Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said yesterday women should be allowed into sports stadiums for the first time, reversing the Islamic Republic’s code preventing them watching men playing sports in big venues. He was quoted by state television as saying the presence of women and families would “promote chastity”.

Women have been barred from attending matches, such as national soccer games, in big stadiums and have long complained, particularly when female fans of visiting foreign teams were allowed in. A state television announcer reported that Ahmadinejad “ordered the head of the sports organisation to provide facilities in the stadiums to watch national matches.”

The president was quoted as saying: “The best stands should be allocated to women and families in the stadiums in which national and important matches are being held. The presence of women and families in public places promotes chastity.” 

It follows Ahmadinejad’s statement on Sunday saying Iran’s strict Islamic dress codes that require women to cover their heads and bodies should not be imposed by force. Police say they would take a softer approach to this summer’s campaign on dress. 

Some analysts have said the softer line might be because the government does not want to alienate any part of the population when it is under mounting international pressure over its nuclear programme.