Iranian women watch Iran vs Cambodia, a first for them since 1979

Thousands of Iranian women attended a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Tehran to watch Iran vs Cambodia, which ended 14-0 on Thursday. This certainly me history as it was first time in 40 years in history of Iran when women were allowed to enter a sports stium to watch a men's football match.

Also re | Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Croatia Beat Hungary 3-0 To Top Group E

What’s back story?

Women were banned from watching men's games in Iran after 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran was  last remaining nation barring women from football games after Saudi Arabia h changed its stance on issue recently. But recently re was pressure put on Iranian authorities by FIFA for ir stium restrictions. Things escalated furr following death of Sahar Khodayari aka 'Blue Girl', who set herself on fire last month to protest against her arrest as she was trying to get into stium for watching a match. Her death sparked a massive buzz all around  world with many calling for Iran to be banned and ir matches boycotted.

Also re | Brazil Vs Senegal: Firmi Opener Cancelled Out By Diedhiou Penalty

What’s happened since?

Under such immense pressure, Iran authorities have finally complied; by allowing women to only international matches so far. y h to sit separately from men in what practically appeared to be an empty stium that included 4000 allocated seats to women and a few thousand men present in a stium that has a capacity of 80,000. But it was still a momentous feat as over 3,000 women watched from a special women-only section in Tehran's Azi Stium. Women sporting green and red to support ir home nation witnessed ir side beat Cambodia rar comfortably with star striker Sardar Azmoun netting a hat-trick.

Also re | Euro 2020 Qualifiers: 5 Key Players For England Ahe Of Qualifier

What lies ahe?

FIFA President Gianni Infanti released a statement in which he thanked both Iran FA and AFC for ir efforts and co-operation. He promised that FIFA will continue to work closely with m to help ensure that all fans, irrespective of , have chance to go to stiums and enjoy a game of football. He thanked all Iranian girls and women who are courously standing up for ir rights and has promised m full support in ir endeavour.

Also re | James Mdison Pulls Out Of England Squ Citing Illness