‘I’m already missing a heartbeat’: Iranian women get to watch their team at World Cup

For many Iranian women, their nation’s opening World Cup match against Morocco was life-changing.

“I’m already missing a heartbeat,” tweeted Tara Sepehri Far, a researcher working for Human Rights Watch (HRW), as she posted a picture from the St. Petersburg Stadium.

Iran bans women from attending men’s sporting events. Breaking the rules could result in arrest, fines or even imprisonment.

“We are so proud of the girls today who are willing to openly take the risks that we wouldn’t, but they shouldn’t have to face any consequences for such a natural act,” wrote Iranian journalist Yeganeh Rezaian – who lives in the US – in the Washington Post earlier this week.

“Enjoying sports as a woman should not be a crime.”

HRW has criticized the ban, which also runs counter to the FIFA statues, which prohibit gender discrimination. Article Four says discrimination of any kind is “punishable by suspension or expulsion.”

In March, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was criticized by HRW after he attended a top-level football match in Iran.

“When Mr. Infantino was enjoying a football match in men-only stadium, Iranian female football fans were under arrest,” wrote At OpenStadiums, an Iranian women’s advocacy group ?on Twitter.

A female Iranian fan cheers on her team against Morocco.

In a statement sent to CNN, football’s world governing body said Infantino had been reassured by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during that March visit that the ban on women would eventually be lifted, though no time was provided.

“FIFA was very concerned to learn about the deeply regrettable incidents of women who attempted to have their voices heard on the subject of women’s access to stadia during President Infantino’s visit and FIFA raised this issue with the Iranian authorities,” the statement said.

“FIFA is fully committed to upholding human rights in accordance with FIFA’s Human Rights Policy, including in relation to discriminatory practices.

“While we consider the commitment by the Iranian authorities to be an important step, we are aware that its implementation requires sustained efforts.”

If Sepehri missed a heartbeat at the prospect of watching Iran on Friday, she probably missed a few more as the team won their first World Cup game in 20 years thanks to Aziz Bouhaddouz’s 95th-minute own goal.

The Iranian Football Federation did not immediately responded to CNN’s request for comment.

Iran supporters look on prior to the clash against Morocco.

CNN also asked Iran’s team press officer if the team welcomed the support of both men and women in the stadium, but he wasn’t immediately available for comment.

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Jubilant scenes

Iran are currently playing in their fifth World Cup and, under Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, have qualified for two consecutive World Cups for the time in their history.

Queiroz, previously assistant manager to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, took over “Team Melli” in 2011 after leaving his position as Portugal head coach the previous year.

In St. Petersburg, Iran had goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to thank for keeping his team in the game.

Then totally against the run of play and with just seconds remaining, Morocco forward Bouhaddouz inadvertently headed an Iran corner past his own goalkeeper.

The own goal sparked jubilant scenes on the pitch and among the Iranian fans in the stands.

Morocco, meanwhile, will be sorely disappointed to have not capitalized on their dominance and will regret their profligacy in front of goal.

French players celebrate with the World Cup trophy after defeating Croatia in the final on Sunday, July 15.

French midfielder Paul Pogba celebrates with the trophy.

France mobs Kylian Mbappe after his goal gave the team a 4-1 lead.

Croatia's Ivan Strinic reacts during the match.

France manager Didier Deschamps is lifted by his players after the victory. Deschamps was also a player on the 1998 French team that won the World Cup.

French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris makes a jumping save against Croatia.

French players celebrate after the final whistle.

French President Emmanuel Macron shows his excitement while watching the match.

Paul Pogba, bottom, runs to the corner after scoring France's third goal.

France's Lucas Hernandez tackles Ante Rebic.

The referee used video review on this play late in the first half and called for a penalty after Ivan Perisic handled the ball in the Croatian box. Antoine Griezmann stepped up to convert the penalty and give France a 2-1 lead.

Perisic, bottom left, scored a spectacular first-half goal to tie the match at 1-1.

Will Smith and Nicky Jam perform during the closing ceremony held before the final.

Belgian players celebrate Eden Hazard's goal in the third-place match against England on Saturday, July 14. The Belgians won 2-0.

Thomas Meunier opened the scoring for Belgium in the fourth minute.

English goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacts after the first goal against Belgium.

Mario Mandzukic scores against England late in extra time to give Croatia a 2-1 victory in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 11.

Mandzukic celebrates after his goal.

Croatia's Ivan Strinic, right, challenges England's Jesse Lingard.

Croatian defender Sime Vrsaljko goes over Ashley Young for a header.

A photographer is knocked over by members of the Croatian team as they celebrate the late Mandzukic goal.

Players collide during the Croatia-England semifinal. Croatia played 120 minutes for the third straight match.

Lingard shields the ball in the corner.

France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates at the end of the semifinal match against Belgium on Tuesday, July 10. France won 1-0 to advance to the final.

France's Olivier Giroud kisses teammate Samuel Umtiti after Umtiti scored on a header against Belgium.

Giroud is challenged by Belgium defender Vincent Kompany.

France's teenage sensation, Kylian Mbappe, jumps over Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Thierry Henry, assistant coach for Belgium and former French captain, consoles Belgian players after the semifinal loss.

Luka Modric jumps for the ball during Croatia's quarterfinal victory over Russia on July 7.

Croatian players celebrate after defeating Russia in a penalty shootout. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time.

Russian forward Fedor Smolov reacts after the Croatia match.

Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, left, and Russia's Mario Fernandes go for the ball.

Croatia's Andrej Kramaric celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Russia.

English defenders Harry Maguire, left, and John Stones celebrate their quarterfinal victory over Sweden on July 7. Maguire scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win.

English manager Gareth Southgate celebrates his team's win.

Dele Alli scores on a header for England's second goal.

Swedish players are dejected at the end of the match.

Belgian players celebrate the second goal in their 2-1 win over Brazil on July 6. They advanced to play France in the semifinals.

Brazilian star Neymar reacts after the final whistle.

Belgium celebrates their first goal, which came off a deflected header in the 13th minute.

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois leaps for a loose ball in the box.

Kevin De Bruyne controls the ball against Brazil.

France's Olivier Giroud, left, and Uruguay's Martin Caceres battle for the ball during their quarterfinal match on July 6. France won 2-0.

Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera watches the ball leak into the net after he misplayed an Antoine Griezmann shot in the second half.

France's Benjamin Pavard, top, and Uruguay's Cristian Rodriguez compete for a header.

A France supporter cheers ahead of the match.

English players react after their shootout win over Colombia on July 3. It was England's first-ever shootout win at a World Cup.

Colombian striker Radamel Falcao heads the ball toward goal on July 3.

England's Harry Kane tries to control the ball against Colombia. He scored a penalty during regulation time. It was his tournament-leading sixth goal.

Falcao reacts after receiving a yellow card.

Sweden's Emil Forsberg, left, celebrates after scoring against Switzerland on July 3. Sweden won 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

A Sweden fan shows his support during the Switzerland match.

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri is challenged by Ludwig Augustinsson.

Belgium players celebrate after Nacer Chadli, third from right, scored with just seconds remaining to win the round-of-16 match against Japan on July 2.

Chadli slides the ball past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to finish off Belgium's 3-2 comeback victory. It is the first time since 1970 that a team has come back from two goals down to win in the World Cup knockout stage.

A Japan supporter cries after the match.

Takashi Inui, left, gave Japan a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

Belgium defender Vincent Kompany nearly scores in the first half.

Brazilian star Neymar is fouled by Mexican defender Edson Alvarez during their round-of-16 match on July 2. Brazil won 2-0.

Neymar stretches for a cross to score Brazil's first goal in the 51st minute.

Neymar is held on Paulinho's shoulders after the first goal.

Mexico's Hirving Lozano watches the ball during the Brazil match. This is the seventh straight time that Mexico has been eliminated in the World Cup's round of 16.

Croatia's Luka Modric celebrates with teammates after their victory over Denmark on July 1. Croatia won on penalties after the match ended 1-1.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic stops the ball during the Denmark match.

Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev saves an Iago Aspas penalty to give Russia an upset victory over Spain in the round of 16. The match went to penalties after ending 1-1.

Russian players mob Akinfeev after the final save.

