Iran national team have registered the second victory in 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with huge 14-0 win over Cambodia, in the day that Iranian women were allowed to enter the stadium for the first time after 1979 Islamic revolution.
Marc Wilmots’ men needed just 5 minutes to take the lead with Ahmad Norolahi’s stunning shot from behind the box.
Sardar Azmoun (11, 35, 44), Mohammad Hossein Kananizadegan (18), Mehdi Taremi (22, 55), Karim Ansarifar (40, 49, 66, 88), Mohammad Mohebi (65, 67), Milad Mohammadi (85) also were on target to make a memorable victory for Team Melli.
But it was Iranian women’s presence at the Azadi stadium that turned it to a historic day.
Iranian female fans were not allowed to enter stadiums for nearly 40 years but after FIFA ultimatum, Tehran authorities accept to drop the ban.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a statement after the match and said:” I would like to thank both the IR Iran FA, the AFC and the authorities involved for their efforts and cooperation. FIFA will continue to work closely with them, to help ensure that the right thing is done, which is to allow all fans, irrespective of gender, to have the chance to go to the stadiums and enjoy a game of football. Since I arrived at FIFA, we fight to see this objective fulfilled.
But, above all, today I want to say a very big thank you and record our utmost respect to all of the Iranian girls and women who courageously stood and are standing up for their rights.
FIFA fully supports them and will stand by them.”