"It will be a lot better if families can come together," said Bahari, carrying her child and a vuvuzela horn. The Islamic republic has generally barred female spectators from football and other stadiums for around 40 years. Clerics, who play a major role in decision-making, argue women must be shielded from the masculine atmosphere and sight of semi-clad men. World football's governing body FIFA ordered Iran in September 2019 to allow women access to stadiums without restriction and in numbers determined by demand for tickets. A month later they were able to attend the 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Iran and Cambodia in the Azadi Stadium.
