FIFA allows Iran women banner as ‘social appeal’

People supporting Iranian women are holding a banner at the stands during the group B match between Morocco and Iran at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, June 15, 2018. (AP)

• FIFA says the banner was a “social appeal” not political slogan
• Banner was raised during Iran’s 1-0 win over Morocco Friday

MOSCOW: FIFA says a banner displayed at the World Cup in support of women in Iran being allowed to watch games was approved before the tournament.
Though FIFA rules prohibit political statements at games, the football’s governing body says the banner was a “social appeal” displayed during Iran’s 1-0 win over Morocco on Friday.
FIFA has worked with Iranian authorities toward relaxing Iran’s ban since 1979 of women attending male-only sports events.
The slogans “#NoBan4Women” and “Support Iranian Women to Attend Stadiums” were held aloft at both ends of the St. Petersburg stadium.
FIFA says the banner was intended to “express a social appeal as opposed to a political slogan and was therefore not prohibited.”