Just as they are : The shackles are off as Iranian women fans express themselves at World Cup

In Iran, if you are a woman you cannot watch your team without disguising yourself, maybe with a fake beard, as a man to gain access to a stadium.

For once, Iranian women fans are able to cast off restraints as they watch their team at the 2018 World Cup. One out of three Iranian fans is a woman. In Russia, these women have a chance to cheer in freedom.






It is not that the Iranian authorities object to women liking football, rather that they do not want men and women mingling at the same event.

It may be an unusual experience for home-based Iranian stars to play in front of thousands of enthusiastic flag-waving women scattered among men in the stadium. The chances are that these players will enjoy the attention.