Russia's Artem Dzyuba celebrates after scoring against Spain in the first half.

Spain's Isco and Russia's Mario Fernandes vie for the ball.

Dzyuba is defended by Sergio Busquets.

Edinson Cavani celebrates his second goal in a 2-0 victory over Portugal on June 30.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo receives a yellow card from referee Cesar Ramos near the end of the match.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after his team was knocked out of the World Cup by France on June 30. Messi had two assists in the 4-3 loss.

Kylian Mbappe was the star in France's victory over Argentina. The teenage sensation scored twice and drew a penalty that gave France its first goal.

An Argentina fan reacts after the match.

Gabriel Mercado deflected a Messi shot past Hugo Lloris to give Argentina a brief 2-1 lead.

French players celebrate after Benjamin Pavard tied the match at 2-2.

France fans celebrate during the match against Argentina.

Colombian defender Yerry Mina controls the ball during a match against Senegal on June 28. Mina headed in a second-half goal to lift his team to a 1-0 victory -- and first place in Group H.

Colombia's Juan Quintero jumps over Senegal's Idrissa Gana Gueye. Senegal finished with four points in Group H, the same as Japan, but Japan advanced on the "fair play points" tiebreaker. Japan had two fewer yellow cards in the tournament than Senegal.

Senegal fans salute before the match against Colombia.

Poland's Jan Bednarek, left, competes for the ball with Japan's Gotoku Sakai on June 28. Poland won 1-0, but Japan advanced to the next round.

Poland forward Robert Lewandowski dribbles through two Japan players.

Japan supporters clear litter from the stands after the match.

Belgium's Adnan Januzaj curls in a stunning goal against England on June 28. It was the only goal of the match.

The Belgium-England match was notable for how many top players didn't see the field. With both teams already assured a spot in the knockout stage, many of their usual starters took the night off. Among those on the bench for Belgium were captain Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

Tunisia's Wahbi Khazri, center, celebrates with his teammates after scoring the winning goal against Panama on June 28. Tunisia won 2-1.

Panama players celebrate after an own goal gave them an early lead against Tunisia.

Germany's Marco Reus reacts after his team lost to South Korea and was knocked out of the World Cup on June 27. The defending champions lost 2-0 and finished at the bottom of Group F.

South Korea's?Lee?Jae-sung, left, chases down a ball with Germany's Jonas Hector.

Ludwig Augustinsson celebrates after scoring Sweden's first goal in its 3-0 victory over Mexico on June 27. The result meant that Sweden would top Group F and Mexico would finish in second.

Mexican defender Hector Moreno heads the ball in front of Swedish forward Marcus Berg.

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva celebrates after his powerful header gave Brazil a 2-0 lead over Serbia on June 27. Brazil won Group E with two victories and a draw.

Brazil's Willian and Serbia's Filip Kostic fight for the ball.

Brazilian star Neymar controls the ball during the Serbia match.

Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili celebrates after scoring the first goal in his team's 2-2 draw with Costa Rica on June 27. Switzerland finished second in its group to advance to the knockout stage.

Kendall Waston had a goal for Costa Rica in the match against Switzerland.

Costa Rican defender Cristian Gamboa, right, closes in on Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez.

Argentina star Lionel Messi rides on the back of Marcos Rojo after Rojo's late winner against Nigeria on June 26. With the 2-1 victory, Argentina clinched a spot in the next round of the tournament.

Rojo controls the ball earlier in the match against Nigeria.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona was in the crowd once again, drawing attention from fans just as he did when he was a player.

Croatia's Josip Pivaric prepares to chest the ball during the team's 1-0 win against Iceland on June 26. Croatia improved its record to 3-0 in the tournament.

Croatia supporters kiss ahead of the match against Iceland.

Danish players acknowledge fans after their scoreless draw with France on June 26. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage.

Denmark's Martin Braithwaite, left, is tracked by France's N'Golo Kante, center, and Presnel Kimpembe.

Australian player Mark Milligan is joined by his children after a 2-0 loss to Peru on June 26.

Milligan stretches to clear a cross.

Aaron Mooy tugs on the jersey of Peru's Paolo Guerrero.

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma, left, is embraced by Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring against Iran on June 25. Iran scored late to tie the match, but the 1-1 result was enough to see Portugal into the next round.

An Iran fan enjoys the pre-match atmosphere.

Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun shields the ball from Portuguese defender Jose Fonte.

Moroccan goalkeeper Munir catches the ball against Spain. That match ended 2-2, with Spain winning the group.

Egyptian star Mohamed Salah reacts after Saudi Arabia's winning goal in second-half stoppage time on June 25. Egypt lost all three of its matches at this World Cup.

Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates with a flip after scoring the match-winning goal against Egypt.

Russia's Artem Dzyuba, in white, competes with Uruguay's Sebastian Coates during Uruguay's 3-0 victory on June 25. Uruguay won all three of its matches in the group stage. This was Russia's first loss.

A Uruguay fan, right, poses with a Russia fan before the match.

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, left, reacts after the second goal deflected past Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

Colombian forward Falcao celebrates after scoring against Poland on June 24. Colombia won 3-0.

Colombian defender Yerry Mina opened the scoring with a header in the first half.

A Colombia fan before the Poland match.

Senegalese players huddle up before the second half of their match against Japan on June 24. The two teams tied 2-2.

A shot of the crowd at the Ekaterinburg Arena during the Japan-Senegal match.

English striker Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a penalty in the 6-1 rout of Panama on June 24. Kane finished with a hat trick.

Panama players gather after their defeat.

German players celebrate after Toni Kroos scored on a late free kick to stun Sweden 2-1 on June 23.

South Korea's Ki Sung-yueng, right, argues with Mexico's Edson Alvarez as Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa lies on the ground on June 23. Mexico won 2-1.

South Korea's?Lee?Yong, left, duels for the ball with Mexico's Hirving Lozano.

A Mexico fan waits for the start of the match against South Korea.

Belgium's Romelu Lukaku scores against Tunisia on June 23. He had a pair of goals in the match, which Belgium won 5-2.

Captain Eden Hazard also scored two for Belgium.

Players watch the ball during the Belgium-Tunisia match.

Belgium's Jan Vertonghen, left, challenges Tunisia's Wahbi Khazri.

Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Serbia on June 22. Switzerland won 2-1.

Swiss players defend Serbia's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer catches the ball over Milinkovic-Savic.

Nigerian midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo kicks the ball during a 2-0 victory over Iceland on June 22.

Ahmed Musa celebrates after scoring his second goal of the match against Iceland.

Iceland fans perform their famous viking clap.

Neymar celebrates his last-second goal that finished off Brazil's 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on June 22.

Neymar taps in his goal late in the match.

Croatian players celebrate the second goal in their 3-0 victory over Argentina on June 21. The victory clinched them a spot in the knockout stage.

Croatia's Luka Modric is tackled by Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico.

Willy Caballero is dejected after his flubbed clearance gifted Croatia its first goal.

France's Kylian Mbappe, right, celebrates with teammate Antoine Griezmann after scoring against Peru on June 21. It was the only goal of the match.

Peru's Andre Carrillo is challenged by French players Paul Pogba, left, and N'Golo Kante.

A Peruvian supporter waits for the start of the match.

Australia's Robbie Kruse, foreground, and Denmark's Henrik Dalsgaard go for a header during the teams' 1-1 draw on June 21.

Australia's Joshua Risdon jumps over Thomas Delaney.

Spain's Diego Costa, right, celebrates with teammate Isco after scoring against Iran on June 20. Spain won 1-0.

A fan has his face painted with the colors of the Spanish flag on June 20.

Referee Andres Cunha speaks with Iranian midfielder Ehsan Hajsafi during the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal in Portugal's 1-0 win over Morocco on June 20.

Uruguay fans cheer outside the stadium before the match with Saudi Arabia on June 20.

Saudi Arabia's Fahad Al-Muwallad, left, challenges Uruguay's Diego Godin.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring against Saudi Arabia. It was the only goal of the match, and the final result meant Uruguay and Russia would both advance to the tournament's knockout stage.

Mohamed Salah kisses the ball before scoring a penalty for Egypt on June 19. Russia won, however, by a final score of 3-1.

Egypt's Tarek Hamed, left, and Russia's Aleksandr Golovin compete for the ball.

