Jordan women’s national team has launched a request for investigation with the Asian Football Confederation, accusing Iran national side of fielding a male player in a game played in September. As it turns out, Iran had won the game on penalties and made it to the Women’s Asia Cup for the first time.
The game in focus took place on September 25, with Iran locking horns against arch-rivals Jordan in Uzbekistan. Both sides were in desperate need for a win, and the 4-2 victory was pivotal for Iran to make it to the final stage of the tournament. The president of Jordan’s FA, Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein tweeted about AFC’s request on the same matter.
Zohreh Koudaei, aged 32, has been asked to provide gender verification test results with AFC refusing to comment on the incident as yet. Koudei saved two penalties in the shootout, leading Iran to a win. She has been a part of the national side for 14 years.
In response to Jordan’s accusations, Iran’s selector Maryam Irandoust has denied the news and urged the fans to not worry about it. He also mentioned that all-necessary documents will be submitted and noted that these allegations by Jordan were just a cover-up for their poor performance.
However, Iran have a history with the same accusation, having previously fielded eight male players who were due to a penis surgery. Despite very strict laws prohibiting women in Iran from not watching men’s football, the women’s football fraternity has rapidly gained great popularity.
Since the 1980s, gender change has been legalized in the country despite the Sharia laws prohibiting homosexuality or pre-marital sex. The government also funds the therapy sessions for those who wish to go through this procedure.
Iranian women’s team, despite having made great progress in recent years, continue to remain in the news for constant allegations and requests for gender verification. The 2022 AFC Asia Cup for women will be played in India, and Iran have been grouped alongside eight-time champions China, Chinese Taipei, and hosts India.
