oversee Iranian tourists’ behaviour.”
    I BET he followed them to the BEACHES too, and snapped all the pictures he could. :-)))))
    THEY are SO AFRAID of Females. It’s simply incredible.

    1. sweetvirgo Avatar
      sweetvirgo

      Or they were partying it up like never before. I feel bad for the women who go back to Iran. They will be in a lot of trouble. Did you hear that they might hold the world cup in Qatar? If they do they won’t be able to party like they do in Brazil.

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar
        5thDrawer

        Oh, they could do it like Russia … move ‘the people’ out to make a ‘special playground’ for the foreign press, with a ‘guarded road’ from those who can’t afford the tickets. :-)))

      2. master09 Avatar
        master09

        Back to the days of men only clubs now that’s not so bad of an idea. Qatar stadium 100% male supporters now that will look funny, no women to kiss uh what the hell a hairy upper lip want matter.

        1. sweetvirgo Avatar
          sweetvirgo

          Hahaha…you know it would be very boring without women ;)))

  4. Thanks for sharing this story. I have a quick question for you if you could email me when you get a chance! Thank you,

    Lily
    lilyst22 at gmail

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