Iran faces expulsion from soccer World Cup if threat to ban Irish women is carried out

Soccer.com ^ | 11/13/01 | Cathal Dervan

[cahergowan]

Iran face expulsion if threat to ban Irish women is carried out

Iran face expulsion from FIFA if they carry out their threat to ban Irish women from Thursday night's World Cup play-off against Ireland.

And they could even forfeit the second leg if no female fans or journalists are allowed inside the Azadi Stadium.

Andrea Murtagh from Cavan arrives in Tehran (Sports.com) The Iranians had originally lifted the ban on female supporters that goes all the way back to the Cultural Revolution in 1979.

As a result of that ruling from the country's religious rulers, at least a dozen Irish women travelled with the official party from Dublin on Monday.

And another 20 female Irish fans are expected to arrive in the city in the build-up to the big game.

The ruling was apparently over-ruled on Tuesday afternoon.

However, an Irish embassy spokesman in Tehran said no such information had been received by the embassy.

Stella Maris official Tom Cavanagh has confirmed that FIFA's charter prohibits any discrimination in any competition under their jurisdiction.

In the FIFA charter, Article 2, section 3, sub-section 2 states: "A national association which tolerates, allows or organises competitions in which discrimination is practised or which is established in a country where discrimination in sport is laid down by law shall not be admitted to FIFA.

It continues: "Or shall be expelled if it is already a member."

[isthisnickcool]

What's with these guys? They don't like women? Are they all "under-staffed" or just gay?

[Cyber Liberty]

Woah!!! No soccer!

This is fast becoming serious business. Iran better get it in gear.

[Ronnie Radford]

I wonder what kind of effect this could have on the political situation in Iran. The previous pro-western "freedom rallies" all started after soccer games. If the Iranian government forfeits this game, it could set off some serious protests.

[wife-mom]

This strikes me as being an important turning point for Iran. Are they going to join the community of nations or will they continue to be reclusive and sequestered? If you post the results of this decision, I would be grateful if you would "bump" me. Thanks.

[austinTparty]

...and trust me, you don't wanna get an Irishwoman mad! These mullahs are playing with real fire. :^D

[ZOOKER]

[Ring-ring...ring-ring]

Hello?

Hey, Sally! Margaret here. What say we get together with 18 or 20 of the girls and take in the soccer match?

Well, it's in Tehran. It's the championship.

Who's gonna be there? Twenty or thirty thousand muslim fanatics and Irish soccer hooligans...

No, I hadn't thought of that. We might be the only women there...

Really? Since 1979, you say? Well, I really don't think there will be a riot or anything...

Now, don't get worried, I'm sure they've got complete control of the situation. I mean, what ever goes wrong at a soccer game?

Hello? Hello? Sally, are you still there?

[cake_crumb]

...And Iran is considered one of the more progressive Arab states?? I think I'll give up for the day.

[cahergowan]

Soccer-moms of the world, UNITE!

[Colosis]

I was at the first game against Iran in Dublin on Saturday. There were 3000 Iranian fans at the game, most of who traveled from London. Loads were thrown out during the game for unruly behavior and they were extremely abusive outside the venue, epically to women. These guys were plain bad.