Female Iranian fans allowed to watch football in stadiumsOctober 11, 2019 - 10:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian female football fans entered the national stadium for the first time in 40 years Thursday, October 10 to watch their side thrash Cambodia 14-0 in Tehran, CNN reports. Iran's ban on women attending sports stadiums is not written into law but was put in place shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But following pressure from human rights group and the sport's world governing body FIFA, Iran agreed to permit women to enter the stadium. The initial allocation of 3,500 tickets for female fans was quickly sold out -- reportedly in under an hour -- before an additional 1,100 were released for the World Cup qualifier. "This is a very positive step forward, and one which FIFA, and especially Iranian girls and women, have been eagerly waiting for," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "The passion, joy and enthusiasm they showed today was remarkable to see and encourages us even more to continue the path we have started. History teaches us that progress comes in stages and this is just the beginning of a journey. "Consequently, FIFA now looks more than ever towards a future when all girls and women wishing to attend football matches in Iran will be free to do so, and in a safe environment. There can be no stopping or turning back now." Inside the stadium, those present were treated to 14 unanswered goals by the home team as it made light work of 169th ranked Cambodia. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |