An Iranian state-run newspaper asked Mullah Makarem Shirazi about the Sharia decree regarding the presence of women in sports stadiums as spectators. His response: “The general atmosphere at sports stadiums isn’t suitable for women and there is no doubt that mixing boys and girls will be the source of many moral and social problems.
In addition, in many sports, men don’t wear proper clothing. Therefore, it is necessary that women should refrain from participating, especially since these games can be seen in the media. Their presence isn’t necessary.”
(Asr-e Iran state-run news agency – July 20, 2014)