The world football community was shocked by unexpected accusations against Iran. It is claimed that eight members of the Iranian women's national football team are men awaiting gender reassignment surgeries. The Iranian Football Association was accused of unethical behavior because they have men on the women's team.
Mojtabi Sharifi, a close associate of Iran, told the Iranian news portal: "Eight male players competed with the Iranian women's team, even though they had not undergone gender reassignment surgeries."
On Wednesday, the authorities demanded an investigation into the team to determine if all its members are indeed women. The investigation was ordered by the Iranian Football League.
The members of the Iranian women's national team play matches wearing headscarves and clothing that covers their entire bodies. In 2014, the Iranian football authorities conducted several investigations, revealing that there were four men playing for the women's team who had not undergone complete gender reassignment surgeries or had sexual development disorders.
In 2010, there were doubts about the goalkeeper of the women's team.
Due to religious beliefs, gender reassignment surgeries are legal in Iran. The law allowing gender reassignment is in contrast to Sharia law, which prohibits homosexuality and premarital sex.
In Iran, gender reassignment surgeries are usually performed in stages. The entire procedure takes more than two years. During this time, hormone therapy is also conducted, which is necessary to complete the gender reassignment.
Football is very popular among Iranian women, although religious doctrines do not allow them to go to stadiums or watch matches between men.
This month, the captain of the national women's team was not allowed to travel with the team to Malaysia because her husband did not give permission.
"As a Muslim woman, I want to work for my country and make it famous, not travel for pleasure," said Niloufar Ardalan. "I would like the authorities to create measures that would allow female athletes to defend their rights in such situations."
lrytas.lt
