Issue and Opponent: Women have been banned from attending sporting events in Iranian stadiums since 1979. The Iranian government insisted on banning women from stadiums due to the vulgar insults and assaults of men during games that are unfit for women to be around.
Dilemma Action: Unable to go to football matches as women, Iranian women dressed as men to gain entry to the stadiums. They wore men’s clothing and wore or painted on fake facial hair. As they dress in men’s clothing, the women also posted videos of themselves on social media to show their defiance of the ban to the world. However, due to the poor quality of their fake facial hair and makeup, along with their long hair, the women were denied entry. This action has gained extensive coverage both in Iranian media and international media as well. While most women were discovered to be faking, one woman was able to gain entry into the stadium under the guise of being a man. Photographs of her in the stadium have gone viral on social media around the world.
Outcomes: Suspects of those who broke the ban were taken in for questioning by the police and detained overnight. A judge issued a bond for these women, however, they were not released and were transported to Qarchak prison. FIFA issued a statement calling on Iranian authorities to protect the freedom and safety of women as they protest this ban. No concessions have been made.