Russia's first goal came when the ball deflected off Egypt's Ahmed Fathi.

Members of the Senegal team celebrate after defeating Poland 2-1 in their match on June 19.

Japanese defender Gen Shoji climbs over Colombia's Radamel Falcao to win a header in their World Cup opener on June 19. Japan won the match 2-1.

The referee shows a red card to Colombia's Carlos Sanchez in the third minute. Sanchez was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball in the box.

English players celebrate Harry Kane's first goal in the 2-1 win over Tunisia on June 18. Kane later added the winner in second-half stoppage time.

A Tunisia fan shows his dejection after the final whistle.

Belgium's Dries Mertens, right, competes for the ball with Panama's Jose Luis Rodriguez during their World Cup opener on June 18. Mertens scored a goal in Belgium's 3-0 victory.

Panamanian forward Gabriel Torres controls the ball during the match against Belgium.

Sweden's Pontus Jansson, top left, and South Korea's Ki Sung-yueng try to head the ball during Sweden's 1-0 victory on June 18.

Switzerland's Steven Zuber celebrates after scoring a goal against Brazil on June 17. The two teams tied 1-1.

Brazil's Philippe Coutinho and Switzerland's Breel Embolo compete for the ball.

Brazilian star Neymar recently came back from a foot injury.

Mexico's Hirving Lozano, left, celebrates with Jesus Gallardo after scoring the only goal in the upset victory over Germany on June 17.

Fans wave German flags before facing off with Mexico.

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a late save against Mario Gomez.

Marcos Ure?a runs onto the pitch during Costa Rica's opening match against Serbia on June 17. Serbia won 1-0.

Croatian players celebrate after Luka Modric scored the second goal of their 2-0 win against Nigeria on June 16.

Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel runs with the ball during the Croatia match.

Denmark's Yussuf Poulsen reacts after he scored a goal against Peru on June 16. It turned out to be the only goal in the match.

Peru's Luis Advincula, left, and Denmark's Martin Braithwaite fight for the ball.

Argentina star Lionel Messi appears downcast at the end of a 1-1 draw with Iceland on June 16. Messi missed a penalty in the match.

Messi and Iceland's Hordur Magnusson struggle for the ball.

Fans of France share a kiss before the team's opening match with Australia on June 16.

French midfielder Paul Pogba keeps his eye on the ball against Australia. His shot deflected off an Australian for the match-winning goal.

Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first-half penalty against Spain on June 15. He added two more goals in the 3-3 draw.

Spanish defender Nacho, left, competes for a header with Portugal's Bruno Fernandes. Nacho conceded the early penalty to Ronaldo but responded with a second-half goal.

Fernando Hierro was making his debut as Spain's manager. The former captain took over when Spain fired Julen Lopetegui just before the tournament.

Portuguese defender Raphael Guerreiro controls the ball in the match against Spain.

Morocco's Aziz Bouhaddouz lies on the ground after heading the ball into his own net late in stoppage time on June 15. The whistle was blown just a few moments later, and Iran won 1-0.

Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh grimaces in pain in front of Morocco's Romain Saiss.

Uruguay's Luis Suarez, left, and Egypt's Sam Morsy battle for the ball on June 15. Uruguay won 1-0.

Fans watch the Egypt-Uruguay match from temporary seats set up at the Ekaterinburg Arena. The seats had to be installed to meet FIFA's minimum-seating requirement.

Egyptian midfielder Abdallah Said heads the ball during the match against Uruguay.

Fedor Smolov fights off two Saudi defenders during the tournament opener, which Russia won 3-0 on June 14. Russia and Saudi Arabia came into the match as the lowest-ranked teams in the tournament.

Fans watching from Yekaterinburg, Russia, celebrate Russia's first goal.

The ball flies past Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf for Russia's fourth goal.

A fan wears body paint in Russia's colors before the opening match.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the crowd before kickoff at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Performers take part in the tournament's opening ceremony.

British pop star Robbie Williams headlined the opening ceremony.

Russian soprano Aida Garifullina sings during the opening ceremony.

The best photos of the 2018 World Cup

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The Atlas Lions now face the improbable task of beating either Spain or Portugal to advance from Group B.