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Iran women now to attend matches freely after FIFA order

Iranian women watch the World Cup Group B soccer match between Portugal and Iran at Azadi stadium in Tehran [Courtesy]

Thousands of Iranian women fans are to attend a football match freely today for the first time in decades after Fifa threatened to suspend the country over its controversial male-only policy.

The Islamic republic has barred female spectators from football and other stadiums for around 40 years, with clerics arguing they must be shielded from the masculine atmosphere and sight of semi-clad men.

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