The culture of women's fandom in Iranian football; motivations, styles, and challenges

Women's football fandom is an overlooked topic in social science researches as women are typically ignored in sociological studies on football. The general public perception is that women are not genuine or authentic supporters of this sport, which is often considered a male-dominated and male-owned. The challenges for Iranian female football fans are even more pronounced due to their exclusion from the public discourse surrounding the football fandom. They lack a dedicated space for independent action and face restrictions on entering stadiums. For years, Iranian female fans have employed various forms of action and resistance to be more than silent and invisible supporters. This article relies on a thematic analysis of qualitative data from thirty interviews with Iranian female football fans to identify the motivations behind their entry into the football arena. It also examines how they express their fandom and challenges in this process. The findings reveal that women's exclusion from stadiums drives them to alternative methods of displaying their fandom. Throughout this journey, Iranian female football fans encounter numerous gendered and discriminatory stereotypes that manifest differently at various stages.