One of Iran’s most accomplished soccer players failed to participate in an international football tournament after her husband cited Sharia Law to confiscate her passport and restrict her from traveling abroad. Reportedly, Niloufar Ardalan, better known as Lady Goal, was stopped from playing the Asian Football Federation Women’s Futsal Championship –which is being held in Malaysia from September 21 to 26– because her husband believes that she should stay at home and take care of their child.
According to the Islamic law that is enforced in Iran, a married woman requires her husband to give her permission while acquiring or renewing an existing passport if she wishes to travel outside the country.
30-year-old Ardalan, who has in the past captained Iran’s national soccer team, hoped to participate in the tournament, which includes an indoor version of the game.
“But my husband didn’t give me my passport so that I can [participate] in the games, and because of his opposition to my travel abroad, I [will] miss the matches,” Ardalan said. “I wish authorities would create [measures] that would allow female athletes to defend their rights in such situations… These games were very important to me. As a Muslim woman, I wanted to work for my country’s flag to be raised [at the games], rather than travelling for leisure and fun.”
The media in Iran reported that Ardalan’s passport had expired and her husband, sports journalist Mehdi Toutounchi, refused to sign the necessary paperwork to help her renew it. Toutounchi refused to cooperate with Ardalan, saying he wants her to stay home and take care of their 7-year-old son, who attended his first day of school on September 23.
While Toutounchi has refused to comment publicly on the situation, Ardalan is now calling for such travel restrictions on female athletes to be lifted in Iran.
“Boys have the issue of military service [which prevents those who have not completed their compulsory service from travelling abroad]. A solution is found for them, and something should be done for women as well,” she said. “What is the difference between us?”
Photo Credits: Dispensable Soccer
